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UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES
status, which ensures continuity by providing real-time alerts
of potential power loss or failures. A primary example here will
mean that batteries can be proactively replaced in a timely
fashion, mitigating the potential for downtime and ensuring
continuity for the user.
life-cycle. Dust filters, for example, may need to be replaced
frequently, therefore deploying a solution where they are
placed on the front will allow them to be easily removed and
lower any potential issues with other critical components.
Many traditional UPS will utilise valve-regulated lead-acid
(VRLA) battery systems, which can be far less efficient in
terms of energy use, than Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) chemistries.
Li-Ion offers a far longer life-cycle to the user – nearing 10
years – which is often double that of VRLA. Not only does this
reduce maintenance costs and the accompanying challenge
of human error, but operating costs are lowered as batteries
need to be changed less frequently.
Finally, the use of IoT-enabled sensors within newer UPS
models facilitates greater remote management capabilities.
Big data analytics deliver detailed insights into the system
Driving efficiency & selecting operating modes
Many new UPS systems will have an energy-saving mode of
operation, namely eco-mode, which bypasses the filtering
stage and connects the power directly to the load. In
situations where the power is unreliable and continuity is an
issue, filtering of energy from the mains is highly desirable.
Provided that there’s a reasonably secure and consistent
delivery of power, however, eco-mode trades only a small
amount of reliability to deliver a resilient level of protection
whilst reducing energy costs, in some cases by up to 98%.
Conversely, if operating in double-conversion mode, power
output from the UPS will always pass through an inverter,
providing a regular supply to the load. This provides continuity
for the user as there’s no loss of power in the face of an
outage. However, using this mode means there is constant
wear on the power components, with attendant reduction in
Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and a knock-on effect on
reliability, which must be considered in any continuity plan.
The use of Li-Ion technologies also plays a crucial role in
lowering energy costs associated with UPS systems. Research
by Schneider Electric and detailed in White Paper #266, found
that the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of Li-Ion UPS can be
much lower than VRLA, despite the initial Capital Expenditure
(CAPEX) being higher.
VRLA batteries, for example, will typically need to be
replaced every four years, whereas Li-ion can remain
operational for ten. Over the course of that life-cycle, the
research found that the use of Li-ion can provide savings of
up to 53%.
Data-driven monitoring & management
To ensure the highest levels of continuity, a final consideration
might be the use of advanced software to drive monitoring
and management. In their most basic form, UPS systems
might include an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI),
which allows for simple system configuration. However,
for more in-depth system monitoring, a user might choose
to deploy an on-premise Data Centre Infrastructure
Management (DCIM) software application.
For the highest levels of continuity, deployment of cloud-
based Data Centre Management as a Service (DmaaS)
software becomes increasingly important, especially for
customers who prefer to outsource management of their
facility to external service providers.
The data harvested via DMaaS is pooled and analysed
to deliver detailed insights into how a data centre
application is performing, providing the user with real-time
recommendations to drive resilience and continuity. For many,
this software provides round the clock monitoring of any
IoT-enabled UPS or infrastructure system, delivering updates
directly to the user’s smartphone.
As any potential issues arise they can be addressed
quickly and proactively, enabling a better level of continuity
for the user. If ever a more severe problem is detected, use
of the software can also allow a service professional to be
dispatched to deal with the problem in person, which is
especially important if the issue requires external expertise or
management across a number of sites. n
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