Power Distribution Unit
INTRODUCTION
The rPDU does not generate power but rather distributes power from the power source available. In a typical data center environment, the rPDU is connected to an upstream Power Distribution Unit (PDU) commonly referred to as a floor PDU. The floor PDU distributes power from the utility during normal operation.
Metered rack Power Distribution Units (PDUs) provide real-time remote monitoring of connected loads. User-defined alarms warn of potential circuit overloads before critical IT failures occur.
During an outage, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) picks up the power load while the generator ramps up to begin providing ~~power to the facility. The floor PDU is similar to the circuit breaker panel in your home and breaks down the available power intocircuits so electricity can be distributed throughout the facility. The generator is used for redundancy in case utility power is lost. Poweris distributed through the facility from the floor PDU, and the rPDU is connected downstream. The rPDU then distributes power to the IT equipment in each individual cabinet and rack.
FEATURES
An rPDU can be classified as basic, metered, monitored, or switched. At the core, the rPDU offers reliable power distribution atthe
rack while more intelligent rPDUs add remote monitoring capabilities, energy management, and future proof design platforms.
- I. Alternating Outlets
- II. Locking Outlets
- III. Small Footprint
- IV. Environmental Monitoring
- V. Out-of-Band Communication
- VI. Fault-Tolerant Daisy Chaining
INFORMATIONS
As data center environments become more dynamic and complex, many organizations are putting pressure on data center managers to improve availability while reducing costs and boosting efficiency. Next generation high density servers and networking equipment have increased the demand for higher rack densities and overall facility power requirements. High density configurations provide improved levels of performance and capacity, but this creates the need for more effective power delivery. As a result, the features and functionality available on an rPDU become increasingly more important to achieve efficient power distribution to respond to changes in data center capacities and densities.
Key concept of selecting the right PDU:
- Horizontal Mount vs Vertical Mount
- Power Requirements
- Power Configurations
