2) The power supply equipment has been operating inefficiently for a long time, resulting in serious power waste.
For data centers, pursuing lower PUE and operating costs is a perpetual task for CIOs. The UPS input power supply system, consisting of input transformers and ATS switches, and the UPS power supply system, consisting of the UPS and its corresponding input and output distribution cabinets, account for approximately 10% of the total power consumption required by the data center. Of this, about 7% comes from the UPS power supply system and about 3% from the UPS input power supply system. For large data centers, reducing UPS power supply losses can effectively improve PUE and save on electricity costs.
In reality, for most data centers, the actual operating load rate of UPS systems rarely exceeds 40%. Especially for data centers with high reliability requirements, traditional power distribution systems are often designed with a 2N architecture, resulting in UPS operating load rates even lower than 20%. Furthermore, the actual efficiency of most traditional UPS systems at around 20% load is generally below 85%. Therefore, in actual data center operations, most UPS systems operate at low efficiency for extended periods, leading to significant electricity waste. It is estimated that for a small 200kW data center, increasing the actual operating efficiency of the UPS to over 95% could save 300,000 yuan in electricity costs annually.
3) It is bulky and difficult to install and maintain.
Traditional industrial frequency UPS systems typically employ a tower structure, and their built-in transformers often result in bulky and difficult-to-transport and install UPS units. For high-power UPS systems, the excessive weight often necessitates the use of heavy machinery for hoisting; if transport aisles are narrow, it may even require breaking through the server room walls for transport. Therefore, once initially installed, expansion is virtually impossible. However, for rapidly growing businesses, especially internet companies, future uncertainties often demand that infrastructure also possess the ability to expand as needed, a requirement that traditional UPS systems clearly cannot meet. The introduction of Tencent’s micro-module concept and the widespread application of HVDC undoubtedly reflect this trend towards rapid construction, rapid expansion, and rapid maintenance.