In summer, data centers not only need to ensure safe and stable operation under high temperatures and heavy rainfall, but also face pressure to reduce overall operating costs. However, many data center tenders do not list PDUs (Power Distribution Units) separately from other equipment such as UPS, racks, and cabinets. The required PDU parameters are also very vague, sometimes only specifying the power socket. This causes significant problems later on: incompatibility with equipment, non-standard power distribution, and severe budget shortfalls. All of these issues stem from the fact that neither the tendering party nor the client understands how to select the appropriate PDU power supply.
How do PDUs help data centers weather the summer heat?
Using a smart PDU can help data centers safely weather the summer. A smart PDU, also known as a remote-controlled power outlet, is a product designed to meet the needs of data center micro-environment monitoring applications. It adds current, voltage, external temperature and humidity monitoring to the traditional data center power PDU, and allows for remote independent control of the power interface.
1. Compared to basic PDUs, intelligent PDUs exhibit irreplaceable advantages:
Basic PDUs only provide basic power distribution functions; while intelligent PDUs, in addition to providing current, voltage and power protection, also offer advanced functions such as power metering, environmental monitoring and remote port control, enabling effective and reliable operation monitoring and management of the entire data center. This helps reduce data center operating costs, improve uptime and reliability, improve mean time to repair (MTTR), make data center power usage more efficient, and also realize the management of existing data center capacity and assets.
2. The intelligent PDU features a robust mechanical design, capable of withstanding the harshest external conditions:
Advanced input cable connectors offer stress relief and durability, providing greater functionality compared to common, low-cost clamp-on mechanisms. The robust side panel of the chassis, without perforations or vents, prevents particulate matter from contacting internal conductors, eliminating short circuits and ensuring safe heat dissipation. Its compact size and excellent access and airflow characteristics facilitate physical installation. It withstands extreme ambient temperatures (60°C/140°F) and operates safely even under high density and continuous load conditions. The alternating phase design of the output socket wiring facilitates cable bundling and improves load balancing efficiency.
3. Leverage powerful monitoring and management functions to ensure safe and efficient operation and maintenance during the summer:
The socket port output stage power monitoring detects actual redundancy, implements the most effective load balancing, and provides detailed information on each power supply to the server; Gigabit Ethernet ports, with auxiliary network connections as backup, ensure monitoring reliability and enable simultaneous insight sharing for IT network and building management; the efficient and intuitive Power IQ management interface allows for real-time checks on device energy consumption, hotspots, and PUE, and balances heat and power loads.
How to choose a PDU power supply?
(1) Choose a product that suits your specific circumstances;
(2) Choose products from reputable manufacturers (of course, some manufacturers may be reputable, but PDUs may not be their specialty products, so you should be careful when choosing. Just because a veterinarian is a doctor doesn’t mean he is a famous doctor and you shouldn’t seek his medical help).
(3) The state has relevant quality testing and certification for various products. When choosing PDU products, you should first check the manufacturer’s qualifications and then check the product’s quality certification. Choosing regular products is safer.
(4) After summarizing the above, learn about the after-sales service of the relevant products (no matter how good the product is, no one can guarantee that it will never break down, so after-sales service is also a key issue. Remember that after-sales service cannot be just talk; it is recommended to put it into practice and put it into writing).