Introduction
In our digital-first world, consumers and businesses alike demand an "always-on" experience. Downtime is costly, leading to tangible and intangible losses, such as lost revenue and reputational damage. One fundamental way to ensure continuity is by employing a robust Uninterruptible Power Supply. Panduit's -Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) is designed to protect your critical applications and keep your digital enterprise running smoothly.
8 Steps for Choosing a UPS Infographic
Choosing the right UPS is crucial for avoiding costly downtime and hardware damage. This 8-step guide simplifies the decision-making process, ensuring you pick the perfect UPS for your unique needs.
UPS Technology: Line Interactive vs. Double Conversion
Industrial UPS—those not used in residential applications like gaming or audio/visual—are primarily of two kinds: Line Interactive and Double Conversion (also known as Online UPS).
- Double Conversion Uninterruptible Power Supply: This type is the gold standard for providing "clean" power. It corrects all power inconsistencies, ensuring that your equipment is isolated from the fluctuations of the electrical grid.
- Line Interactive Uninterruptible Power Supply: These are more budget-friendly but only handle select power anomalies. They are good for "bucking and boosting" voltage irregularities but have a transfer time to battery, albeit just a few milliseconds.
The choice between these two often boils down to cost and the quality of your utility power. In some areas, particularly in the U.S., the power service is more reliable, making a Line Interactive model sufficient. However, a Double Conversion UPS is a crucial asset for mission-critical operations.
UPS Segments: Tailored to Your Needs
UPS systems are not one-size-fits-all. They are designed to fit various user segments based on their critical power load, measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (mW).
Large and Centralized UPS Systems
These devices are hallmarks of larger data centers, which may bear the descriptions of hyperscale, on-premise, colocation, and enterprise. Their sizing starts in 100s kilowatts and grows well into megawatt varieties.
Row UPS Systems
Born out of the innovations in the 2000s, these UPS systems are installed within a row of server cabinets. They typically use power modules between 8kW and 12kW that can be combined for more capacity or redundancy. Most components in these systems (like power modules and batteries) are modular and hot-swappable, allowing users to grow into them without a hefty day-one investment.
Rack UPS Systems
Small rack UPS are the nerve center of distributed computing environments—what’s commonly referred to as “edge”. Business-critical applications run in every school, office park, and big box retail store. These locations are susceptible to power outages and often lack an emergency generator. A Rack UPS, often between 1-10kVA in size, is an essential ingredient for local backup and power conditioning.
Choosing a UPS: The Key Questions
When considering a UPS, begin by asking:
- What voltage is available where the UPS will be installed?
- What is the size of the IT load (kVA/kW)?
- How critical is the IT load?
- How much UPS capacity is needed for future growth?
- How long should the batteries run during a power failure?
Battery Considerations: VRLA vs. Lithium-Ion
VRLA Batteries, often called lead acid, have long been the default choice in UPS but require consistent vigilance and replacements every 3 to 4 years.
Lithium-ion batteries use a different chemistry, making them smaller and lighter. They cost more to purchase but can offer better operational and economic value in the long run.
No matter the type of battery, users have an established set of expectations:
- Convenience: Battery installation should be easy to perform when replacements are required.
- Hot-swappable: Battery replacement must be completed without powering down the UPS.
- Lifecycle: The batteries should achieve the advertised useful life, and the manufacturer should recommend options for responsible disposal and recycling when appropriate.
Monitoring and Sensors: Constant Visibility
Adding a Network Management Card (NMC) to your UPS unlocks advanced features. These include web-based UI, intelligent shutdown, and the addition of environmental or security sensors. This provides a single window into your power, thermal conditions, and security events.
DCIM Cloud-Based Software: The Next Level of Monitoring
The NMC also enables SNMP connectivity, which can link with third party DCIM software. It centralizes monitoring, makes your UPS data visible, alarmable, and triggers insights into big topics like efficiency and asset management.
Panduit Connections
Make an informed choice with Panduit’s new UPS range, designed to keep your critical applications always on. Panduit’s advanced batteries, PDU portfolio, and cloud-based DCIM software add layers of intelligence and security, making it an irreplaceable asset in your critical network infrastructure.
Conclusion
In a world where downtime is not an option, choosing the right UPS is critical. With various technologies and capacities, there's a UPS for every need. Additionally, advancements in battery technology, sensors, and cloud-based software offer an extra layer of security and efficiency. Considering all these aspects, you can build a robust, secure, and efficient network infrastructure that meets your needs. Take a deeper dive into choosing a Panduit UPS with our UPS Application Guide.
