Medium-voltage distribution reduces current and space losses. As voltage increases, the current required to achieve the same power level decreases. A static UPS modular design allows for a simple grid-to-load interface replacement from low-voltage (LV) to medium-voltage components, keeping the essential components and storage identical to those for low-voltage applications. In this approach, the proven and familiar reliability features and maintenance experience of low-voltage UPSs are retained, while achieving the advantages of medium-voltage distribution.
Advantages of medium voltage UPS technology
Over the past decade, the rapid growth of online internet activity has led to a surge in space and power demands for data center operations. Consequently, power density has increased dramatically, making cooling crucial for these data centers. Economies of scale have resulted in significant growth in single-location data centers, with demand for secure power reaching tens of megawatts. Integrating medium-voltage UPS systems to protect these critical applications will reduce feeder current carrying capacity. Another advantage of MV UPS systems is their centralized nature, which facilitates management of floor load and provides flexibility in floor planning.
One of the major cost challenges for data centers or manufacturing facilities is the efficient use of floor space. Reducing the space occupied by infrastructure equipment frees up additional space for IT or manufacturing equipment. Typically, the available space for UPS systems is limited, especially in existing buildings, while the power requirements of data centers continue to increase. Therefore, high-power, compact, MV static UPS products are well-suited to overcome this challenge. Modern static MV UPS systems also extensively utilize low-voltage components, including standard and proven low-voltage units used throughout the power supply, energy storage, and control systems.
Besides carbon footprint, power loss is another important consideration for data centers. This is especially true for data centers requiring long-distance power distribution, where the costs associated with power loss can be significant. For even longer distances, the impact of cable costs increases, making medium-voltage power distribution more effective.
Typical MV applications that have emerged in the current economic environment
The design and operation philosophies of large data centers are very similar. Therefore, many design options are possible, including implementing UPS functionality at medium voltage and distributing power from MV to facilities on each floor of the building. Transformers, aided by static transfer switches located close to the IT equipment, can be used to create an isolated, redundant backup line with two alternative power paths to the load.
MV UPS may be key to all future large-scale applications.
Increasing power density and total power demand at a single site, coupled with the rising demand for high-reliability power from IT, business, and production equipment, is a current trend. Power supply systems must respond with appropriate UPS and distribution designs. High-power, low-voltage systems lead to current limitations in the distribution process and often require bridging over long distances, but adopting a medium-voltage level from the outset is a more suitable technical solution. Medium-voltage systems reduce the size and losses in cables, improving the efficiency of the distribution network. Furthermore, the use of integrated high-power medium-voltage UPS systems can reduce the number of components, such as switching devices and cabling. The basic components of a modern static MV UPS, including power supply and energy storage, are derived from standard and proven low-voltage equipment. This MV UPS allows for a clear configuration layout for high-power systems while maintaining the complexity of their management.
Products like ABB’s PCS100 MV UPS are available in multi-megawatt ranges, offering tailored solutions for large IT, enterprise, and large data centers. These products are designed to provide clean, reliable, and efficient power to high-power-consuming customers at a lower total cost. By offering modularity, modern UPS systems offer customers the advantage of lower upfront costs, allowing them to flexibly expand their infrastructure as their business grows. Single-transfer topologies are a natural choice for medium voltage because losses are very low, meaning efficiencies well over 99% are achievable.