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A Comparison of AC and DC Power Distribution in the Data Center Outline
Course Description The quest for improved efficiency of data centers has encouraged a climate of innovation in data center power and cooling technologies. In the early 1990s, manufacturers and engineers have suggested a conversion of the data center power architecture to DC from the existing AC. Despite a predicted a widespread adoption of a DC standard for data center power and evidence that a change to DC distribution is advantageous, the usage of DC relative to AC has declined.
Recently, new proposals have been made based on high voltage DC distribution. These methods overcome some of the earlier problems with DC power. However, The latest high efficiency AC and DC power distribution architectures are shown to have virtually the same efficiency, suggesting that a move to a DC-based architecture is unwarranted on the basis of efficiency.
Course Outline Learning Objectives At the completion of this course, you will be able to: Identify the high efficiency power distribution options for AC and DC distribution systems Explain the considerations for comparing distribution systems including Cost Compatibility Reliability Efficiency Use an AC vs. DC data center efficiency calculator Recognize issues with past studies of AC and DC efficiency
Agenda Introduction Background of AC vs. DC power distribution systems The two high efficiency power distribution systems for AC and DC Considerations for comparing power distribution systems Cost Compatibility Reliability Efficiency Issues with previous findings Summary
Course Content or Material
2013 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved. All trademarks provided are the property of their respective owners.
1) Introduction a. Methods of power distribution b. Impact on total electrical power consumption 2) Background a. Historically observed inefficiencies b. Recent advances c. DC distribution i. Three Premises ii. Revelations 3) The Two High Efficiency Power Distribution Options a. 400 / 230 V AC distribution system b. 380 V DC distribution system 4) Considerations for Comparing Distribution Systems a. Cost analysis i. Engineering and wiring distribution costs ii. Servers and storage iii. Distributing wiring to IT equipment b. Compatibility analysis i. IT equipment ii. Cooling equipment c. Reliability analysis i. Architecture UPS modules connected to a parallel array of battery strings d. Efficiency analysis i. Preview of the Analysis The three power path segments Efficiency data for the model Baseline operating load for the model ii. The Efficiency of the UPS AC UPS efficiency value DC UPS efficiency value iii. Efficiency of the Distribution Wiring Electrical loss estimation Results of analysis iv. Efficiency of the IT Power Supply AC IT power supply DC IT power supply v. Overall Power Path Efficiency Comparison UPS, distribution wiring and IT power supply vi. Overall Data Center Power Consumption Impact
2013 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved. All trademarks provided are the property of their respective owners. Computing the reduction in electrical consumption vii. Efficiency Calculator viii. Special Consideration for North America Lower power distribution efficiency (a) Modifications ix. Effect of IT Load Variation on Efficiency AC vs. DC at different IT operating loads 5) Confidence in Findings a. Three key values i. AC UPS systems ii. DC UPS systems iii. IT power supply 6) Issues with previous studies 7) Conclusion