Belzona on Types of Data Centers 1 Mar 2021, 8:00 pm

Coatings technology company Belzona has an excellent post about data center maintenance at their blog. We’d like to share this insightful excerpt about Types of Data Centers with Comp-Utility Corp readers:

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Types of Data Centers

Data centers represent an expansive and profitable market. There are currently three main types of data centers: on-premises, colocation, and cloud.

• On-premises. Client company is responsible for their own equipment (owning, using, and maintaining), infrastructure, and entire operating costs (power cost, cooling, communications, data center floor space). Regulations (concerning sensitive data), security, and accessibility are some of the reasons companies choose on-premises data centers. These data centers are becoming less common.
• Colocation. Client company is responsible for their own equipment but share operating costs with other companies.2 Some colocation providers also offer maintenance. Regulations, security, shortage of existing data center, secondary back up data center are some of the reasons companies choose colocation data centers.
• Cloud: Cloud providers supply the client company with equipment (servers, storage, and network) and manage maintenance in a shared facility with other companies.2 Outsourcing infrastructure management, reduced capital expenditure, operating expenditure, and flexible scalability are some of the reasons companies choose cloud data centers. There is a shift towards these data centers.

Types of collocation data centers

Colocation data centers can be further categorized as carrier-neutral or non-carrier-neutral data centers:

• Carrier-neutral: Data center is not bound to any one service provider (telecommunications, ISP, etc.). This is popular as it provides customers with more options (price, bandwidth, etc.). They tend to be in areas with high competition.
• Non-carrier-neutral: Data center is bound to one service provider.

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Head over to the Belzona blog to read the full post.

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Key Elements of Data Center Design 21 Nov 2019, 8:32 pm

Designing a data center that provides critical services for a business with minimal downtime is no small task. It is a complex job that requires a lot of strategy and insight. With the rise of new technologies like cloud computing, data center design is constantly evolving. There is no perfect formula for designing a data center the right way, but there are certain key elements that should be considered. By keeping the key elements of data center design in mind, you will be well on your way towards creating a reliable data center that operates smoothly on a regular basis.

Efficient Use of Space

One of the most important considerations to make when you are focused on data center design is the actual physical amount of space you have to house your data center. Making the most out of the space you have is crucial. One of the newest design trends is to take things vertical by using racks to build data center density up. Using racks efficiently allows you to put more equipment in the same amount of square footage. You can achieve a greater return on investment for your floor space by investing in heavy-duty racks and cabinets to house your data center. Also, try to consider future additions to your data center space by creating a flexible and scalable data center design.

Performance

When it comes down to it, data center performance is the metric that most businesses are concerned with. The infrastructure of your data center will have a direct impact on the entire network’s performance, so it can really pay off to spend the necessary time planning things out the right way. If you want to maximize the performance of your data center, consider things like cable management, racks and cabinets, and airflow management. The sooner you start thinking through performance, the better your data center design will be.

Physical Security

One of the key elements of data center design that often gets overlooked is physical security. Any reliable data center will be physically safeguarded at all times. Making sure that only authorized personnel are able to enter and exit the data center is a crucial design component. Most thieves understand that a company’s most valuable asset oftentimes lies within their data center, so planning out a security system featuring locks, alarms, and backup power for the security system is a good place to start. Neglecting this key element of data center design can be disastrous.

Deployment Time

Time is money in the business world, and the same can be said for data center design. Trying to optimize deployment time in your data center is absolutely essential during the design phase. Think about how you can design the data center in a way that will allow its infrastructure to support changes over time. Modular racks are a great option since they allow for easy assembly and have large weight thresholds for future infrastructure additions. Integrated pathways and allowing for straightforward cable management are also great ways to improve the overall deployment time of the data center while allowing for scaling in the future.

These key elements of data center design can help you maximize productivity and create an infrastructure that is ready to perform today as well as in the future.

