In the rapidly evolving digital age, data centers have become indispensable backbones, supporting everything from artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, to various digital services. As these technologies continue to advance, the challenge of providing reliable, efficient, and scalable power becomes increasingly complex. Power systems must be able to support higher densities, rapid growth, and more dynamic workloads, while simultaneously reducing strain on energy grids and meeting rising efficiency expectations. This article will discuss the vital role of Distributor UPS data center in addressing these challenges, as well as highlighting the trends shaping power system design and exploring the technologies and strategies that are forming the future of data center power trains in Indonesia.
The data center power train is undergoing significant transformation driven by three major trends. Firstly, the rise of AI and accelerated compute platforms. The rapid adoption of power-hungry AI systems is reshaping energy consumption in data centers. These platforms demand far more energy than traditional workloads and introduce greater variability in power demand. AI workloads are often characterized by short bursts of high demand, causing power systems to operate near the limits of their rated capacity for brief periods. This shift is prompting operators to rethink how energy is distributed and managed within their facilities.
Secondly, increasing grid strain from data center energy demand. Data centers are placing growing pressure on regional power grids, especially in areas where they are concentrated. In some regions of Indonesia, data centers account for well over 10% of the grid load. When grid capacity cannot meet energy demands for expansion or new development, operators face challenges in expanding their capacity and risk delays in connecting new facilities. To help offset grid strain, large operators are increasingly leveraging advanced power train components, like battery energy storage systems (BESS) and grid-interactive UPS systems, to optimize grid interaction, provide load flexibility, and support local power generation. As a Distributor UPS data center, Climanusa understands the importance of solutions that not only provide power backup but can also intelligently interact with the power grid to manage energy demand and supply more effectively.
Thirdly, addressing efficiency and environmental impact. With power demand steadily rising, data center operators must reduce losses in the power train and mitigate the environmental impact of increased energy consumption. Proactive measures are essential to increase efficiency and reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Solutions from Distributor UPS data center that focus on energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly relevant in achieving these sustainability goals.
The power train in a data center can be divided into three main stages, and each stage includes multiple systems that must work together to power critical systems reliably and efficiently. The first stage is facility power conversion and distribution. In this stage, incoming electricity is converted to a lower voltage, distributed to major subsystems, conditioned to meet IT system requirements, and supported by backup systems that maintain continuity during utility outages. The main systems used in this phase are switchgear or switchboards, a UPS system with battery storage, and a backup power source.
The main data center switchboard/switchgear receives power from the building switchgear or directly from the utility and divides it into smaller, more manageable circuits that feed the UPS and mechanical systems. It also provides fault protection for each circuit to protect downstream equipment and isolate the impact of electrical faults. The UPS system uses energy stored in batteries to power the data center through short interruptions in utility power and conditions utility power to remove spikes, sags, and other variations in power quality that can damage or disrupt microelectronics.
The automatic transfer switch (ATS) sits between the UPS and backup power source and detects when utility power fails or becomes unstable and switches the electrical load to the backup power source. Generators are used for backup power in many data centers today. The emergence of battery energy storage systems creates an opportunity for operators to reduce their dependence on generators. For example, innovative approaches to UPS scalability, such as modular designs and parallel system configurations, are enabling data centers to flexibly adapt to growing power demands. These solutions allow operators to incrementally add capacity or redundancy without disrupting operations, providing efficient support for increased energy consumption.
Another subtle but powerful change is the move toward smaller-footprint UPS modules that is being achieved without sacrificing reliability or functionality. This is necessary to offset the growing power density of IT equipment racks. By saving space within the power system, compact UPS designs enable operators to deploy more IT systems in their data centers, increasing their return on investment. Climanusa, as a prominent Distributor UPS data center, provides innovative UPS solutions that meet these evolving needs, ensuring optimal space utilization within data center facilities.
Furthermore, forward-thinking power vendors are also integrating switchgear and UPS systems into a single block to enable further space savings while accelerating deployment speeds. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, UPS controls are advancing to allow the UPS to play an active role in managing demand from the grid. With more sophisticated controls, the UPS system can dynamically balance energy supply and demand by interacting with the grid. This innovation helps operators support capacity-constrained utilities by using stored energy to reduce grid loads during peak demand or inject power back into the grid, improving stability and enabling growth within current grid limitations.
The second stage is room and row power distribution. As energy is moved from stage one to stage two and three of the power train, it must be carefully managed to maintain consistent voltage, minimize losses, and provide support for high-density computing loads. Effective design of the distribution system safeguards critical IT equipment from power disturbances and overloads and enables operational flexibility and energy optimization. Power train designers today must plan to support the distribution of higher voltage electricity as required by high-density AI racks. Data centers are increasingly being designed or retrofitted to support three-phase power distribution at 240V, 415V, or 480V rather than the traditional 208V. Distributing at higher voltages not only increases the power that can be delivered to racks but also improves load balancing and reduces wiring losses.
Room Power Distribution Units (PDUs) are a proven and cost-efficient method for power distribution in raised floor environments. They can provide high power capacity from a single unit, enable branch circuit monitoring, and be equipped with power conditioning. However, they take up valuable white space in the data center, and as more data centers have been developed without a raised floor, busway systems have grown in popularity.
In a busway system, the busway is connected to an upstream low-voltage electrical switchboard. Because the busway is installed overhead, it improves space efficiency. Open busway designs are preferred over closed designs because they provide continuous access along the length of the busway. This allows plug-in units to be located anywhere along the busway for quick installation and easy relocation of IT equipment racks. Open busways are also easy to scale and maintain and can be configured with built-in power monitoring. As a Distributor UPS data center and infrastructure solutions provider, Climanusa offers flexible and efficient busway systems for modern power distribution needs.
