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Data center gray space
Gray space is essential to a data center, housing critical infrastructure components like power distribution units, UPSs, cooling systems and switchgear. This equipment collectively supports the data center white space, ensuring the data center operates efficiently and reliably, maintaining uptime and optimal conditions for servers and IT systems. Eaton offers a wide range of solutions, from surge protective devices (SPDs) that minimize energy waste by preventing power disturbances, to preventive maintenance and PDU and UPS modernization services designed to enhance the longevity of your equipment. Learn more below about how Eaton solutions can enable optimal efficiency, create a safer envrionment and ensure reliability for years to come.
Enhancing energy efficiency in gray space is increasingly achieved through innovative solutions and diligent maintenance. Lithium-ion UPS battery systems offer extended battery life which minimizes the frequency of battery replacements—thereby saving the energy typically used in battery manufacturing and recycling. These systems also feature a higher charge/discharge efficiency than their VRLA counterparts, reducing energy loss during power conversion. The high energy density of lithium-ion batteries also allows for the storage of greater amounts of energy in a smaller space, and lessens the energy demands associated with transportation, installation and cooling.
Regular cleaning and the removal of dust and debris prevent power inefficiencies, while early detection of potential issues like misaligned fans or failing components helps avoid energy waste and equipment failures. Routine preventive maintenance and timely part replacements ensure that all components function at peak efficiency throughout the systems lifecycle. This proactive approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also extends the lifespan of the equipment, saving resources and reducing the need for premature part replacements.
As data centers increasingly turn to AI technologies to manage, optimize and secure their systems and infrastructure, the need for robust power solutions becomes critical. The Eaton 9395XC UPS is a standout for this purpose, supporting up to 1500 kW while boasting the smallest footprint and highest power density available on the market. This UPS is also compatible with lithium-ion batteries, which offer a higher energy density in a compact footprint. This compatibility not only ensures that data centers can handle the growing power demands of AI and other advanced technologies but also maximizes space efficiency, which is crucial to operational efficiency.
Offering a convenient, centralized platform for managing electrical circuit performance metrics, the BCMS hub is essential to enhancing data center operations. This system is ideal for a range of applications, including fault detection, energy management and tenant billing, and can support up to 70 panelboards or busway devices. This not only adds a layer of operational efficiency but also provides greater convenience and control, allowing users to maintain optimal performance across their data center.
Reliability in the gray space is critical to ensuring optimal data center operations. Offering triple redundancy, the static transfer switch (STS) is an important solution that keeps operations running smooth. This system continuously monitors the quality of power from two available sources and can automatically switch to an alternate source within a quarter cycle if it detects any disruption. This seamless transfer ensures that even the most sensitive equipment remains operational without interruption, maintaining continuous uptime and preventing potential data losses or service interruptions.
Remote monitoring software adds another layer of reliability by providing real time alerts and notifications that enable data centers to gain a higher level of oversight and control, leading to better reliability and smoother operations all around. This not only helps keep things running smoothly but also minimizes downtime by tackling issues fast, before they turn into bigger problems.
In the complex environment of data center gray spaces, ensuring the safety of both personnel and equipment is critical. One way to achieve this is by deploying an emergency lighting UPS. In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that personnel can safely navigate through the facility. Emergency lighting helps guide staff to critical areas such as exit paths and stairways and ensures that emergency exits are well lit and clearly visible. This not only helps in preventing physical injuries but also contributes to a quicker and more organized evacuation if necessary.
Power distribution units (PDUs) equipped with advanced load monitoring capabilities play a crucial role in preventing electrical risks. These PDUs provide real-time data on power usage and allows for quick identification and mitigation of potential faults and overloads that could damage equipment or pose additional electrical hazards. The ergonomic front panel access on these PDUs also enhances safety by limiting exposure to live components during maintenance or troubleshooting. This design consideration not only makes the PDUs safer to handle but also simplifies the maintenance process, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring continuous and safe power distribution within the data center.
