Data Centre World: The key technology trends for 2019 that could improve resilience

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Some key technology trends are emerging for 2019 that could mitigate the risk of outages, improve efficiency and help generate revenue. Speaking at Data Centre World, Alex Metcalfe, from Socomec, commented that data centres are increasingly moving to lithium-ion batteries and this has the potential to offer significant benefits that go beyond a data centre’s four walls, by helping to stabilise the national grid. The move to Lithium-ion is not only reducing footprint, he points out, but also opens up new revenue opportunities by offering the ability to perform grid services using the UPS.

“Instead of being seen as burden on the grid, data centres can become part of the solution, particularly as we integrate more and more renewables into the grid – creating greater instability,” he commented. Other key trends for 2019 include DC distribution, which is now “becoming a reality”, according to Alex Metcalfe. He argues this will lead to a simplification of the architecture, as well as reducing risk.

Phil Dunn, from Socomec, added that there has been a resurgence of the static switch. “There is no doubt they improve resilience,” he commented. Other trends include the increasing popularity of modular UPS, which are able to drive efficiencies. However, there are also emerging technologies which can now help reduce downtime, by optimising the management of UPS assets.

Socomec highlighted one such breakthrough solution on its stand – SoLive UPS. By integrating smart technology within new or existing electrical architecture, it is now possible to ensure power continuity, reliability and optimised efficiency– via your smart-phone.

ColinDean, Managing Director, Socomec UK, explains:“The effective management of every UPS within an electrical infrastructure is fundamental to ensuring optimised performance. By considering the product from the perspective of our customers as well as endusers – and harnessing the power of the latest digital and mobile technology – we have created a disruptive approach to the way that UPS equipment is managed.” The solution is claimed to offer UPS surveillance “anytime, anywhere”.

The latest mobile technology is being deployed to simplify the ongoing management of installed UPS systems –and to mitigate against downtime. SoLive UPS collects data from all installed UPS systems – across the entire system architecture – and presents information relating to events and thresholds by showing alarms and status on a live dashboard. This enables remote real-time analysis and instant notifications of anomalies.

With detailed status updates for each UPS – including global active power, global load rate, battery capacity and autonomy and UPS temperature – the app ensures that all UPS are working within normal conditions and enables users to react quickly to unexpected events. By collecting installation and operating data, it’s possible to flag potential issues early, triggering back up groups, for example, or recommissioning defective equipment.

This analysis has a dual impact – as well as creating a better understanding of the behavior of equipment in real-time, in real end user applications, there is also an improved understanding of the operating environment, enabling predictive maintenance actions to be recommended in a more informed manner.

 

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