When choosing low-voltage distribution and power panels to supply a data center’s servers, what truly makes an investment profitable?
Purchase cost is not the only criterion to consider. Adopting yesterday’s specifications for the sake of economies of scale can limit opportunities for innovative solutions that bring real added value throughout the entire life cycle of the installation.
The safety of the installation and of operators is essential. Differentiation between solutions can be based on criteria such as resistance to internal arcs, which not only protect people but, above all, prevent prolonged downtime of an installation, often lasting several weeks.
Availability is just as important. This means selecting solutions that can be maintained quickly without impacting other circuits. A modular design enables easy maintenance and upgrades without disrupting the entire system. Certain service indices indicate the possibility of testing automation systems without electrical load, which is particularly useful during commissioning.
A main low-voltage (LV) distribution panel is flexible when it allows electrical circuits to be easily reconfigured and power distribution adjusted according to changes in the data center’s infrastructure. These characteristics are consistent with a high degree of mobility or a service index close to IS333.
Faced with labor shortages, monitoring and maintenance teams are multi-skilled but less specialized. The modular structure of panels with a high service index makes it possible to consider functional units in withdrawable drawers that are easier and safer to handle. In addition, drawer-based structures are less sensitive to changes in equipment ranges over the life cycle of the installation.
Replacing an identical functional solution within the same functional unit ensures long-term durability, regardless of the brand of electrical components selected.
To control investment and reduce footprint, panels must be compact, offering improved thermal performance. They must handle different degrees of mobility or service indices within the same panel. If necessary, these power panels can be complemented by EVOBLOC-COMECILIC PDU solutions, which provide greater compactness and can be scalable while energized.
To control investment and reduce footprint, panels must be compact, offering improved thermal performance. They must manage different degrees of mobility or service indices within the same panel. If required, these power panels can be complemented by EVOBLOC-COMECILIC PDU solutions, which offer greater compactness and can evolve while under voltage.