Mission Critical Power

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ISSUE 9: February 2017

12

Risk and reward: Ian Bitterlin on the pros and cons of ‘eco-mode’ UPS

26

Smart energy: Can an AI startup and UK academia match mighty Google?

Scalable solutions Find out how modular UPS can help data centres balance resilience and efficiency. See page 14

34

Future proofing: Which new technologies deliver for critical infrastructure?

3

IN THIS ISSUE

16

08

Power Distribution

Infrastructure A new Docklands data centre is leading the way with pioneering air cooling, making it one of the greenest in the world.

Power management at the equipment level is a vital point in the power chain

06 News The National Grid will extend the period for its demand turnup (DTU) service

34 Data Centre Design Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and data centre designers must stay ahead of the game

21

missioncriticalpower.uk

ISSUE 9: February 2017

12

Risk and reward: Ian Bitterlin on the pros and cons of ‘eco-mode’ UPS

26

Smart energy: Can an AI startup and UK academia match mighty Google?

34

Future proofing: Which new technologies deliver for critical infrastructure?

Scalable solutions

Cooling

Find out how modular UPS can help data centres balance resilience and efficiency. See page 14

Scandinavian countries are becoming a key destination for data centre builds

26

14

Artificial Intelligence

Cover Story

Upside Energy founder Graham Oakes thinks UK academia can outsmart Silicon Valley

Riello’s Leo Craig discusses the role of modular UPS in helping to balance resilience and efficiency

Comment

4

Battery Management

News

6

Cooling & Air Movement

18

Demand-side Response

40

20

Data Centre World

48

Viewpoint

12

Power Quality

28

Products

50

Power Distribution

16

Modular Solutions

32

Q&A

54

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February 2017 MCP

4

COMMENT

Are we learning lessons?

Outages at data centres continue to hit businesses, resulting in huge financial losses. Having recently joined Mission Critical Power from the healthcare sector, where there are efforts to encourage a culture of 'shared learning and transparency', when mistakes occur, it appears that data centres could benefit from a similar approach ñ as there are still lessons to be learned.

Insurance software house SSP Worldwide recently came under fire for a series of failures, causing disruption to service users, and the company was quick to blame the data centre for its latest downtime. A co≠ location provider experienced a power outage that left customers unable to access SSPí s cloud≠ based insurance software services, on 19 January, which SSP attributed to engineers ì carrying out routine maintenanceî at the data centre site.

This latest issue is not an isolated case, however ñ the broking cloud platform, used to issue quotes and track customer policy renewals, experienced a series of incidents throughout August, September and November of last year. (Source: Computer Weekly). This latest power outage clearly enraged its customers, who were unable to trade as a result, and freely voiced their displeasure on Twitter for the world to see. The cost to the companyí s reputation is incalculable.

A previous report by the Ponemon Institute (sponsored

by Vertiv, formerly Emerson Network Power) suggested that the average cost of a single data

Editor Louise Frampton louise@energystmedia.com t: 020 34092043 m: 07824317819 Managing Editor Tim McManan-Smith tim@energystmedia.com Production Paul Lindsell production@energystmedia.com m: 07790 434813

MCP February 2017

Advertising manager Harry Powell harry@energystmedia.com t: 020 3771 1267 m: 07557 109746

centre outage is about $730,000 (£581,000) ñ an increase of 38% since 2010. The increase in the maximum downtime cost (£1,918,254) was even greater, climbing 81% over the same time period.

The potential scale of losses for individual organisations can be staggering ñ last year, Delta Airlines suffered a data centre outage that caused days of delays and disruption for its passengers, resulting in a loss of $150m (£119m). Closer to home in the UK, a faulty UPS at a London data centre also knocked 10% of BT internet subscribers offline, as well as a number of other providers on the morning of 20 July 2016.

Clearly, ensuring uptime of critical equipment must be a priority; UPS failure is still the most frequently cited cause of data centre outages. According to the Ponemon Institute survey (which was sponsored by Emerson Network Power), failures involving UPS systems and batteries caused 25% of outages in 2015, up from 24% in 2013 (although this was down from 29% in 2010).

