Data center densities continue to increase, and so does the demand for data. The global data center market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% over the next five years. With floor space at a premium, colocation providers and data center managers are challenged to expand operational capacity to add power without adding physical space or scheduling downtime. At the same time, data center operators must also consider reliability, cost, and employee safety in their expansion plans.

Modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are a flexible, cost-efficient solution offering many advantages for data centers that need to grow along with their businesses. A modular architecture provides data centers with the ability to scale fast while keeping employees safer, with a cost-efficient, pay-as-you-grow model that minimizes their total cost of operation.

Advantages of a modular UPS approach for data centers

Smaller footprint

Typical modular UPS cabinets are taller and slimmer than conventional horizontal systems. Many feature power modules located in two rows for further space saving. The smaller footprint uses up to 50% less floor space than traditional standalone units. Yet despite their compact size, modular cabinets can easily accommodate additional power modules as needed, giving data centers more flexibility to scale up power as their business demands without taking up additional data center real estate.

Scalability

Modular UPS architecture allows data centers to add power incrementally, to more precisely right-size capacity to match the actual load. As a result, system capacity can be expanded many times the original installed capacity to satisfy increased demand. By implementing more, smaller modular units to supply the needed power, each unit can operate nearer to its maximum capacity and be more efficient without sacrificing reliability.

Availability

Continuous power, or availability, is critical for data center operations. However, maintaining power can be a challenge for data centers with traditional UPS systems because they may need to be bypassed or even taken offline during maintenance or expansion, which requires scheduled downtime. With modular UPS systems with third-party verified Live Swap, power modules can be added or replaced in just a few minutes while the system is running, which reduces or even eliminates the need for scheduled downtime. The energized swapping capability can also speed up mean time to recovery (MTTR) if power module replacement is required.

Safety

The ideal modular UPS system offers third-party verified energized swapping and helps reduce the risk of shock and arc flashes. This enhances the safety of operators and service personnel as they add or replace modules while the system is running.

If you have any requirements or any kind of query regarding the modular UPS solutions for your applications, feel free to communicate with our dedicated team at any time at marketing@everexceed.com.