• • • DATA CENTRE MANAGEMENT • • •
Combating the human error factor with reliable power distribution
H
uman error is a major factor in failures in the data center. It is well known that a data center must be designed with the highest level of reliability that the business model requires, or budget allows. Because this essentially means the data center can never be turned off, it must include provisions for concurrent maintenance and the replacement or changing of components without a disruption of power.
Flexible overhead track busway facilitates ease in change management as it allows circuits to be added or removed without entry into critical panel boards or PDU’s. In addition, overhead power provides improved visual circuit management which reduces the probability of inadvertent operation of incorrect circuit breakers. It is nearly impossible to mistake which circuit breaker feeds which load when the cabinet power connection is made directly overhead.
Under floor cabling requires extensive labeling of where a cable originates and terminates at the time of commissioning. Once load is applied it will be extremely challenging to trace, particularly when complicated with redundancies. Overhead power distribution simplifies this task and mitigates the potential for human error as cabinet connections are made directly above the cabinet. Improved circuit management is just one of the many well-known benefits of overhead power distribution. But while there are commonalities between different busway systems, there are still critical areas where busway design can help further mitigate the risk of human error.
SIMPLICITY OF DESIGN
Failure can and does most often occur at connection points along any power distribution system. The more components of a design, the more room for error, which in a busway power distribution system includes: •
End feeds - where source power is supplied to the busway run
• •
Joints - where sections of busway are joined
Plug-in units - where the power is directly distributed
The design and maintenance features of each of these critical points in the power chain are paramount in delivering total system reliability.
END POWER FEED UNITS
The end feed is the first critical connection in the busway power distribution system. It is also the only customer landed connection, meaning the installer will be required to torque the incoming power supply to the busway lugs. In the event this is not done correctly, a faulty connection occurs which can lead to catastrophic downtime and damages to infrastructure. Furthermore, regular maintenance on end feeds can require operators to open the end feed for IR thermal scanning to detect abnormalities. There are several solutions available in power
monitoring platforms that can mitigate the risks associated with monitoring these critical connection points. Integrated IR windows allow for scanning of the end feed lugs without the risk of live work and the extended downtime required when opening the end feed box to perform this task. In addition to IR Window technology integrated into end feeds, some busway manufacturers offer temperature data of the end feed lugs. This allows operators to trend temperature and power data and can include alarms that trigger alerts when certain temperature thresholds are exceeded. This thermal technology, when combined with power data from the power monitoring system, allows users to move beyond reactive and preventative maintenance and into predictive maintenance scheduling.
JOINT DESIGN
Outfitting a facility can require thousands of feet of busway sections. A typical section of busway is 10 feet (3 meters) long – this means deploying numerous coupling systems and joint packs to support the power demands of each mission critical facility. Some busway systems utilize bolts as part of the joint pack, which can become loose over time and require retorquing. Furthermore, dedicated thermal image scanning intervals are recommended as ongoing maintenance for these systems. However, by utilizing a compression joint design
instead, future retorquing is eliminated, removing the need for planned thermal imaging and providing a reliable connection. Compression joints can also reduce the potential for installation error with joint kits that can only be installed one way. Ultimately, the number of total joints needed in the system can be
14 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • FEBRUARY 2021
reduced by designing your facility to have longer busway sections, which some providers are able to manufacture up to 20 ft (6 meters) in length.
TWIST-ON CONTACT ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
There are numerous installation mechanisms and plug-in unit designs manufactured by busway providers, often with wide ranges of configurations and customer-specific customization capabilities. As plug-in unit designs grow more complex, the possibility of installation error increases when compared to a robust, simple design with fewer moving parts. Some plug-in units deploy mechanical handles that may inhibit full engagement of the plug- in unit to the copper busbars. Proper installation of plug-in units is paramount to
ensuring a reliable connection to power in data centers. Some manufacturers require copper grease to ensure a strong electrical connection which ultimately is another potential failure point due to human error. By utilizing a simple, protective earth- first twist-in connection design instead, data center operators can ensure a reliable connection to power without grease or complicated mechanical processes. Further, in some cases IR window technology can be integrated into plug-in unit designs, mitigating the risks associated with live work and reducing planned maintenance windows.
TOTAL SYSTEM RELIABILITY
These three critical parts of busway power distribution systems can be a source of downtime at worst or ongoing maintenance at best for data center operators. By deploying a system with a simple yet robust design and integrated power monitoring features, data center operators can mitigate the risk of downtime and expect enhanced reliability from power feed to plug-in unit, reducing the human error factor. Starline, a brand of Legrand, is a global leader in power distribution equipment. Field-proven for more than 30 years, Starline Track Busway has provided data centers with the most flexible, reliable, and customizable overhead power distribution systems on the market.
STARLINE
starlinepower.com |
info@starlinepower.com
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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