While these cases serve as a wake≠ up call for others, the frequency of data centre outages caused by cybercrime is also growing and this is an area that the market must watch closely to avoid disaster.

Hackers are thought to have been behind a major blackout in the Ukraine, in December 2016.

So are data centre managers ready for this threat, now and in the future? There is already much work to be done, to learn key lessons on the threat posed 'within'. Looking forward, managers will need to be extra vigilant to the hidden threats lurking beyond the four walls of their data centre, if they are to avert downtime and, ultimately, the risk posed to clients' reputations and bottomline.

Louise Frampton, editor

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missioncriticalpower.uk

6

NEWS & COMMENT

National Grid extends demand turn-up Providers can bid for ‘fixed’ DTU contracts in February, which lock in prices for their availability throughout summer

National Grid will extend the period for its demand turn≠ up (DTU) service to run from March to October next year.

The system operator has also confirmed it aims to broadly double the 300MW it procured in 2016 and will provide two routes to market for providers.

The company has also lowered the minimum clip size for those participating in Firm Frequency Response (FFR) to 1MW. While most forms of balancing ask demand≠ side firms and power stations to adjust output or production when there is a shortage of

power, DTU aims to help balance the system when there is too much power to handle.

National Grid says that is a growing challenge.

The system operator therefore launched a DTU trial to run between May and September last year, during which 10,800MWh of response was called into action.

Initial procurement for next yearí s service will begin in February. However, after the first trial with distribution network operator (DNO) Western Power Distribution, the SO and the DNO have

outlined plans to tweak the bid process and payments structure.

Providers can bid for ë fixedí DTU contracts in February, which lock in prices for their availability throughout summer.

However, they can also bid for ë flexibleí DTU contracts on an ongoing basis every Friday and Tuesday between 27 March and 29 October. Providers can submit different availabilities within the same availability window, so can declare themselves available for parts of the windows and unavailable for others.

Meanwhile, although the minimum clip size for providers will remain 1MW, it will now be less constrained by location ñ so aggregators do not have to find that megawatt within the same grid supply point.

National Grid has previously indicated it would look to procure much more DTU in 2017. A Grid spokesperson confirmed that ì it is likely to doubleî .

See the summary of DTU trial and service changes at: http:// tinyurl.com/z4duj5u

Calls to simplify frequency response mechanisms National Grid has mooted rolling together its fastest system balancing programmes into a single pre-fault service. The system operator shared its thinking on simplification of balancing services at a recent Storage Working Group meeting.

End-users and demand-response providers have urged National Grid to simplify the market in order to make it easier for them to participate. For its part, National Grid requires a greater volume of system balancing from demand-side parties as renewable generation pushes thermal plant off the system, reducing inertia.

The Firm Frequency Response (FFR) and Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR) mechanisms pay generators and demandMCP February 2017

side providers, usually but not exclusively via aggregators, to quickly adjust load or provide power to help balance the system when it deviates from set trigger points around 50Hz. This usually happens when a generator or interconnector drops out. They pay the highest rates of all National Grid’s balancing services available to the demand-side. FFR providers have to respond to a frequency event within 10 seconds.

There are two forms of FFR – static and dynamic. The former requires providers to reduce consumption while the latter requires flexibility in both directions. EFR is the fastest dynamic frequency response service. Providers have to deliver in under a second. The first four-

year EFR contracts were issued in August 2016, the vast majority being delivered via battery assets.

Providers have to sustain delivery for a minimum of 15 minutes in either direction. It is the highest value frequency response service.

While National Grid has stressed that it has not yet decided when or if it will combine all frequency response mechanisms into a single service, market participants believe that represents a sensible approach.

“Any simplification of services is a positive move and Grid’s indication that it may move to a more dynamic market with some ‘pay for performance’ parameters is great news for new technologies and ultimately consumers,” said Chris Kimmet, commercial director at aggregator Open Energi. missioncriticalpower.uk

7 Expansion in hyperscale data centres Data from Synergy Research Group shows that the number of large data centres operated by hyperscale providers hit the 300 mark in December 2016, after a flurry of year-end data centre openings

by Amazon, Google and Alibaba.

