Reliable Power In Data Centers : Data Survival In Emergency Conditions

When it comes to data centers, uninterrupted power supply is of paramount importance. In emergency situations, such as natural disasters or power outages, the need for reliable backup power becomes critical. Smart grid technologies and standards that help data centers maintain emergency power, ensuring the smooth operation of vital systems.

ANSI/BICSI 002-2019: The Backbone of Data Center Power Infrastructure

The ANSI/BICSI 002-2019 standard serves as the backbone for designing and implementing the power infrastructure in data centers. It provides comprehensive guidelines for power distribution, cabling, and grounding systems, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of power delivery. With its focus on safety and performance, this standard acts as a cornerstone in the construction of robust data center power systems.

Uptime Institute: Elevating Data Center Resilience

Data centers rely on the Uptime Institute's Tier Classification System to evaluate and improve their resilience to power disruptions. This globally recognized standard helps data center operators identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate risks. By adhering to the Uptime Institute's recommendations, data centers can enhance their emergency power capabilities and ensure uninterrupted operations, even in the face of unexpected events.

Uptime Institute Data Center Tier levels are:

Tier I

A Tier I data center is the basic capacity level with infrastructure to support information technology for an office setting and beyond. The requirements for a Tier I facility include:

• An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for power sags, outages, and spikes.
• An area for IT systems.
• Dedicated cooling equipment that runs outside office hours.
• An engine generator for power outages.

Tier I protects against disruptions from human error, but not unexpected failure or outage. Redundant equipment includes chillers, pumps, UPS modules, and engine generators. The facility will have to shut down completely for preventive maintenance and repairs, and failure to do so increases the risk of unplanned disruptions and severe consequences from system failure.

Tier II

Tier II facilities cover redundant capacity components for power and cooling that provide better maintenance opportunities and safety against disruptions. These components include:

• Engine generators.
• Energy storage.
• Chillers.
• Cooling units.
• UPS modules.
• Pumps.
• Heat rejection equipment.
• Fuel tanks.
• Fuel cells.

The distribution path of Tier II serves a critical environment, and the components can be removed without shutting it down. Like a Tier I facility, unexpected shutdown of a Tier II data center will affect the system.

Tier III

A Tier III data center is concurrently maintainable with redundant components as a key differentiator, with redundant distribution paths to serve the critical environment. Unlike Tier I and Tier II, these facilities require no shutdowns when equipment needs maintenance or replacement. The components of Tier III are added to Tier II components so that any part can be shut down without impacting IT operation.

Tier IV

A Tier IV data center has several independent and physically isolated systems that act as redundant capacity components and distribution paths. The separation is necessary to prevent an event from compromising both systems. The environment will not be affected by a disruption from planned and unplanned events. However, if the redundant components or distribution paths are shut down for maintenance, the environment may experience a higher risk of disruption if a failure occurs.

Tier IV facilities add fault tolerance to the Tier III topology. When a piece of equipment fails, or there is an interruption in the distribution path, IT operations will not be affected. All of the IT equipment must have a fault-tolerant power design to be compatible. Tier IV data centers also require continuous cooling to make the environment stable.

NFPA 75 and 76: Safeguarding Data Centers with Compliance

Both NFPA 75 and NFPA 76 acknowledge the significance of maintaining the integrity of electrical circuits for life safety systems. To protect these circuits effectively, it is essential

to implement the following measures:

1. Emergency Lighting – “… NFPA 76 6.7 … shall be provided in the telecommunications facility in accordance with NFPA 101”
2. Fire-Resistant Cable Protection: Using fire-resistant cables and conduits helps to mitigate the risk of fire spread and maintain the functionality of life safety circuits during emergency situations. – (See NFPA 76 8.8.2 Wire And Cable for criteria. NFPA 75 and NFPA 76 regularly refer to NFPA 70, NFPA 72 and NFPA 101 for coordination of protection.)
3. Reliable Power Backup: Backup power systems, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and emergency generators, should be in place to ensure continuous power supply to life safety circuits, even in the event of a primary power failure. (See NFPA 76NFPA 76 8.8.2 Wire And Cable for criteria.(NFPA 75 and NFPA 76 regularly refer to NFPA 70, NFPA 72 and NFPA 101 for coordination of protection. NFPA 75 and NFPA 76 focus on a “Performance Based Assessment” of the facility for determination on the fire protection and backup requirements)
4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Routine inspections and maintenance of electrical circuits for life safety systems are essential to identify and address any potential hazards or deficiencies that may compromise their functionality.

Smart Grid Technologies: Empowering Data Centers in Emergencies

Smart grid technologies offer innovative solutions for data centers to optimize their power usage and enhance emergency response capabilities. Advanced metering systems, for instance, enable real-time monitoring of power consumption, facilitating effective load management during emergencies. Additionally, integrating renewable energy sources and energy storage systems into the smart grid infrastructure can further bolster data centers' resilience and sustainability.

Final Thoughts

In the dynamic world of data centers, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during emergencies is vital. By complying to standards like ANSI/BICSI 002-2019, leveraging the expertise of the Uptime Institute, and complying with the NEC, data centers can fortify their emergency power infrastructure and mitigate potential risks. Embracing smart grid technologies adds an extra layer of resilience, enabling data centers to weather any storm. Remember, in the realm of data centers, a robust emergency power system is the key to keeping the digital world connected and thriving.

References

1. ANSI/BICSI 002-2019: BICSI Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices, https://www.bicsi.org/standards/bicsi-standards-overview/bicsi-standards-download-page/ansi-bicsi-002-2019 ?
2. Uptime Institute: Tier Classification System, https://uptimeinstitute.com/tiers ?
3. NEC (National Electrical Code): NFPA 70, https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70 ?
4. NFPA 75: Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment Website: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=75
5. NFPA 76: Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities Website: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=76

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