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Common Types of UPS Systems 12 Nov 2019, 8:29 pm

For many businesses and individuals, experiencing a power surge or power failure can mean disaster. Losing saved work, important data, and computer files as a result of power loss situations can directly lead to lost revenue, damaged business reputation, and endless frustration. That’s why a UPS, or Uninterrupted Power Supply, is such an incredibly useful device that can help you gain peace of mind knowing that you always have a backup power supply ready to kick in.

A UPS is designed to keep your computer systems and IT equipment safe and fully functioning in the event of a partial or full power loss. It’s a great investment for people that simply can’t take the risk of losing their valuable data or having their computers and servers shut down due to power loss. There are a few different types of UPS systems to consider, which is why we’ve put together a list of the most common options below.

Cover Standby

One of the most common types of UPS systems is the cover standby system. It’s essentially a backup power source that provides short-term battery-sourced power in the event of a power outage. It’s a basic UPS that provides you with surge protection as well as battery backup. People with desktop computers, VoIP equipment, and modems typically rely on cover standby UPS systems. They are an affordable option for people that are looking to back up their power supply efficiently. Keep in mind that most cover standby UPS systems can only provide a run time of around 5-10 minutes, so purchase a larger UPS if you are trying to safeguard against a complete blackout.

Line Interactive

If you are a small business owner or need a backup power source for your Web and departmental servers, the line interactive UPS is a good option to consider. It’s a great option because it regulates the voltage automatically. If the power fails, a transfer switch will open up and allows the power to flow from the battery to the UPS output. Line interactive UPS is a nice choice because it is very efficient, reliable, and inexpensive.

Online

Online UPS is similar to line interactive UPS, but the main difference is that an online UPS uses an inverter to transmit power at all times. An online UPS will provide uninterrupted power with a zero transfer time. Since the batteries are always connected to the inverter, you won’t have to have a power transfer switch. If a power loss does occur, the rectifier drops out of the circuit and the batteries let the flow of power continue. Online UPS typically costs more initially, but you may end up saving money over time thanks to its long battery life. Online UPS is the perfect option for equipment that is very sensitive to power fluctuations. It is also great for environments where electrical isolation is necessary.

Standby-Ferro

These days, the standby-ferro UPS system isn’t as common as it once was. However, that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked entirely. The design of this UPS depends on a special saturating transformer with three power connections. They are fairly large and heavy and can generate a lot of heat while in use. The main positives of this UPS is that it provides high reliability and great line filtering.

So, do I buy Standby or Online?

There are cost considerations, however, if you have a critical load, only consider online systems. The others run on utility power until there is a power fluctuation severe enough to cause it to transfer to battery power. It is at this critical instant when you switch from utility to battery that you find out whether your batteries, inverter and transferred switch are working. Slightly more expensive online systems power the load from the batteries, not the utility, and there is no switching during power anomalies. The utility simply keeps the batteries charged, and they will absorb most power hits. Should the UPS fail, it is usually when the sun is shining, and it will transfer to utility and throw and alarm. Then you fix the alarm, and return to normal power. It is our strong recommendation to use Online systems, sometimes called Reverse-Transfer, Double Conversion, for any critical load. The cost savings does not justify the headaches.

From the owner:

I’d like to have a discussion on small UPS systems, I’ve performed hundreds of site evaluations over my career.

When you buy a UPS from an IT retailer, they usually have little knowledge about how different UPS technologies work, and you end up with something they randomly picked from a catalog. My focus is on reliable infrastructure and one of my career specialties is UPS systems.

That said, the UPS industry initially designed UPS systems to be bullet-proof, and as the market matured, cost drove new technologies. So, you can now buy a UPS that is less reliable than utility power if you are not careful.

I understand the convenience of buying your UPS from your IT retailer, however, unless you specify Reverse-Transfer, Double Conversion, you will continue to have random power issues.