One notable feature of the global footprint is that despite a major ongoing push to locate new operations

in countries around the world, the US still accounts for 45% of major cloud and internet data centre sites. The next prominent locations are China and Japan, with 8% and 7% respectively.

The three leading countries are then followed by the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Germany and India, each of which accounts for 3-5% of the total.

Eaton appoints new service partner for Scotland Eaton has appointed RMD ñ an independent specialist in data centre and server room infrastructure ñ as a service partner for Scotland.

The partnership allows the power management company to ensure that its customers in Scotland can benefit from quick access to local installation and maintenance services from Eaton≠ trained engineers in order to optimise the uptime of their installation and guarantee business continuity.

Eaton UK service business

manager Steve Spicer said: "We have seen an increase in demand within the UPS market in Scotland and are excited to partner with RMD to extend our reach in the area.

With the support of a local service partner, Eaton is now ideally positioned to provide customers with flexible power management solutions that meet their long and short≠ term needs."

As an Eaton≠ authorised service, RMD provides onsite services to Eatoní s customers.

Its engineers have an in≠ depth knowledge of Eatoní s solutions and have been trained to quickly and efficiently solve any hardware issues using Eatoní s comprehensive support methodology. This ensures that all customers can receive high quality support, as if delivered by Eaton.

In addition, RMD can offer a complete Eaton solution incorporating all product ranges from power to rack, and is able to handle installation and ongoing maintenance.

Contract win for Liverpool hospital A contract to supply critical care power systems and hygienic touch≠ screen theatre control panels, with PACS viewing screens, has been awarded to Bender UK as part of a project for the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital (pictured).

The electrical safety specialist is working on a project to deliver and install equipment in 18 operating theatres. The landmark £335m redevelopment of the hospital will create the largest all single patient room hospital in England when it is completed in 2017. It is part of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Carillion is the main contractor for construction of the new hospital and awarded missioncriticalpower.uk

the contract to Bender UK for isolated power systems and uninterruptible power systems with the touch screen control systems.

Bender UK is also working with Crown House Technologies, which is managing the installation and commissioning of mechanical and electrical services at the new hospital, to deliver advanced power protection

and to also provide sufficient capacity to ë future proofí the hospital for the anticipated expansion of power requirements.

The new 12≠ storey hospital, alongside the existing building on Prescot Street, will contain 646 beds, individual en≠ suite rooms, spread across 23 wards, a 40≠ bed critical care unit and 18 operating theatres.

Once the project is completed, the service and technical support team at Bender UK will provide annual maintenance, 24/7 technical support and a rapid response call out service 365 days of the year to ensure the continuous supply of power to the critical care areas.

News in brief Hywind project win Eltek has been chosen

by Siemens to provide power solutions for the Hywind Scotland Pilot Park project. Pilot Park is based on five floating wind turbine generators with a unit rating of 6.0MW. Eltek's Rectiverter UPS will be placed in the wind turbine, supplying power for the emergency lighting, instrument lighting, obstruction lighting and communication equipment.

Award for LinkedIn The Uptime Institute has awarded LinkedIn with the Efficient IT (EIT) Stamp of Approval for its data centre in Infomart Portland.

This award recognises sustainable leadership in IT, evidencing better control of how resources are both consumed and allocated.

Facebook new facility Facebook is building a new energy efficient data centre in Odense, Denmark, powered exclusively by renewable energy.

Facebook's director of data centre operations, Niall McEntegart, said that the cool climate could help cool servers, insread of relying on air conditioning.

Taking UPS outside A white paper, Take it Outside: Stored Energy Solutions for Todayí s Most Critical UPS Applications,

by EnerSys focuses on the trend of locating battery back≠ up systems outdoors to better use space and minimise energy costs.

