Check out these two data center power articles, as seen in Building Operating Management, by Michael Fluegeman, PE!
Large UPS Systems For Data Centers: Will You Get A Frankenstein?
The large three-phase U.S. UPS (uninterruptible power supply) market includes a short list of leading domestic manufacturers and a shorter list of overseas manufacturers with significant U.S. market presence. Purchasing evaluations involve numerous factors: perceived reliability, quality, features, physical size, efficiency, scalability, specific application fit, regional sales and service strength, and certainly price. With any technical sales and service-intensive product, the depth and expertise of regional sales and service capabilities is very important. To reduce the risk of getting a “Frankenstein” system of mismatched components in large UPS systems for data centers, it’s important for facility managers to understand the importance of selecting a vendor with a substantial and experienced U.S. sales and service organization. Read more…
What Is The Best Start-Time Delay For A Standby Generator In A Data Center?
The standby-generator start-time delay programming adjustment is controversial in the data center industry. Opinions range from 0.5 seconds to 30 seconds. The only reason most facility managers would want the start signal sent to the generator in less than 3 seconds would be if the UPS was using something other than conventional batteries for short-term backup (typically 5-15 minutes), such as flywheels (typically only 7-20 seconds). One concern, as most people are well aware, is that the majority of utility power bumps last less than 3 seconds. Therefore you can have quite a few unnecessary engine starts with start programming set for less than 3 seconds. Read more…
