Data Center Power Distribution

Data center power distribution refers to the systems and processes used to deliver electrical power from its source to the various equipment and infrastructure within a data center. Proper power distribution is crucial for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of a data center's operations, as it supports servers, storage, networking devices, cooling systems, and other essential components.

Key Components of Data Center Power Distribution

• Utility power supply. The initial source of power for most data centers is the local utility grid. The reliability of this supply is a key consideration, as any disruption can impact the data center’s uptime. Data centers may contract with multiple utility providers to provide redundancy and minimize the risk of power outages.
• Backup generators. Generators provide a longer-term power solution in the event of an extended outage. Typically running on diesel or natural gas, these generators automatically start when the utility power fails and continue supplying power until the main power source is restored.
• Transformers. Transformers adjust the voltage levels of electricity as it enters the data center, ensuring that the power is distributed at the appropriate voltage for different types of equipment. Step-down transformers are commonly used to convert higher voltage utility power to the lower voltages required by data center hardware.
• Switchgears. Electrical switchgear is used for controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical equipment. It includes circuit breakers, switches, fuses, and other protective devices, allowing the data center to safely distribute power and prevent damage from electrical faults.
• Transfer switches. Automatic transfer switches (ATS) or static transfer switches (STS) are used to switch between utility power, UPS, and backup generators. This provides continuous power supply even if one source becomes unavailable and helps to avoid downtime and power interruptions.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. A UPS provides emergency power to the data center in the event of a power failure or fluctuation. It acts as a temporary power source, allowing the data center to continue running during short outages and providing a smooth transition to backup generators if needed. UPS systems also help to stabilize power, protecting sensitive equipment from voltage spikes, sags, and surges.
• Floor power distribution units (PDUs). Floor PDUs provide efficient and reliable power delivery in a data center environment. They provide protection against power surges and can distribute single or three-phase power to remote power panels (RPPs), busways, or rack PDUs.
• Busways. A busway is a modular, overhead power distribution system that supplies power to server racks in the data center.
• Rack PDUs. Rack PDUs are mounted in racks and distribute power to individual servers and IT equipment within the rack. They typically offer multiple outlets and surge protection. Intelligent rack PDUs go a step further by providing real-time power usage insights and remote monitoring for better management of capacity and utilization at the rack or device level.

Data Center Power Distribution Best Practices

To ensure reliable and efficient power distribution, data centers should consider:

• Monitor power usage. Continuously track power consumption using tools like intelligent rack PDUs and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software to identify inefficiencies and optimize energy usage.
• Implement redundancy. Use redundant power distribution paths (e.g., N+1 and 2N) to reduce the risk of downtime and avoid single points of failure.
• Balance loads. Distribute power evenly across circuits and phases to avoid overloading any one area, providing efficient power usage and reducing the risk of failure.
• Use high-efficiency equipment. Choose energy-efficient PDUs, UPSs, and equipment that reduce overall power consumption and help maintain optimal operating temperatures.
• Perform regular maintenance and testing. Periodically inspect and test power systems, including PDUs, UPSs, and backup generators, to ensure proper functionality and mitigate the risk of unexpected downtime.
• Leverage scalability. Plan for future growth by selecting scalable power distribution systems that can easily accommodate additional equipment or higher power demands.

Simplify Data Center Power Distribution Management with DCIM Software

Data center power must be effectively managed to maintain uptime and maximize the utilization of existing capacity. DCIM software is commonly used to monitor and manage power in the data center.

Modern DCIM software provides:

• Complete data center power monitoring. Monitor your multi-branded rack PDUs, RPPs, floor PDUs, busways, UPSs, meters, and branch circuits in a centralized tool.
• Automatic, dynamic, and interactive single-line diagrams. Easily view and drill down into detailed information on your power infrastructure with real-time overlays showing usage versus capacity. This helps improve uptime by optimizing power chain planning and enabling faster troubleshooting.
• Centralized busway management. Remotely visualize your busways and tap boxes in 3D, while collecting live power measurements from the outlets and end feeds. You can use this data to make informed power and capacity planning decisions and centralize alerts to prevent costly downtime.
• Live interactive panel schedules. Track actual versus budgeted power for all circuits and mains, manage circuit breaker states, and monitor the customers of each circuit. Gain insights into phase loads, phase balancing, and track circuit destinations with interactive drilldown capabilities.
• UPS monitoring and management. Centrally track all UPS assets across racks and locations, manage battery maintenance schedules, and monitor key statistics like run time remaining, battery health, and capacity utilization. Receive alerts when the UPS loses commercial power.
• Stranded power capacity reporting. Find and use underutilized power capacity to delay spending millions to build your next data center.
• Remote power control. Control power to multiple power supplies with a single click. Eliminate trips to the data center, saving time and money, while improving MTTR and uptime by restoring services quickly
• Trend charts and reports for uptime, capacity, and failover. Leverage power dashboard charts and reports such as circuit breaker capacity reports, power failover redundancy reports, actual vs. budgeted power capacity usage, and trending load by data center, room, rack, or customer.

Want to see how Sunbird’s world-leading DCIM software makes it easy to monitor and manage your data center power distribution infrastructure? Get your free test drive today.