The paper (www.enersys. com/vaultflex) highlights how thermally managed outdoor enclosures and batteries made with Thin Plate Pure Lead technology together create an energy management system to meet the challenges of todayí s critical power facilities.

February 2017 MCP

8

DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE

Telehouse plays it cool to reap energy savings in Docklands To meet the challenges of the future, data centres will need to adopt innovative technologies to lower energy consumption and minimise their environmental impact.

A new Docklands data centre is leading the way with pioneering air cooling, making it one of the greenest in the world. Louise Frampton reports

T

he hyper≠ connected nature of todayí s global economy will make unprecedented demands on data centres. However, a new data centre opened in the heart of Docklands has been designed to meet these challenges head≠ on.

Telehouseí s recently published white paper, How the Modern Data Centre Meets the Need of a Hyper≠ connected Global Economy, explains how the popularity of mobile video services, the emergence of new business models based around the Internet of Things (IoT) and the widespread use of cloud services are key

MCP February 2017

drivers of the hyper≠ connected economy and are placing huge pressure on data centre infrastructure.

The unparalleled connectivity that will be required to meet these demands is only part of the story, according to Telehouse. Just as important in enabling data centres to match the challenges of the future are the future≠ proof technologies they will need to offer in terms of power and resilience, such as the innovative indirect adiabatic and evaporative cooling system now installed in Telehouse North Two ñ the companyí s latest £135m data centre, based in Londoní s Docklands.

Applications such as digital video and gaming technology, virtual reality traffic and the IoT ñ the embedding of potentially billions of devices with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data ñ will put a huge strain on WAN links in data centres across the globe, according to Telehouse.

The paper examines the commissioning of Telehouse Europeí s new North Two data centre, which will deliver clients 24,000 sq m of gross area across an 11≠ storey building, adjacent to Telehouseí s existing Docklands campus.

North Two, the latest and most advanced of the data centres on the campus, completed its first phase and became operational in the summer of 2016.

The architecture of the new facility has been specifically designed to meet increasing customer demands for connectivity, enabling the worldí s largest private and public cloud service providers, such as Amazon Web Services and content providers, such as Netflix and Facebook, to connect seamlessly and securely to end users.

In recent years, new cooling technologies have been missioncriticalpower.uk

9

North Two is the world’s first muti-floor data centre to feature a vertical indirect adiabatic and evaporative cooling system, delivering an exceptional PUE of 1.16.

Clockwise from far left: indirect air cooling units; air intake to generators; the data hall floor

developed to help increase the energy efficiency of data centres, which traditionally try to keep server room temperatures at approximately 18≠ 2∞ C with a 48% relative humidity level. These new technologies have resulted in lower power usage effectiveness (PUE) and energy expenditures while minimising environmental impact. Adiabatic cooling units, for example, which use natural evaporative processes, can save industry millions of litres of water and, compared with traditional cooling systems, can also save more than 40% of electricity. missioncriticalpower.uk

North Two is the first multi≠ floor data centre in the world to feature a vertical indirect adiabatic and evaporative cooling system, delivering an exceptional power usage effectiveness of 1.16 PUE in an N+2 configuration into hot aisle containment.

The best in≠ class efficiency target was only achievable using an ambient air≠ based cooling solution taking advantage of ASHRAEí s ë TC9.9 Data Centre Power Equipment Thermal Guidelines and Best Practicesí .

Telehouse technical director Andy Dewing says: ì Around 20 years ago, when the data centre industry first started, air

We don’t know what IT will look like in the future, so we have to build solutions that will allow us to adapt

was supplied at 14≠ 15oC, which meant the equipment was effectively being ë refrigeratedí .

The only way to achieve that was to use large≠ scale air≠ conditioning units. These were extremely energy ë hungryí . ì Ten years ago, ASHRAE revisited its guidance (TC9.9), concluding that IT manufacturers were satisfied to have their equipment working at 18≠ 25oC ambient temperature on the supply side. This has enabled the development of ë fresh airí systems.î Dewing explains that in countries such as the UK, the temperature is about 15≠ 18∞ C for two≠ thirds of the year. » February 2017 MCP

10

DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE

This means it is possible to use the air outside. Direct and indirect air≠ based solutions were considered by Telehouse.

