According to the Uptime Institute (UI) standard, data centers are classified into four tiers—Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV—representing progressively higher requirements for availability, redundancy, and power system reliability.
To meet these standards, particularly for data centers that require continuous 24/7 operation, backup power and power distribution systems play a critical role. EI provides power infrastructure solutions tailored to the requirements of each type of equipment within the data center, ensuring maximum reliability, stability, and operational safety.
Solution for Dual-Power Equipment
For equipment designed with dual independent power inputs, the power architecture is configured to maximize redundancy and ensure continuous operation.
Power is supplied to the UPS system from both the utility grid and standby generators through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), enabling automatic source transfer during utility power failures. UPS systems can be deployed in either a standalone or parallel redundant configuration to enhance system availability and reliability.
Dual-input equipment receives power from two independent UPS outputs. In the event of a UPS failure, the remaining UPS continues supplying power, ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical systems.
Solution for Single-Power Equipment
For equipment that supports only a single power input, EI implements a solution that ensures continuous power availability through a Static Transfer Switch (STS).
Similar to the dual-power configuration, UPS systems receive power from both the utility grid and standby generators via an ATS. UPS units may operate in standalone or parallel redundant configurations to improve system reliability. Critical loads receive power through the STS, which automatically transfers the load to the alternate UPS within milliseconds whenever one UPS becomes unavailable, ensuring uninterrupted power to the connected equipment.
The Importance of UPS Systems in Data Centers
Deploying UPS systems in data centers provides numerous operational benefits. UPS systems deliver continuous, safe, and instantaneous backup power during utility power failures with zero transfer time, eliminating the risk of service interruption.
UPS systems regulate voltage and provide clean, stable power, protecting servers and IT equipment from damage caused by voltage fluctuations while extending equipment lifespan and improving overall system reliability.
In addition, UPS systems effectively mitigate common power disturbances—including power outages, voltage transients, electrical noise, and harmonic distortion—while providing enhanced protection against surge voltages and electromagnetic interference for sensitive electronic equipment. By filtering incoming power and delivering a clean electrical supply, UPS systems help maximize the performance and reliability of servers and IT infrastructure.
During a utility power outage, UPS systems typically provide 5 to 7 minutes of backup runtime, allowing operators sufficient time to save critical data and perform a controlled system shutdown. Backup runtime can be extended through external battery banks to meet the operational requirements of each data center.