For small systems (under 2kVA), we just need your load and backup time. A typical system plugs into a standard 20A outlet and come with several standard outlets on the back and a network card. We can size and configure any UPS, any size for any application. Let me be your UPS advisor.

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How Long Does a UPS System Last? 10 Oct 2019, 3:28 pm

An Eaton 93E UPS.

One of the most common questions concerning an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system is how long the battery supplies power that remains uninterrupted. In other words, how long does a UPS system last?

Although some UPS systems can operate flawlessly for up to 15 years, the fact remains the power systems typically have lifespans that last between six and seven years. If you learn about the components of a UPS system, you should be able to answer the question.

Fans

A UPS power system needs to be cooled and with several fans operating at the same time, a standard UPS system should remain at an operable temperature for the entire lifespan of a UPS system. However, UPS system fans can slowly degrade because of several reasons. Prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity levels is the most common reason why UPS system fans deteriorate. Another way for UPS system fans to decline in performance involves the collection of particulates that eventually clog the sir filters.

Capacitors

With the primary objective to filter voltage changes, capacitors play an integral role in delivering superior performance for a UPS system. The important UPS system components usually require replacement once every seven to 10 years, depending on the workload placed on the UPS system. Under less than idea operating conditions, capacitors have shorter lifespans. Less than ideal conditions include operating in moist environments, such as inside of a refrigerator or near a water source located in a basement.

UPS Battery

A large majority of batteries that operate on a UPS application have a standby design of five years. After five years of operation, UPS powered batteries retain 80% of the original power capacity, that is, if the batteries operate under ideal temperature and float charging conditions.

Temperature

Virtually every battery running on a UPS application optimizes power performance when the battery keeps a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. With every 8.6-degree increase over 25 degrees Celsius, a UPS operated battery will decline in performance at twice the normal rate of degradation. For example, a UPS battery exposed to a 40 degrees Celsius temperature for three months can expect to lose one year of its expected lifespan.

Discharge Frequency

Most UPS batteries operated on standby use, instead of deep cycle use that discharges and recharges on a frequent schedule. A standby UPS battery operates mostly on a float charge that discharges a small amount of what is the possible discharge capacity. More volume and frequency of a UPS battery discharge will cause the battery to deteriorate faster than a UPS battery operating on a standby discharge design.

Charging

Another factor that can decrease the lifespan of a UPS powered battery is the charging rate of the battery. The standard charging rate for a UPS battery should be between five and 20% of the amp hour rating. Charging a UPS operated battery over 20% of the amp hour rating will produce too much heat and at below the five percent rating, the development of plate sulfation will reduce the charging capacity.

Of course, there are exceptions to the general rule for determining how long does a UPS system last. For example, overcharging a UPS system at 60 degrees Celsius is a recipe for a serious malfunction. A UPS system handled by following the correct operational protocol should last between six and seven years.

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Data Center Design Best Practices 27 Sep 2019, 3:14 pm

Data center design standards, such as the standards unveiled by the Uptime Institute’s Tier Standard, emphasize performance by optimizing the power and cooling systems. Both systems make a significant contribution for determining the overall performance of a data center. However, a less publicized, but in many academic circles just as important of a factor, is how well the physical infrastructure of a data center is designed.

A well-designed data center incorporates a modular design and leaves room for future growth.

Let’s look at a few of the most common best practices when it comes to the design of a data center.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

You probably have heard the timeless teaching tool involving the tortoise and the hare. The timeless teaching tool teaches us that by going slow, albeit directly towards a performance goal, we can win the race. Look at data center design the same way. Although the demands placed on data centers have increased rapidly because of the advancement of Internet technology tools, it is still slow, sustainable growth that wins the data crunching race.

