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Today, this flexibility can be
provided by a new generation of
power system designs that are
designed for simplified
configuration changes and greater
scalability, enabling systems to be
right-sized during the design phase.
Virtually every component of the
data center physical infrastructure is
now available in a modular design;
this includes power systems.
These modular systems are typically
integrated packages of equipment
and controls that are built and
pretested in a factory environment.
Deployment times for some
customers – depending on the size
of the building block – can be days
for smaller modules, or 4 to 6
weeks for even larger UPS
modules, assuming vendor managed
inventory. The shorter deployment
time, combined with the “build it as
you need approach” offered by
modularity, allows organizations to
quickly meet fluctuating demands
while lowering capital expenditure
(CapEx) costs and maintaining
higher operating efficiencies.
UPS deSIGn
There are many options to consider
in the area of power system design
that can optimize efficiency,
availability and scalability. There
are a number of new technologies
that expand upon the online
double-conversion topology to
lower CapEx and operational
expenditure (OpEX) costs, while
providing greater scalability and
minimizing availability
compromises.
TRAnSFoRMeR-FRee UPS
There has been growing interest in
using transformer-free UPS
modules in higher power, three-
phase mission critical power backup
applications (e.g.; 200 kW to 5
MW).
In general, well-proven
transformer-based UPS systems are
highly robust and excel at providing
the highest capacities and
availability while simplifying
external and internal voltage
management and fault current
control. The latest transformer-free
designs offer better efficiency,
smaller footprint and improved
flexibility while providing high
levels of availability. Driven by data
center designer demand, most
leading UPS suppliers offer both
topologies.
Large transformer-free UPS
systems are typically constructed of
smaller, modular building blocks
that deliver high power in a lighter
weight, compact package. This
modular design offers advantages
when the timing of future load
requirements is uncertain by
allowing capacity to be more easily
added as needed, either physically
or via control settings.
For high-power enterprise data
centers and other critical
applications, a state-of-the-art
transformer-based UPS still
provides an edge in availability.
However, if operational efficiency,
expansion flexibility or limiting
UPS footprint are of paramount
importance, and other appropriate
7X24 MAGAZINE FALL 2014
doeS yoUR UPS
FRUSTRATe yoUR
dATA CenTeR And
FACIlITIeS
eMPloyeeS?
A well-designed UPS should be
user-friendly, not a source of
frustration.
whAT To looK FoR
• Ability to be fed from separate
utility sources: Higher
availability can be achieved
with separate source capability.
• Compliance with emissions
regulations, including FCC:
Most applications using a UPS
system have requirements to
meet emissions regulations.
Check to see if your
application requires the UPS
to meet the latest FCC
standards for both radiated
and conducted noise –
interference with wired and
wireless communications
could be the result of a UPS
that states it meets IEC
requirements, but falls short of
meeting FCC.
• Large, informative user-
friendly display: Display that
shows unit and system one-
line in addition to measured
parameters, alarm status and
help screens reduce the risk of
human error and simplifies
methods of procedure.
• Local 7x24 factory-trained
support: Scheduled
maintenance, repair and advice
from local domain experts.
