• • • COVER STORY • • •


UPS Deliver Critical


Uptime for IT Systems Author: Michael Akinla, Business Manager Europe North, Panduit


The Growing Demand for Reliable Power Solutions


T


he expansion of data centres, cloud infrastructure, and IT-driven enterprises globally has significantly increased the pressure on energy networks to ensure continuous power availability. This is exacerbated by the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which tend to be intermittent. In an era where power outages and interruptions can have catastrophic consequences for businesses, the role of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) has become more critical than ever. According to recent data from the Uptime Institute, despite improvements, 55% of data centre operators experienced at least one outage in the past three years, highlighting the persistence of power-related risks in IT environments. These outages can result in severe disruptions, including data loss, extended downtimes, financial losses, and reputational damage, making robust UPS solutions an integral part of any IT infrastructure.


The UPS Market Outlook and Importance


The global UPS market is expected to grow to $13 billion by 2025, driven by the ever-increasing need for reliable power protection systems in data centres, enterprise IT systems, and edge computing environments. At its core, the UPS functions as the critical bridge during a power failure, providing immediate backup power to sustain operations until either the utility power is restored or backup generators come online. This brief yet vital window, often measured in milliseconds, can prevent IT systems from crashing and protect valuable data and processes from corruption or loss. Panduit’s UPS portfolio is designed specifically to address these critical needs. These UPS systems offer highly efficient power protection, intelligent battery management, and extended lifespans, making them a highly capable and extremely reliable choice for enterprises and data centres.


Customizing UPS Solutions


for Diverse Applications Selecting the right UPS system requires understanding the specific needs of the IT environment. Depending on the industry, the amount of backup power required can vary greatly:


• Hyperscale data centres typically require just 1-2 minutes of UPS backup to bridge the gap before generator power kicks in.


• Colocation data centre sites generally require 5 minutes of UPS runtime.


• In industries where uptime is mission-critical, such as finance, UPS runtimes of 10-15 minutes are common, as even brief downtimes can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage.


Striking a balance between sufficient power and


over-provisioning is key to optimising cost- efficiency. Over-purchasing UPS capacity can lead to excessive capital expenditures, while under- sizing can leave IT systems vulnerable to outages.


UPS Technologies: VRLA vs. Lithium-Ion Batteries


One of the most significant developments in UPS technology has been the transition from traditional Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries to lithium-ion batteries. Each battery technology has its benefits:


• VRLA batteries are a well-established and cost-effective solution, offering reliable performance for backup power. However, they are larger, heavier, and require more frequent replacements due to shorter lifecycles and have higher cooling demands .


• Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, offer several advantages. They are lighter, have a smaller footprint, and have longer lifespans, making them more suitable for high-density environments such as edge data centres. They also run cooler, reducing the need for specialized cooling systems, and can offer up to three times the energy density of VRLA batteries .


For instance, Panduit’s UPS solutions, including both VRLA and lithium-ion variants, are designed to provide the right balance between performance, space efficiency, and lifecycle management. Lithium-ion options, in particular, are gaining popularity due to their lower total cost of ownership and reduced maintenance needs .


8 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2024 electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50