Here are some principles that ensure a slow, sustainable rate of growth for a data center:

• Taller infrastructure to meet the need for growth
• Rear and front mounting rails that adjust to handle a wide variety of changing equipment depths
• Seamless integration with pathways built overhead
• Modular designs that move and adjust with ease
• Supporting of different cable management systems

Speaking of Cable Management…

Because of the complexity in contemporary data center design, it is imperative that the cables and other connecting hardware provide unsurpassed quality. The rapid degradation of a data center caused by inferior quality cables installed by using poor practices can result in a costly shutdown of the data center that can last for months. What is the point of purchasing expensive hardware, if a data center uses low quality connecting hardware?

Accommodate Expected Future Growth

They say there are two certainties in life, with neither certainty being a pleasant experience. You can add a third certainty in the era of complex data center designs.

You can expect modern data centers to grow.

With the demand for more data delivered in faster times a given, it is essential that data center designs accommodate the need for rapid data crunching growth. This means continually upgrading bandwidth requirements and networking speeds that typically remained stagnant in the age of low data crunching demand.

Document Everything

With data centers growing and evolving to new technologies all of the time, it makes sense for one of the best data center design practices to include the best practice of performing regularly scheduled equipment and cable connection improvements. This means managers in charge of data center performances must document every inspection, component replacement, and operational change to remain ahead of the performance curve. Lack of documentation often leads to confusion and worse, to the duplication of processes that cost both time and money to implement.

Getting a contemporary data center to operate like a well-oiled machine requires the concerted effort of a wide range of technical professionals. By following the best practices for data center design, the various departments responsible for data center design should create a system that runs flawlessly for years to come.

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Calculating the Cost of Downtime 23 Sep 2019, 3:20 pm

Our friends at Eaton have prepared a useful worksheet to help you calculate the true cost of downtime to your organization. Selecting the right UPS Systems and having them professionally installed and maintained is crucial for maximizing uptime and reducing the cost of outages. If your equipment was installed years ago, or if you’re experiencing intermittent downtime, review Eaton’s worksheet and contact a UPS expert like Comp-Utility to assess your situation and potential for cost savings.

Read the Post and Get the Worksheet at Eaton’s Website

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UPS Battery Maintenance and Testing 18 Jul 2019, 7:45 pm

Also referred to as a backup battery, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) generates backup power every time the primary power source fails to deliver energy or when the voltage output falls below a level that is the minimum amount of energy required to power a device. The best UPS batteries ensure the safe powering down of electronic equipment.

Standby Power

UPS batteries fulfill a few different purposes, with standby being the most common reason to use a UPA battery. In standby mode, a UPS battery converts the power system to a backup power supply whenever a typical power shortage occurs. Typical power shortage scenarios include blackouts and voltage surges. A UPS battery changes to DC power, before quickly switching over to AC power to provide energy for every piece of connected equipment.

To get the most out of a UPS battery, you should perform regularly scheduled maintenance, as well as conduct tests to ensure the battery operates at the highest level.

UPS Battery Maintenance

Some manufacturers produce what are called maintenance free UPS batteries, which means the batteries do not need replacement fluid. However, the label maintenance free is a bit misleading, as UPS batteries require regularly scheduled maintenance. Without maintenance, a UPS battery can perform at a less than optimal level. Proper maintenance extends the life of a UPS battery.

One of the most important maintenance tasks involves testing the battery strings to detect loose connections or discover one or more strings that have started to corrode. Professionally trained technicians should inspect UPS batteries, as well as the racks or cabinets, for signs of corrosion. Frequently cited signs of corrosion include the leaking of UPS battery fluid. Technicians will check electrolyte levels and the gravity readings taken from each battery cell.

Here some other common UPS battery maintenance tasks:

• Clean battery tops
• Torque every connection
• Add water, if needed

UPS Battery Testing

With a steady state UPS battery test, you will receive data about every input and output measurement at 0%, 50%, and 100% loads. You should test the following criteria:

• Input voltage
• Output voltage
• Input current
• Output current
• Output frequency
• Input current balance
• Output voltage regulation

Analysis of the seven readings should determine whether all of the seven criteria share in distributing the load equally.

