3.4 Power Resiliency

Power Resiliency

The foundation of all computing systems, and ensuring its availability is critical.

• Data centers are carefully engineered to meet the power demands of all connected systems.

• However, since power from local utility providers can be unpredictable, organizations must plan for outages of varying lengths

• Ensure that services remain operational regardless of external power issues.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Provides backup power when the main power source fails.

• It helps protect systems during blackouts, brownouts (low voltage), and power surges (high voltage).

There are several types of systems based on need and budget:

• Offline/Standby: Uses main power by default and switches to battery when power fails.

• Line-Interactive: Can slowly increase the amount of voltage if you happen to see a drop on your main power line.

• Online/Double-Conversion: Always runs from battery power.

Generators

Provides long-term power backup.

• As long as you have fuel, it will continue to provide you with power.

• Some are large enough to power an entire building or a section of outlets inside of the building.

  
  

  
  

Which One?

Most organizations will take advantage of both types of power backups, both the UPS and the generator.

• The power outage tends to cause the generator to turn on. But there’s a ramp-up process while the generator is starting up. And during that time frame, you may be without power for about a minute.

• So you can use your UPS to cover that time frame when the generator is not running.

• And then, once the generator provides power to the building, everything can move over to generator power.