Power Distribution

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Power distribution


In a data center one power appliance is installed beside another, equipments have different requirements on power intensity, potential and availability.

Extremely important is the right power distribution from the feeding points to the final consumers as an overload or malfunction of a distribution network leads to (at least partial) failure of a data center. At the planning of power distribution in a data center, first areas have to be defined which differ in required power availability:

The most uncritical area are consumers, which do not need a bridging in case of a power failure, such as lights or electrical outlets. Therefore they simply are supplied with power without in intercalated safety precautions.

Another areas already is more critical, where consumers are not impaired by short-time power outage, however, at longer net power failures they should be fed from other sources. This primarily concerns air conditioning technology. This area is protected over emergency power systems.

The most sensitive area includes all consumers who cannot compensate irregularities in power supply, these are mainly servers and safety equipment. An uninterrupted power supply system, completed by a emergency power systems protect this area against fluctuations of electricity.

Each of these three sections has their own sub-distribution. Cables are guided into the data center in cable trays either at the ceiling or on the raised floor. Power cabling and network cabling should be guided separately. This can be carried out with separate transferring systems or with a separator strip. A clean and proper wiring has to be conducted. The cables should be marked and documented.

Another important aspect is the modularity and scalability of individual systems. For the construction of a data center power distribution is calculated for a present status Quo with a corresponding reserve. However, it should be so flexible that, at later stage, it can be extended without problems even during the regular business hours. All aspects have to be included, from primary supply units for which total performance with an additional reserve have to be calculated to extra space in cable trays for additional cabling.

The emergency power system can be installed within a room of a building, but also outside for example within a container.

Furthermore there are small encapsulated systems which can serve as mobile bridging solutions while constructions are made.

This is only a rough summary of some essential aspects of power distribution. When planning a data center this is one of the most complicated and most effortful sections of all. Particularly since future development also must be provided for. We, as experienced planners of data centers, have the know-how to design and realize a reliable, secure and trend-setting power distribution concept. Don’t hesitate to ask us, we’ll take care of IT.

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