Harmony in Power Generation

Called the harmonic analysis, this test closely monitors the input and output numbers for a UPS battery. The test reveals the efficiency of both the input and output filters. Virtually every UPS battery manufacturer designs the backup batter power source to achieve the highest efficiency at a full load.

Here are a few other tests to perform:

• Measure cell gravities
• Measure cell temperatures
• Measure overall battery temperature
• Measure chargers
• Measure rectifiers
• Measure the temperature of the room
• Measure connection resistance
• Measure internal readings
• Measure float voltage readings

Accurately measuring the different operational components of a UPS battery is an essential part of maintaining the battery’s superior performance. However, you also have to establish a record keeping system that is both easily accessible and protected from any type of data interference mechanism.

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Texas is a Strong Data Center Market 24 Jun 2019, 8:55 pm

The data and information sector is growing exponentially. Texas is proving to be a hotbed for the data center market, and that means a ton of new jobs, infrastructure, and market growth across a number of different industries. What makes Texas the center of the movement? It turns out, just about everything.

Data center in San Antonio, TX

The Data Center Market Boom – Why Texas?

Data centers have popped up all over the country in unprecedented numbers over the past 5 years. In the U.S., no state is embracing the information sector like Texas. Houston, DFW, Austin, and San Antonio are by far the biggest markets for new and prospective data centers, so what makes these cities so enticing for business owners?

A few things to keep in mind when opening and maintaining a data center is the unique neccesities that go into that particular building’s infrastrucutre. Not only do buildings need to be wired and capable of hosting a data center, but costs from everything ranging between real estate and electrical power itself go into the appeal of a state like Texas. Here’s what makes the Longhorn State such an attractive place to set up shop.

Low Power Costs

Data center need a ton of power to operate, and that doesn’t even take into consideration backup and emergency power sources that stay ready in case of trouble. Not only are costs lower than nearly everywhere else in the country, but nearly every size data center can expect connectivity thanks to an already well organized telecommunications network.

Established Telecommunications Infrastructure

A huge plus to the state of Texas is the already established internet cabling that dates back to the boom of the utility. Not only are a number of buildings already fitted with cabling ready for connectivity, but buildings being built now are easy to get connected. There are a number of companies already operating in Texas that have mastered the process of getting old and new buildings connected to the deep network running through the major cities of Texas. It’s only a matter of buying or building the actual space, of which there is plenty of room for continued growth.

Easy Access to Major Cities from Smaller Neighboring Towns

There are a ton of smaller towns just outside of major cities like Houston and Austin that have the space and proximity that many companies search for. Setting up shop in a town like Frisco or Plano means you have a decreased cost in real estate space, but allow yourself the benefit of being close to all that major cities have to offer. That means low power costs and telecommunications are usually easy to take advantage of, even if you operate outside of the major city’s limits.

Texas is booming thanks to the ever-growing data center market, and signs only point to continued growth. For that reason, Texas is the perfect place to either relocate or start a business that relies on 21st century data center technology and the perks that come with the nation’s best resources.

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NEC Code Changes Under Review 21 May 2019, 4:25 pm

The NEC 2020 Code Review is under way, and it has broad implications for data center design and electrical installation of any kind. Comp-Utility is committed to staying up-to-date on all requirements to deliver the most safe and effective installations for our customers.

Our friends at Eaton have a great summary of the changes being discussed. Stay tuned for analysis from Comp-Utility, including a discusson on how these changes will affect your installation and future projects.

More at the Eaton Website

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The Risks of Counterfeit Electrical Devices 15 May 2019, 4:29 pm

Great information over at the Eaton blog about suspect electical devices.

Your service providers should have good relationships with reputable suppliers, and when it comes to UPS systems and other electical power equipment, safety is a key concern. Make sure you know that the people working on your data center or network operations center are using authentic supplies and components on your job. The integrity of your operation and the safety of your employees could depend on it.

More at the Eaton Website

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