Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
1 of 4
http://ecmweb.com/print/sagsswellsinterruptions/what-your-it-equipment-...
print | close
Designed to perform in harmony with local electric utility conditions around the world, modern internal power
supply units (PSUs) are more robust than ever. They operate normally over a wide range of input voltages and
frequencies, have internal energy storage to ride through brief power interruptions, feature input power factor
correction circuitry, and operate at a power factor close to unity. But in spite of their robust design, PSUs
require additional protection from a range of power quality problems that are generated by the electric utility or
arise within the facility. For this reason, IT equipment needs a consistent source of conditioned power that meets
industry specifications to operate properly. Responsible for providing that consistent, conditioned power is the
uninterruptible power system (UPS).
With a vast array of UPS options in the market today, which design will meet the needs of your IT equipment?
The answer depends on a combination of factors, including industry trends, advances in technology, and the
degree of protection required. It helps to look at the issue from an "end-user"point of view the perspective of
the PSU inside the IT equipment.
Following are five basic power quality requirements you should consider to meet the needs of an internal PSU.
07-03-15 5:51 PM
2 of 4
http://ecmweb.com/print/sagsswellsinterruptions/what-your-it-equipment-...
PSU may have to accommodate single-phase sources of 120V and 240V and 3-phase sources with voltages of
120V, 208V, and 240V.
According to standards set forth by the Server System Infrastructure (SSI) Forum, a PSU rated for 120V to 127V
should operate normally at voltages ranging from 90V to 140V. A PSU rated for 200V to 240V should operate
normally on input voltage from 180V to 264V. Real design margins are somewhat broader, again because of the
need to handle input voltages from any country around the world. The power output from the PSU may even be
automatically limited by input voltage, to protect it and internal circuitry from damage if connected to the lower
voltage range. The bottom line is todays PSUs are more versatile, robust, and tolerant than they were even five
years ago, with many supplies capable of handling input voltages anywhere between 90V and 264V.
This means the UPS must be able to supply voltage within the specified range required by the PSU, for all
voltage variations found in the AC power sources (utility mains or generator). For example, for higher watt rated
power supplies requiring an input voltage of 200V to 240V, the UPS must deliver power within the 180V to
264V range.
07-03-15 5:51 PM
3 of 4
http://ecmweb.com/print/sagsswellsinterruptions/what-your-it-equipment-...
harmonic current content in the AC source feeding the IT loads. As a result, in todays power supply designs, a
power factor of 0.9 would be considered acceptable, 0.95 would be typical, and a value of 0.99 would be
excellent.
07-03-15 5:51 PM
4 of 4
http://ecmweb.com/print/sagsswellsinterruptions/what-your-it-equipment-...
Final thoughts
Designed to serve global markets, modern PSUs have a wider range of capability than ever before. Despite their
capabilities, PSUs still need vital UPS protection from power quality problems in the facility. However, with such
a vast selection of UPS configurations available today, choosing the best fit for your needs can be challenging.
If you consider the "end-user"needs of the PSUs in your IT equipment, choose a UPS with the appropriate input
voltage/frequency and sufficient input power to compensate power factor. In addition, by making sure the unit
can transfer backup power faster than PSU "hold-up"time and provide adequate protection from damaging
power conditions, you can meet the key power quality requirements set by international standards and provide
consistent, conditioned power.
Loeffler is a data center applications manager for Eaton Corp., Raleigh, N.C. He can be reached at:
ChrisALoeffler@Eaton.com.
Source URL: http://ecmweb.com/sagsswellsinterruptions/what-your-it-equipment-needs-ups
07-03-15 5:51 PM