However, a key issue was the fact that the site was located in an urban area with lots of traffic pollution ñ a significant factor was the filtration required with direct air.

Direct air would also need full cooling back≠ up and this presented space concerns.

Hence, an indirect solution was the preferred option.

Dewing described the technology as being based around a ë heat exchangerí principle ñ with warm air from the data on one side and cold air from outside on the other.

The outdoor air cools the indoor air, therefore, without direct contact ñ keeping contamination out.

When the outside temperature starts to rise above 20≠ 21oC, an adiabatic and evaporative process is used, which Dewing describes as essentially ì a watermistî . This pre≠ cools the temperature of the outdoor air coming on to the heat exchanger.

The indirect adiabatic cooling system at Telehouse North Two also means minimal use of clean water, fluid disposal and on≠ going water treatment. This pioneering cooling technology is positioning Telehouse as one of the greenest data centres in the world.

Dewing explains that the data centre has been awarded the BREEAM Excellent standard, which measures sustainable value in a series of categories, ranging from energy to ecology Telehouse North Two is also the only carrier≠ neutral data centre in the UK that owns an on≠ campus 132kV grid sub≠ station directly connected to the National Grid, reducing transmission losses and providing exceptional power density and service continuity. ì The site has a total power capacity of up to 73 MVA, which includes a capacity of up to 50 MVA from the substation and 23 MVA from six additional commercial power feeds,î says MCP February 2017

The new facility has been designed to meet increasing customer demands for connectivity

Dewing. He explains that the data centre was built to be operational for 20≠ 30 years. ì We doní t know what IT will look like in the future, so we have had to build solutions that will allow us to adapt. ì We need to ensure we have flexibility in the cooling, amount of power, and IT connectivity that we provide. What makes this building different is that all our systems are redundant ñ there is redundancy in the plant

equipment and distribution paths, with no single points of failure. This means that no single fault within any of the systems will cause the data centre to fail. The systems are also concurrently maintainable.î The site has eight generators with N+1 redundancy with a total capacity of 18.5MW. Redundant A&B power feeds to customer equipment from 2(N+1) configuration UPS.

Each generator is the equivalent of 56 Harley Davidson motorcycle engines.

At day final, it will be the equivalent of 448 Harley Davidson motorcycle engines

ì Each generator is the equivalent of 56 Harley Davidson motorcycle engines ñ at day final, it will be the equivalent of 448 Harley Davidson motorcycle engines,î Dewing continues.

Telehouse concluded in its report that while it is clear that the hyper≠ connected economy is underpinning a vibrant data centre sector, it is only through the continued investment in modern, efficient data centre infrastructure, such as that found within Telehouse North Two, that the hyper≠ connected economy will reach its full potential. l The full white paper can be downloaded at www.telehouse. net/resources/the≠ hyper≠ connected≠ data≠ centre missioncriticalpower.uk

Advertorial

Vertiv identifies data centre infrastructure trends for 2017 Vertiv, formerly Emerson Network Power, has released six data centre infrastructure trends to watch in 2017. This yearí s trends follow the data centre trends published

by Emerson Network Power last year. The six infrastructure trends shaping the data centre ecosystem in 2017 are: 1. Infrastructure races to keep up with connectivity at the edge Distributed IT and the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are pushing IT resources closer to users and industrial processes. While the data centre remains core to delivering applications and services, such as point of sale and inventory management, network closets and micro data centres are growing in number and importance as internet-connected sensors and devices proliferate and remote users demand faster access to information. Responding to these changes, organisations will turn to preconfigured micro data centre solutions that support fast deployment, greater standardisation and remote management across distributed IT locations.

Standardisation and modularity are becoming as important in distributed IT locations as they are in large data centres.

