As computing, storage, and analytics demands grow, data center rack space becomes increasingly tight, leaving little room for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The problem is, the more capacity you pack into a rack cabinet, the more powerful the UPS you need. This challenge is particularly acute at edge computing sites, where IT is often deployed in compact spaces such as closets, break rooms, or even under someone’s desk.
IT planners often overlook the footprint and weight requirements of a UPS. Then, when it’s time to deploy a UPS device, they realize they didn’t allocate enough space, especially when capacity requirements approach 5kVA and a larger UPS is needed. This can cause some headaches for administrators, as the UPS is critical to protecting edge computing infrastructure.
Thankfully, there is a solution. New technologies such as wide bandgap semiconductors and lithium-ion batteries make it possible to achieve higher density in smaller packages. Additionally, wide bandgap chips enable devices with higher power density and can operate at higher temperatures than traditional semiconductors. This technology helps reduce device size and weight. At the same time, lithium-ion batteries take up 80% less space than lead-acid batteries because they are more dense.
Increased demand for high performance computing
The demand for higher capacity is increasing, as the average density per rack has roughly tripled between 2011 and 2020. Drivers include high-performance computing and other technological advances, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
These technological advances require massive amounts of processing power as computers sift through vast amounts of unstructured data collected from a variety of sources, including IoT devices and cloud-based systems. When real-time processing and analysis is required, data is processed at the edge of the network, bringing capacity close to the data source and user to avoid latency.
There is a growing demand for real-time processing in a variety of scenarios, such as flow meters used to measure the volume flow of fluids on pipelines and sensors used to track the health and performance of manufacturing equipment.
Additionally, facial recognition technology in retail stores connected to LED smart shelves can deliver customized offers to shoppers’ smartphones via mobile apps. Another application of the technology is facial recognition in stadiums. It enables season ticket holders and VIPs to access fast lanes, while crowd analysis software combined with wireless technology helps ease crowd congestion.
New UPS Models for Edge Computing
New UPS models with these technologies are ideal for edge computing deployments. Thanks to wide bandgap chips and lithium-ion batteries, these devices are 30% smaller and 50% lighter than previous models, and deliver 1.5 times the power. In addition, the rotating LCD display allows you to mount the device vertically or horizontally, keeping the numbers and letters on the display facing up, giving you more UPS placement options.
With these features, this type of UPS model makes it easier to install power management solutions in edge computing environments, as space becomes increasingly tight due to higher computing requirements. As a result, companies with expanding edge environments don’t have to compromise on UPS capacity, knowing they have the protection they need as capacity needs grow.