In the digital age, the data center is like the operation center of a city, supporting the storage, processing and transmission of massive information. Inside the huge and complex data center, there is a crucial but often overlooked device-the power distribution unit (PDU), which can be called the “heart” of the data center. Although it is not eye-catching, it controls the “lifeline” of every device.
Data center PDU (Power Distribution Unit) is one of the key equipment in data centers. Simply put, it is a distribution device that accurately distributes electrical energy from mains power or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to multiple output sockets, meeting the power needs of various load devices such as servers, network switches, routers, storage devices, etc. The layout of modern data centers consists of rows of racks and cabinets, which poses difficulties in supplying power to IT equipment. The existence of PDUs ensures that each device can receive stable and reliable power supply, which is extremely important. PDU is usually installed in a rack mounted manner inside the cabinet. From the appearance, it looks like a row of power sockets with enhanced functions, but in reality, it contains high technology and exquisite design, which is a key element in ensuring the stable operation of data centers.
Imagine in a large data center, hundreds or thousands of servers are running at high speeds simultaneously, each with a continuous daily stable demand for electricity. Any momentary power fluctuation, uneven distribution, or power outage can lead to catastrophic consequences such as data loss and system crashes. The responsibility of PDU is to ensure that each device receives the appropriate amount of power supply, without overloading causing danger or undervoltage affecting operation. It is a rigorous power “steward” silently guarding the power order of the data center.
1. Basic functions of PDU
(1) Electricity distribution
The core function of PDU is power distribution, which obtains power from the mains or UPS in the computer room and accurately delivers it to the devices connected to each slot in the cabinet. It’s like the trunk of a big tree, evenly delivering nutrients drawn from the roots to every branch and leaf.
Taking a common 19 inch standard cabinet as an example, there may be multiple servers, switches, storage devices, etc. installed inside, each with different power requirements. PDU is usually equipped with output sockets of different specifications, such as common national standard 10A, 16A, as well as C13, C19, etc. suitable for server power interfaces, which can adapt to various IT equipment plugs, ensuring that each device can find a suitable “power interface”. A PDU with 20 output sockets can supply power to 20 devices simultaneously, meeting the power needs of different devices in the cabinet and ensuring the stable operation of the entire cabinet system.