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By Bill Evanger
Traditionally, data centers have had power distribution systems purpose-built by electricians. However, custom solutions require significant upfront planning to ensure that the power distribution system will meet the long-term needs of the facility. Lead times for installation tend to be long, and changes to the system can be complex, as fixed power distribution from standard breaker panels essentially “lock-in” common power configurations.
Today’s data centers require greater flexibility to keep up with growing power requirements and dynamic IT demands. This has led to the increasing use of remote power panels (RPPs) and busways to bring AC power to rack-level power distribution units (PDUs). Additionally, today’s modern RPP and Busways offer greater levels of intelligence, which in turn allow for greater operability and efficiency.
What Are Remote Power Panels?
As the name implies, RPPs allow electrical panels to be placed throughout the data center. They connect to branch circuits and other primary sources to simplify power distribution for new facilities, expansions, or reconfigurations.
RPP units are housed in cabinets that have the same footprint as server racks and cabinets for easy integration within the data center environment. They typically accommodate multiple 225A or 400A electrical panels, and more panels may be added when greater distribution capacity is needed.
The latest RPPs have intelligent monitoring features that enable data center staff to respond quickly to power issues that could harm equipment or cause downtime. Some units can be monitored and controlled through a centralized dashboard and be configured to send alerts when certain thresholds are met.
What Are Overhead Busways?
A busway is a modular overhead power distribution system that doesn’t require additional circuits or take up space on the data center floor. Best-in-class solutions offer a variety of connection and capacity options that enable them to adapt to a wide range of environments and support future enhancements. Like their distribution counterparts, they can distribute power in 225A or 400A configurations but allow for greater flexibility in changing power configurations. As an example, by simply swapping a Tap-box, an operator can switch a 3-phase receptacle to a single-phase receptacle, or vice versa.
Busways are highly reliable and scalable, and can quickly pay for themselves by simplifying moves, adds, and changes. Redundancy can be built-in to reduce the risk of downtime due to power problems while minimizing stranded power capacity at the cabinet-level. Busways can also be connected to building management systems (BMS) or data center infrastructure monitoring (DCIM) systems to monitor all loads in the power path, issue alerts when thresholds are exceeded, and collect a variety of metrics to visualize trends and generate reports.
Overhead busways also facilitate airflow in the data center. When power is distributed under a raised floor system, the wires can restrict airflow and create hotspots. Overhead busways save energy by allowing the cooling system to operate more efficiently.
How Rahi Can Help
Rahi has extensive experience in the design and buildout of data center infrastructure, including electrical systems. We offer a comprehensive suite of power distribution solutions, including RPPs and busways, that allow for faster installation and greater flexibility in today’s dynamic data center environment.
More importantly, Rahi’s power distribution experts are here to help. Our team has completed projects for some of the world’s largest hyperscale data centers. We can apply that expertise to data centers of all sizes, and help you select the right RPPs, busways, PDUs, UPSs, and other solutions to meet your power requirements.
Rigid, purpose-built power distribution systems are showing their limitations in the modern data center. IT managers simply cannot afford long lead times and complex changes. Remote power panels and overhead busways provide the flexibility and scalability to create a more agile environment.
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