I would like to introduce you to a power quality introspect which discusses the issues and consequences faced when acceptable power quality voltage is not maintained in data centers. Faults in the power supply at data centers can trigger costly domino effects in IT and telecommunications networks.
In order to achieve utility-like availability of their data centers, IT and telecommunication service providers rely on stable and reliable power. But the stability of a system is only as secure as its weakest link. Redundant systems must ensure an uninterrupted, constant power supply, otherwise even minor problems can have great repercussions. Consider one example: Inadequate protection of its systems against transients and voltage dips cost one phone company about €24 million annually.
Poor voltage quality can result in extensive consequences:
Expensive customer claims
Perfect service is expected from IT and telephone companies. Voltage interruptions result in expensive demands and refunds to customers.
Poor reputation
A power outage can significantly damage the track record of a company and result in a loss of its customer base. Winning back trust is a lengthy and expensive process.
Multi-location downtime
Data centers can supply numerous networks and thousands of computers worldwide with data from a central site. During the downtime, data is not available. Transactions are lost. Revenues and efficiencies are lost.
Costly experts
The problem often must be solved by external specialists. This can lead to high, unbudgeted costs.
Expensive customer support
Costs of a single customer call are considerable. For telecoms with broad geographical coverage, these costs multiply exponentially.
Rebuilding electrical systems
A voltage incident might make it necessary to rebuild your electrical system, either in part or totally. Prevention is much more cost-efficient than restoration.
High restoration expenditures of equipment
Repairing damage to servers, switchboards, and hubs is costly. Replacing IT or telecommunications equipment can severely impact a company’s budget – particularly if it wasn’t planned.
Resilience and robustness are key success factors for successfully operating data centers and telecommunication networks. Enormous importance is attached to monitoring voltage quality and controlling and measuring electrical power.
Monitor your power system as effectively as possible with SICAM power quality and measurement devices
Siemens provides security and predictability in your data center. SICAM solutions simply and continuously check power supply and voltage characteristics at selected time intervals. They can report and document all data and events like dips, swells, interruptions, harmonics, and voltage changes in real time and archive them.
By appropriately analyzing measured data, you can predict probable problems, trigger counter-measures immediately, and minimize any resulting damage. You not only make your data secure, you also protect against data loss and corruption.
Power quality monitoring in data centers – how you benefit
