Nowadays, businesses rely on data centers as part of their IT infrastructure. However, these systems run on electricity, and a loss of power can compromise daily operations. Having an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, is essential to maintain data integrity and ensure consistent operational efficiency.
If you’re unsure how to size UPS for data centers, don’t fret. Review our guide below to learn more about selecting the right solution for your organization’s backup power needs.
UPS Solutions for Data Centers: What You Should Know
An uninterruptible power supply system is a device that delivers backup power to data centers, servers and other business equipment. If the equipment experiences an electrical interruption, the UPS kicks on and ensures the system stays on.
A UPS isn’t ideal for providing ongoing server room power protection. Yet it can provide enough electricity to keep the equipment running until the power returns or until somebody can safely power everything down. A sudden shutdown due to a power outage can cause data corruption and other complications.
Options for a Data Center Power Backup
Not all businesses have the same power demands. Before learning how to size UPS for data centers, it helps to know about the different systems that provide backup energy. The three uninterruptible power supply options include:
- Online double conversion UPS: Businesses that rely heavily on data and robust IT infrastructures benefit from this power source. They activate instantly after primary power is lost.
- Standby UPS: These devices use an inverter that activates after detecting electrical problems. The short delay makes this option ideal for noncritical equipment.
- Line-interactive UPS: With a line-interactive system, the device is always active and its battery gets a boost in power when the electrical grid is at normal levels.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Choosing a UPS
When handling UPS sizing and calculations, avoid making these mistakes to ensure your backup power system can accommodate the energy demands of your mission-critical operations:
- Not accounting for a margin of error when sizing the UPS
- Ignoring warranties
- Overlooking runtime requirements
- Skipping surge protection
Key Considerations When Choosing a Data Center UPS System
To learn how to size UPS for data centers, consider the following factors:
Power Rating
The UPS power rating measures the amount of energy the device can provide. It’s the most significant factor in picking an uninterruptible power supply system because you want to ensure your selection can produce enough electricity to keep your business’s servers up and running.
The measurement for UPS power ratings is volt-amperes, or VA. To calculate the amount of VAs your data center will need, take note of the amps and watts of each server and other essential IT assets in your data center.
Multiply the volts by amps to determine the total VAs. Your chosen UPS should have a power rating about 20% higher than your total required VA, just in case.
Runtime
Another essential consideration is your data center’s runtime needs. How long does your system need to stay up and running if the primary electricity source fails temporarily? Your selected UPS device should be able to accommodate your system’s power wattage draw with enough battery capacity to ensure a safe shutdown.
Efficiency
It’s not unusual for UPS units to lose some energy when supplying power to equipment. Efficiency ratings outline how much energy the system loses.
The levels are usually between 90% and 97%. The higher the efficiency rating, the less energy the system will lose.
Battery Life
When reviewing batteries, calculate your data center’s total load to ensure the battery you select is sufficient for your needs. It’s also a good idea to choose batteries with a reputation for being durable and reliable, like lithium-ion batteries.
Keep Your Data Center Up and Running
When you know how to size UPS for data centers, you’re ensuring that your business’s systems have consistent electricity to power mission-critical operations. Protecting data centers is a priority for our team at Nite and Day Power. We specialize in uninterruptible power supply solutions for businesses in Northern California, including battery replacement and UPS maintenance.
Whether you need help with UPS sizing and calculations or tips for improving UPS redundancy and efficiency, our experts can help. Contact Nite and Day Power at (800) 540-7693 to request a consultation and discuss your power backup needs.