Existing network closets and remote IT locations will also be re-evaluated to ensure the power and cooling provisions are adequate to meet the increased criticality of these locations as they begin to provide localised collection and analysis of realtime data from connected sensors and devices.

2. Thermal management expands to sustainability Data centre cooling has changed more in the last five years than any other data centre system. Fuelled by the desire to drive down energy costs, traditional approaches that focused on delivering “maximum cooling” have been displaced by more sophisticated approaches focused on removing heat as efficiently as possible. Increased use of advanced economiser technologies and the continued evolution of intelligent thermal controls have enabled highly resilient thermal management strategies that support PUEs below 1.2.

Now, while energy efficiency remains a core concern, water consumption and refrigerant use have emerged as important considerations in select geographies. Thanks to the expanded range of thermal management strategies available today, data centre operators are tailoring thermal management based on data centre location and resource availability. Global market trends show an increase in the use of new technologies leveraging evaporative and adiabatic cooling that use water to cool the surrounding air. These technologies are delivering highly efficient, reliable and economical thermal management.

Where water availability or costs are an issue, waterless cooling systems have gained traction. A traditional open-loop chilled water-based system uses about 4 million gallons of water to cool 1 MW of IT capacity in one year. New technologies featuring pumped-refrigerant economisers that use no water

and introduce no outside air into the data centre will save over 1 billion gallons of water in North America in 2016.

3. Security responsibilities extend to data centre management While data breaches continue to garner the majority of security-related headlines, security has become a data centre availability issue as well. The 2016 Ponemon Institute Cost of Data Centre Outages study revealed that cyber attacks accounted for 22% of the data centre outages studied.

As more devices get connected to enable simpler management and eventual automation, threat vectors also increase. Data centre professionals are adding security to their growing list of priorities and beginning to seek solutions that help them identify vulnerabilities and improve response to attacks.

Management gateways that consolidate data from multiple devices to support DCIM are emerging as a potential solution. With some modifications, they can identify unsecured ports across the critical infrastructure and provide early warning of denial of service attacks.

4. DCIM proves its value DCIM is continuing to expand its value, both in the issues it can address and its ability to manage the increasingly complex data centre ecosystem.

Forward-thinking operators are using DCIM to address data centre challenges, such as regulatory compliance, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), and managing hybrid environments.

Finally, colocation providers are finding DCIM a valuable tool in analysing their costs by customer and in providing their customers with remote visibility into their assets.

DCIM has emerged as the precursor to IIoT in the data centre, delivering the visibility, increased coordination across systems and support for automation that are at the core of the IIoT value proposition.

5. Alternatives to lead≠ acid batteries become viable New solutions are emerging to the weak link in data centre power systems as operators seek to reduce the footprint, weight and total costs of traditional valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries. The most promising of these is lithium-ion batteries. With prices decreasing and chemistries and construction continuing to advance, lithium-ion batteries are becoming a viable option for the data centre and are being scaled to handle row- and room-level requirements. While this battery technology has been available previously, the improving economics have spurred increased commercialisation efforts in the data centre industry.

Data centre operators have long been interested in alternatives to lead-acid batteries, but available technologies have not been able to match the value and storage capacity of traditional batteries.

Now, real alternatives are emerging that can reduce footprint, expand runtimes and enhance sustainability.

6. Data centre design and deployment become more integrated Technology integration has been increasing in the data centre space for the past several years as operators seek modular, integrated solutions that can be deployed quickly, scaled easily and operated efficiently. Now, this same philosophy is being applied to data centre development. Speedto-market is one of the key drivers of the companies developing the bulk of data centre capacity today, and they’ve found the traditional silos between the engineering and construction phases cumbersome and unproductive. As a result, they are embracing a turnkey approach to data centre design and deployment that leverages integrated, modular designs, off-site construction and disciplined project management. Vendors that bring together infrastructure expertise, design and engineering capabilities and sophisticated project management to deliver a turnkey capability can build better data centres faster.

Giordano Albertazzi, president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, for Vertiv said: “In 2016, global macro trends significantly impacted the industry, with new cloud innovations and social responsibility taking the spotlight. As cloud computing has integrated even further into IT operations, the focus will move to improving underlying critical infrastructure as businesses look to manage new data volumes.

