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consolidate their on-premise data centre operations.
Organisations need to right-size their UPS(s) based on current and future capacity requirements. We developed a tool – Schneider Electric’s three phase UPS modernisation OpEx calculator – to help organisations determine whether to keep an aging UPS or replace it based on their current UPS costs and their new capacity needs. With easy-to-use dropdown menus, data center managers can plug in the name, model, and size of their existing UPS, factor in maintenance and electricity expenses, and toggle the dials to measure the savings that could be achieved over a 10-year span by moving to a smaller and/or more efficient model. For example, a company that is shifting applications and storage to the cloud may consider downsizing their existing 240 KW UPS to a smaller, more efficient 100 KW model. The tool demonstrates how that company can save nearly $150,000 over 10 years. Below is a screenshot of the UPS OpEx calculator. If your load requirements have decreased as in this scenario, it is generally going to result in significant savings.
OpEx calculation on shifting from 240 KW to a 100 KW UPS model.
New technology in many cases simplifies operations and offers feature enhancements that should factor into the decision as well. A UPS with lithium-ion batteries (li-ion) is an example of a technology improvement compared to older UPSs with VRLA batteries. Li-ion technology provides longer battery life expectancy, which means lower maintenance and parts cost, and also a 50-80% smaller footprint, and three times less weight
Tactical considerations for replacing a UPS
Once an organisation has decided to replace its aging UPS with a more efficient, modern, and right-sized model, a variety of practical issues need to be taken into account so that the replacement goes smoothly.
These considerations should include selecting a replacement UPS that matches the existing infrastructure in terms of the physical footprint (it has to fit in the space available), along with ensuring it has the right input/output voltage to connect with the site’s switchgear. Also, make sure the UPS is IoT-enabled. By instrumenting the UPS with IoT sensors and connecting it to your data center management software platform, administrators can remotely monitor and manage the device. Of course, notify everyone who could be impacted and schedule the replacement during a planned maintenance window. While the work is being completed, ensure that there is a plan in place to transfer mission-critical workloads to another power source. Lastly, don’t forget to update these assets in management software and operations documentation.
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MARCH 2024 9
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