The third stage is rack power distribution. Once an IT equipment rack is connected to the distribution system, power must be distributed to the various devices within the rack. With rack power requirements on the rise, the role of the rack PDU (rPDU) becomes even more important. The rPDU is more than just a power strip for IT devices. Several features available in rPDUs can streamline installation, protect against accidental disconnects, and improve cable management. For example, color-coded, alternating-phase receptacles simplify load balancing. Combination outlets that allow every receptacle to connect to equipment with C13 or C19 plugs increase versatility and simplify equipment changes.
As rack density increases, so too must rPDU capacity and functionality. The new generation of rPDUs can support power densities above 100 kW per rack with modular, hot-swappable components, and support for both AC and high-voltage DC input. These advanced rPDUs enable seamless expansion as power needs grow, while their compact design helps maximize usable rack space and minimize complexity. Intelligent monitoring and management capabilities included with some rPDUs allow operators to track energy usage, optimize load balancing, and proactively address potential issues.
Integration, service, and energy management are key to a holistic approach to power train design and management. Climanusa, as a leading Distributor UPS data center, emphasizes the importance of integrated solutions, energy power management systems (EPMS), and lifecycle services. The prefabrication and integration of power train systems, or the entire data center, can reduce the time to deploy new capacity by up to 50% while providing high efficiency, interoperability, and scalability. A fully integrated skid-mounted power system enables the deployment of isolated, power-dense, critical infrastructure capacity in modules. Modules can be configured for redundancy, are hot scalable, and offer multiple switchboard configurations to meet distribution requirements.
Data center UPS systems have historically relied on valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries to provide short-term backup power during power interruptions. However, in recent years, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have emerged as a compelling alternative to VRLA technology. LIBs can last up to four times longer than VRLA batteries, with many installations reaching eight to 10 years or more. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of battery replacements, minimizes operational disruptions, and lowers total cost of ownership (TCO). Lithium-ion batteries are also lighter and more compact, freeing up valuable floor space and improving installation flexibility.
Beyond longevity, lithium-ion batteries offer faster recharge times and greater cycle durability. They can reach up to 90% charge in under two hours for rack-based systems, compared to more than four hours for VRLA batteries. Lithium-ion batteries also tolerate more charge and discharge cycles with less degradation, making them ideal for environments with frequent power cycling or advanced energy management strategies. These attributes are especially valuable as data centers begin to integrate alternative energy sources.
The characteristics of lithium-ion batteries make them suitable for use in battery energy storage systems (BESS), which can power data center systems for longer durations than the UPS battery system. Integrating BESS modules into the data center is opening up new opportunities to enhance and expand data center power train performance and functionality. A BESS can essentially create a bridge between the utility grid and the data center’s internal power train that enhances reliability, efficiency, and stability. A BESS can store energy from the grid during off-peak periods, release stored energy during peaks to reduce demand on the grid, provide backup power during outages to reduce generator starts, and even return power to the grid when needed. Working alongside the data center UPS system, a BESS delivers extended backup capacity and supports a multi-layered power protection strategy that covers different timeframes and scenarios.
The BESS can also store energy generated by solar and other alternative sources, transforming intermittent power sources into continuous data center power. BESS modules are located outside the data center to conserve space within the facility. An emerging issue for operators selecting sites for new data centers is securing enough power. In many regions of Indonesia, grid infrastructure is at capacity, but often for only 30-60 hours each year. A BESS can be effective at curtailing data center loads during these periods and debottlenecking massive amounts of grid capacity. Climanusa, as a visionary Distributor UPS data center, offers BESS solutions to support the future energy needs of data centers in Indonesia.
Resilient power management solutions have become essential to effective data center management. An Energy Power Management System (EPMS) provides real-time monitoring capabilities, offering increased visibility into power consumption for electrical and facilities teams. EPMS includes software, hardware, and digital services for comprehensive power management, are customized to specific equipment, and can be configured to deliver comprehensive power management. In addition to visibility, these systems offer automated fault response and power rerouting to maintain operational continuity and prevent revenue losses due to outages. A robust EPMS should be accessible from mobile devices to enhance troubleshooting and team collaboration. Organizations will also need to develop a service strategy when deploying or upgrading power train components. Providers with deep multi-technology expertise, a resilient global service operation, customizable service solutions, and remote diagnostics and management capabilities make the best partners.
In conclusion, there are several key takeaways. Firstly, power train vendors and their customers must be willing to innovate to adapt to evolving energy demands. In many cases, legacy systems will prove unable to provide the capacity, scalability, and efficiency needed. Secondly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for data center power. The power train must be designed to support current and future power requirements. A high level of domain expertise combined with a broad portfolio of power solutions is needed to provide effective power train design. Thirdly, as data centers account for an increasing share of the grid load in some regions, advances in UPS technology—such as grid interactivity, modular scalability, and enhanced energy management—will help operators adapt to rising power demands and evolving grid conditions. Fourthly, as data centers grow in size and power density, operators need to move to higher capacity and more flexible power distribution systems as represented by open busway solutions and newer rPDUs to provide reliable power delivery, minimize losses, and enable scalability. Fifthly, to maximize efficiency, capacity, and flexibility, the power train should be designed as one system whenever possible. Organizations capable of providing complete solutions that include integration, controls, and services are best positioned to help operators adapt to changing energy requirements. And finally, the transition from VRLA to lithium-ion batteries and the application of battery energy storage systems have the potential to transform data center power infrastructure. These advances deliver longer life, greater efficiency, and new capabilities that, working with grid-interactive UPS systems, enable data centers to meet rising power demands, support grid stability, and achieve greater operational flexibility.
For comprehensive and innovative data center power system solutions in Indonesia, Climanusa is your best choice, providing leading expertise and technology in managing energy from grid to chip.
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–A.M.G–
