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Choosing A UPS For Network Server Applications White Paper
Choosing A UPS For Network Server Applications White Paper
Executive Summary
One of the fundamental decisions in the design of data centers, server
rooms and network closets is which uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
systems to use. You cannot be certain that the power you receive from
your local utility will be suitable for your equipment, or that it will always
be available. And even when you are receiving good-quality power from
the utility, equipment inside your facility (such as electric motors) can
introduce power problems.
Choosing the right UPS system can improve system availability and save
your organization from the high cost and inconvenience of downtime, as
well as deliver significant savings through improved energy efficiency.
How can you determine which UPS is appropriate for your application?
Here are the top 12 questions you should consider to help you choose
the right network/server UPS system.
Table of Contents
Do you need a network/server UPS?................................................................................................................................. 3
How much UPS capacity (wattage) do you need?............................................................................................................. 4
Estimating Capacity Requirements................................................................................................................................... 4
High-Capacity Applications............................................................................................................................................... 4
High Power Factor............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Which input and output power connections do you need?.............................................................................................. 5
UPS Input........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
UPS Output........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
How can you make sure you have enough backup runtime?........................................................................................... 5
Expandable-Runtime UPS Systems................................................................................................................................... 5
Load Shedding.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Should you choose a line-interactive or on-line UPS?....................................................................................................... 6
UPS Topology.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Voltage Regulation............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Surge/Noise Protection..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Pure Sine Wave Output..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Transfer Time to Battery.................................................................................................................................................... 7
How much space do you need for the UPS?...................................................................................................................... 7
Which UPS features will help you improve system availability?....................................................................................... 7
On-line Operation............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Hot-Swappable Power Modules........................................................................................................................................ 7
Hot-Swap PDUs................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Power Redundancy............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Wide Input Voltage Range................................................................................................................................................ 8
Automatic Bypass.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
Hot-Swappable Batteries................................................................................................................................................... 8
Overload Capacity............................................................................................................................................................. 8
How can you save energy without compromising protection?........................................................................................ 9
UPS Efficiency.................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Economy Mode Operation................................................................................................................................................ 9
How often should you replace UPS batteries?.................................................................................................................. 9
Battery Replacement......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Replacing Batteries Versus Replacing the UPS................................................................................................................. 9
How will you manage the UPS system?........................................................................................................................... 10
Control Panel................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Remote Management Options........................................................................................................................................ 10
Centralized Management................................................................................................................................................ 10
Emergency Power Off..................................................................................................................................................... 10
How can you reduce installation and maintenance costs?.............................................................................................. 11
Self-Service...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3-Phase UPS Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 11
Where can you find more UPS advice if you need it?..................................................................................................... 11
Making the Right Choice................................................................................................................................................. 11
Working with a Dependable Partner............................................................................................................................... 11
About Tripp Lite................................................................................................................................................................. 12
2. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
Network/server UPS systems protect critical systems in high-availability environments, like servers and network equipment
in data centers. Desktop UPS systems protect personal computers, workstations, small file servers, peripherals, audio/video
equipment and other electronics in your home or office. You may already be certain that you need a network/server UPS
system for your application rather than a desktop UPS system. If you aren’t sure, however, the questions below will help you
make the right choice. If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you should choose a network/server UPS system.
• Does your equipment require high-voltage (200-250 VAC) power in North America?
In North America, desktop UPS systems do not support high-voltage operation. Many network/server
UPS systems support either high-voltage operation or a combination of high- and low-voltage operation.
3. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
Refer to the UPS specifications to find models with capacities higher than your total wattage requirement. UPS systems
are typically marketed by their VA rating, but the capacity in watts should also be listed. (Keep in mind that UPS
manufacturers typically recommend limiting IT equipment loads to 80% of capacity. This helps the UPS handle fluctuations in
power demand, leaves headroom for additional equipment and reduces the chance of overloads. )
Note: Although this method will provide a rough estimate of your UPS capacity requirements, we recommend that you
confirm your estimate with the UPS manufacturer or reseller.
High-Capacity Applications
If your capacity requirement exceeds 16,000 watts, you may wish to consider a 3-phase UPS system, or you can divide
your equipment into smaller groups to be supported by multiple single-phase UPS systems. (If your equipment is distributed
across a wide area, multiple single-phase UPS systems may be required regardless.) 3-phase power costs more to install than
single-phase power, but it can be more efficient for high-capacity loads.
4. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
UPS Input
First, you need to make sure the UPS system will be able to connect to a compatible AC circuit in the installation
location, including a compatible outlet if the UPS has an input plug. If a compatible circuit is not available, you will
need to make arrangements to have one installed or to choose a UPS system that is compatible with an existing circuit.
Installing a new circuit can be a relatively simple task for an electrician or it can be a more complex task that requires
the services of the power company if you need to have 3-phase power routed to a building that does not already have it.
UPS Output
You also need to make sure the UPS output matches the input plugs and voltage requirements of your equipment.
You can provide additional outlets, placement flexibility and management options by connecting one or more power
distribution units (PDUs) to the UPS. Some UPS systems are capable of providing low- and high-voltage output
simultaneously to support a wider range of equipment. Adding a step-down transformer to a high-voltage UPS can
also provide low-voltage output.
4 How can you make sure you have enough backup runtime?
Load Shedding
Load shedding allows you to prioritize the battery backup runtime of your critical equipment by automatically turning
off nonessential equipment during longer outages. Network/server UPS systems or connected PDUs that have controllable
outlets allow you to set up load shedding. For example, if you have ten nonessential devices and four essential devices
connected to a 2,200 VA UPS, and each device uses 100 watts, you can increase available runtime from six minutes to more
than half an hour by turning off the nonessential devices during an outage.
5. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
UPS Topology
The two main types of operation (known as the UPS system’s topology) used in network/server UPS systems
are line-interactive and on-line. At the most basic level, line-interactive UPS systems are less expensive than on-line
UPS systems (approximately 20 to 40% less, depending on the model and manufacturer), but they also provide less
protection than on-line UPS systems. It’s helpful to explore the differences between line-interactive and on-line
models to understand the trade-offs involved.
Note: If you need a UPS system larger than 5,000 VA (4,000 watts), an on-line UPS is your most likely choice.
Voltage Regulation
Line-interactive UPS systems use automatic voltage regulation (AVR) to correct abnormal voltages without switching
to battery. (Regulating voltage by switching to battery drains your backup power and can cause batteries to wear out
prematurely.) The UPS detects when voltage crosses a preset low or high threshold value and uses transformers to
boost or lower the voltage by a set amount to return it to the acceptable range.
On-line UPS systems use a more precise method of voltage regulation: they continuously convert incoming AC power
to DC power and then convert the DC power to ideal AC output power. This continuous double-conversion operation
isolates connected equipment from problems on the AC line, including blackouts, brownouts, overvoltages, surges, line
noise, harmonic distortion, electrical impulses and frequency variations.
In “line” mode (i.e. when not operating from battery), line-interactive UPS systems typically regulate output within ±10-15%
of the nominal voltage (e.g. 120, 208, 230 or 240 volts). When operating from battery, line-interactive UPS systems typically
regulate output within ±5% of the nominal voltage. On-line UPS systems typically regulate voltage within ±2-3% of the
nominal voltage at all times.
Surge/Noise Protection
All Network/Server UPS Systems include surge suppression and line noise filtering components to shield your equipment
from damage caused by lightning, surges and electromagnetic (EMI/RFI) line noise. On-line UPS systems offer superior
protection because the double-conversion operation isolates equipment from problems on the AC line.
6. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
Space is a factor that seems obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. If you already have a site picked out, you need to make sure
the UPS will fit. If you’re planning a new site, you need to make sure your plans include enough space for the UPS, including
the size and weight of all the batteries you’ll need to meet your runtime requirements. Most single-phase UPS systems up
to 20 kVA can be installed in a rack or rack enclosure, so make sure there will be enough open rack units available. And
don’t forget to consider the depth of the UPS cabinet. 3-phase UPS systems 20 kVA and above are typically housed in tower
cabinets that can be located near the racks or in another room, depending on your preferences. You’ll also need to account
for any PDUs, bypass panels, power distribution cabinets, power cables, cable managers and other accessories that you plan
to add to your UPS system.
On-line Operation
Network/server UPS systems that use on-line operation and continuous double conversion provide the best
protection and most reliable power available for critical systems. The double conversion process isolates equipment
from power problems on the AC line and delivers ideal output 24x7.
Some network/server UPS systems can eliminate system downtime during UPS maintenance and repair. They include
one or more hot-swappable power modules and a detachable bypass PDU. You can completely remove and replace
the power modules while the bypass PDU keeps your critical systems up and running without interruption.
7. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
Power Redundancy
Many network/server UPS systems can be configured to provide redundant backup power, and some models have
built-in redundancy. Models with two hot-swappable power modules automatically provide N+1 redundancy when the
connected equipment load is ≤50% of capacity. (The maximum load for N+1 redundancy is equal to the capacity
remaining when one power module has been removed. That would be 66% for three power modules, 75% for four,
80% for five and so on.) If one of the power modules requires maintenance, repair or replacement, your equipment
still receives conditioned power and battery backup. All the power modules can also be hot-swapped at once without
interrupting equipment operation, which will be supported by the bypass power source.
You can provide full backup power redundancy to devices that have redundant power supplies by connecting each
power supply to a separate UPS. Ideally, the UPS systems should also be connected to separate supply circuits
and utility sources. For single-cord devices that do not have redundant power supplies, you can connect dual
on-line UPS systems to a PDU that has an automatic transfer switch (ATS). The ATS PDU will switch to the
secondary power source if the primary power source fails.
Automatic Bypass
Network/server UPS systems with an automatic AC bypass route utility power to your equipment and keep it powered
if the UPS experiences an extended overload or internal fault.
Hot-Swappable Batteries
All internal and external batteries of network/server UPS systems should be hot-swappable. You can replace
hot-swappable batteries without powering down the UPS system or your equipment.
Overload Capacity
Some network/server UPS systems can handle overloads up to 150% for brief periods to support higher inrush currents
at startup and fluctuating power demands during use. They can also transfer to bypass dynamically to sustain operation
during higher and longer overloads for extended periods. This capability allows UPS systems to handle the repeated
inrush spikes of heavy inductive loads without shutting down.
8. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
High-efficiency network/server UPS systems can save energy and help you reduce your power, cooling and infrastructure
requirements, contributing to lower capital expenditures and operating costs.
UPS Efficiency
All UPS systems are less than 100% efficient because part of the electrical energy drawn by the UPS is converted to heat
before it reaches your equipment. The heat also requires cooling systems to work harder, consuming an additional ½ watt of
cooling for each watt of heat generated by the UPS.
Battery Replacement
Network/server UPS system batteries typically last three to five years with normal use. The UPS should include a function
for testing the batteries to ensure that they’re ready to provide backup power during an outage. If the batteries fail the test,
they may need to be replaced. Network/server UPS systems allow hot-swap replacement of internal and external batteries.
9. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
Network/server UPS systems include a variety of options for local and remote management. Whether you’re standing
in front of the server rack or thousands of miles away, you can monitor power conditions, receive automated alerts
and take steps to troubleshoot and correct minor problems before they become major headaches.
Control Panel
Convenient front-panel controls report important power conditions such as load level and available runtime
through LEDs and/or an LCD screen. UPS systems that include an LCD status screen can report more detailed information
and provide better access to UPS settings and data at the rack level.
Centralized Management
Whether connected via host computer or network management card, network/server UPS systems should support
centralized remote management through software provided by the manufacturer or a third-party vendor. Licensing
fees for management software from some vendors can be very expensive if you need to support more than a few
UPS systems, so make sure to consider this cost when you plan your budget.
10. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
Self-Service
Consider the cost of installing the UPS system, as well as ongoing service requirements. Some UPS manufacturers assume
that the installation, maintenance and repair of UPS systems will be performed by outside technicians through service
contracts, so you’ll need to make sure you include the cost of those service contracts in the ongoing cost of the UPS.
Other manufacturers design UPS systems so IT staff or even non-technical staff can perform most tasks in-house if you
prefer. Self-service capability can reduce the UPS system’s total cost of ownership (TCO) significantly.
12 Where can you find more UPS advice if you need it?
Tripp Lite manufactures a wide range of network/server UPS systems and provides free power audits and infrastructure
assessments. A specialist will evaluate your power needs, identify potential problems and recommend cost-effective
solutions.
Tripp Lite also provides various online resources to help you find the
ideal network/server UPS system for your application: Ready for expert help right now?
Contact Tripp Lite’s UPS application
• Detailed UPS specifications at www.tripplite.com/ups/
specialists directly at 773.869.1236
• Our interactive UPS selector at www.tripplite.com/upsfinder/ or upsapplications@tripplite.com.
• Our Chicago-based support team at www.tripplite.com/support/
11. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications
12. Top 12 Questions to Consider When Choosing UPS Systems for Network/Server Applications