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Sizing a Static UPS System In Data Center

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Sizing a Static UPS System In Data Center (on photo APC UPS device; by Matthew Landry via Flickr)

UPS system serving a data center

Choosing the power of a static UPS system serving a data center is a decision that involves various elements and
which cannot be made before, or independently from, the choice of distribution scheme.
The main elements to consider can be summarised as follows:
Two from the following parameters of the loads to be supplied: active power, apparent power or power
factor
Type of load power supply (voltage, frequency, number of phases)
Load coincidence factor
Required back-up time
Type of mains power supply (voltage, frequency, number of phases)

Power
The fundamental characteristic of IT equipment loads, and more generally of all loads equipped with
switching power supplies, is the current waveform and phase. Since these power supplies only absorb current
close to maximum voltage, the typical waveform, far from being sinusoidal (see Figure 1), has a rather reduced

base line and a vertex in correspondence with the voltage peak.

Given the same effective value, this waveform has the peculiarity of having a much higher crest factor than that
of a sinusoidal wave.
The static UPS must be able to supply this peak current value, which is normally indicated in the products
technical specifications as the crest factor.
In accordance with standard EN 62040-3, the system must not be
derated for standardised non-linear loads with a crest factor lower than
three (3:1)
Sometimes the nominal power of a static UPS system is confused with
terms such as switching power, computer power and actual
power. These expressions were probably coined in an attempt to
define a parameter capable of modelling system power even in
conditions where the current and voltage waveforms are distorted,
nevertheless it should be borne in mind that these parameters do not
have an official regulatory definition and therefore cannot have any
correlation with the apparent power and nominal active power of the
static system.
Consequently, they cannot be used to size a static UPS system.
Figure 1 Typical current waveforms of computer
loads compared with a sinusoidal wave (dotted
With regard to the current phase it should be noted thatthe power
line)
factor of the loads under consideration is leading, and therefore
specific precautions must be taken when sizing the UPS. Current
computer loads have input power factors up to 0.9 leading. Note however that there are UPS systems on the
market that are able to supply power without derating even this type of load.

If the static system is also required todeliver a large inrush current, as inthe case of lighting fixtures
with fluorescent bulbs, this must duly be taken into account.
The parameters are:
IUPS Maximum current value from the UPS
tUPS Time for which I UPS is sustainable
Iload Overload current required by the load
tload Theoretical overload time required by the load
The apparent power required for sizing the UPS will be:
Typical values of IUPS and tUPS can range from typical
current values of 150% of nominal current for one
minute up to 200% per 100 ms without mains power
or for UPS systems not equipped with bypass.
The typical cold inrush current of an appliance of the
type under consideration is equal to 6 8 times the nominal current , and in practice is only limited by the
impedance of the UPS and the conductors comprising the part of the distribution network affected by the event.

Autonomy
Autonomy is essentially linked to the time that the data centre is able to guarantee continued operation and

if necessary perform a controlled shutdown (typically 30-60 min).

If service must be guaranteed for a long time
(roughly 60-90 min), as is often the case, a
rotary generator should be provided to supply
power to the static system, implementing
procedures to ensure fuel replenishment
if necessary.

APC UPS Symmetra PX 160 Overview

Cant see this video? Click here to watch it on
Youtube.
Reference: Planning and design for a data
center // Electrical Power Infrastructure EATON

Central Operations Centre 10 x Apc in row cooling units DX were installed. 3 x

500kVA APC UPS devices (photo credit: dieselelectricservices.co.za)

About Author //
Edvard Csanyi
Edvard - Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for
design of LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, buildings and
industry fascilities. Designing of LV/MV switchgears. Professional in AutoCAD
programming and web-design. Present on

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