How to Manage Power Efficiently in Data Centers
Data centers are facing increasingly challenging demands when it comes to power usage and uptime. To remain competitive, your data center must be able to meet the need for steady power supply and manage energy as efficiently as possible.
In 2018, power outages were responsible for 33% of all data center downtime. But for successful data centers, outages due to loss of power are simply not an option. Businesses and individuals around the world now expect near-constant access to digital information. Managing power efficiently and responsibly is key to preventing data and revenue loss, operational slowdown and frustrated users.
To ensure your data center’s long-term success, you need the right data center power infrastructure configured strategically to maximize uptime. Learn more about how to use tools for better power management in your data centers below.
The Goal? To Improve Power Usage Effectiveness
When we talk about using power efficiently, we’re usually referring to power usage effectiveness (PUE). This measure of data center energy efficiency is calculated by dividing the total amount of power entering a data center by the amount of power the IT systems use. The most efficient, state-of-the-art data centers have PUE close to one.
If you want to improve your data center’s PUE, you need to decrease the amount of excess power consumed. At the same time, however, you need to ensure energy efficiency doesn’t compromise system reliability.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Uninterruptible power supplies are some of the most important tools for effective power management in data centers. While storing DC power to use as a short-term backup in the case of a power outage, a UPS also distributes power to servers, protecting against data center voltage spikes, distortion and other power problems.
Most data centers use UPS systems in conjunction with on-site generators to prevent downtime during power outages. If you use multiple UPS systems, hook each one to a different power distribution unit (PDU) to avoid single point failure. At DataSpan, we offer both lithium ion-battery and high-efficiency UPS options.
Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
The right power distribution unit can allow you to track power usage and manage power coming from the main grid more efficiently. Using a separate, backup power distribution unit and UPS system could help prevent downtime, as well, since data centers with redundant, mirrored architecture experienced one-third fewer outages than those with non-redundant cooling and power. We offer basic, metered and smart PDU options.
Power Monitoring and Reporting Software
Power monitoring and reporting software allows you to truly improve PUE. Although features vary between different platforms, monitoring software tailored to your needs could help you monitor consumption, track rack load levels and environmental conditions, detect power supply problems and identify the ideal data center voltage for electrical efficiency and stability.
Implementing power monitoring and reporting software is a great way to bring your data center power infrastructure under tighter control.
Contact DataSpan for More Information
As a vendor agnostic distributor of data storage products, DataSpan is dedicated to providing the most effective hardware, software and service solutions for every individual business. We have 50 years of experience, so you can trust us to provide the power management solutions you need — whether that’s a generator, UPS, PDU, monitoring software or comprehensive protection program. Learn more by finding a local representative or reaching out to us today.