We believe that 2017 will be the year that IT professionals will invest in future-proofing their data centre facilities to ensure that they remain nimble and flexible in the years to come.”

He added: “For businesses looking to stay competitive and seamlessly transition to new, cloud based technologies, the strength of their IT infrastructure continues to be the cornerstone of success With data volumes rapidly rising, IT infrastructures will continue to evolve throughout 2017 to offer faster, more secure and more efficient services needed to meet these new demands.

Investment in the right infrastructure – not just a new infrastructure – is essential. It’s therefore vital that a partner with a strong history of data centre operations is involved throughout the system upgrade – from planning and design, to project management and ongoing maintenance and optimisation.”

12

VIEWPOINT

The pros and cons of eco-mode UPS: what does the future hold?

Ian Bitterlin discusses the potential risks and benefits of adopting eco-mode UPS technology, and considers the future impact of silicon carbide IGBTs

I

n the early days of thyristor≠ based series online (usually referred to as ë double≠ conversioní or, now, by the IEC Standard 602040≠ 3, ë VFIí , Voltage and Frequency Independent), with transformers and filters at the input and output, the highest full≠ load operating efficiency you could expect was 83≠ 85%. Partial load efficiency was much lower, mainly due to the transformers.

This has gradually increased during the past 25 years mainly due to a move to transistors (IGBT) that enabled the removal of input filters, isolation transformers and output filters. Added to that shift in technology, many UPS are now based on line≠ interactive (ë VIí , MCP February 2017

voltage independent in the IEC Standard) topology transformer≠ less modules achieving 97.5≠ 98% at full≠ load.

However, we have seen a huge improvement in many important areas in the same period: ï Energy efficiency increased by 15%, with partial load improvements of >25% points ï A 90≠ 95% reduction in cooling capacity provision ï Reliability increased by a factor of six, with a module MTBF rising from <25,000h to >150,000h ï Output voltage waveform improved from >5% to 1% distortion from the ideal sinewave ï Input current harmonics down from 33% to <2%,

Silicon Carbide IGBTs will initially cost more but the energy saving will rapidly be recovered helping generators cope ï Foot≠ print reduction by a staggering 90% ï Noise reduction, from 95dB(A) to <70dB(A) It is interesting to note that when I was selling hybrid rotary UPS 25 years ago, we had a

product that was 92% efficient compared to 83% of the best static product but customers were not interested in energy losses, only reliability, so I never mentioned the feature. Today, even double≠ conversion (VFI) has reached 96.8% efficiency at full load and higher than 92% at 25% load but, if all that were not enough, the cost per kW capacity has steadily fallen to its lowest ever level.

By 2008, in Europe, all UPS had become transformer≠ less and, about the same time, a move to increased adoption of line≠ interactive topology (IEC ë VIí ) offered clients energy saving, albeit without any frequency protection.

However, while the technology missioncriticalpower.uk

13 There is a growing acceptance of eco-mode but the future could lie in silicon carbide IGBTs

was improving, the serious pursuit of energy saving took a route that had been tried before, albeit without success at the time.

The idea of ë eco≠ modeí , originally introduced in Switzerland in the early 1990s but dropped for lack of sales, was resurrected.

The principle of eco≠ mode is simple ñ when the utility is stable the UPS automatically switches itself into bypass mode and the losses reduce, especially effective in transformerless designs. The rectifier still float≠ charges the battery (only 10s of watts needed, unlike flywheels that need more) but the inverter is throttled to zero and, in the best designs, the cooling fan load is reduced.

The automatic bypass (a thyristor switch) keeps the load on the utility until the utility shows the first sign of deviation ñ at which point the static switch transfers the load back to the inverter, all in less than four milliseconds and well within the (albeit outdated) ITIC/CEBMA PQ Curve. The UPS then monitors the utility for stability and after a period, usually one hour, switches the load back to bypass. The advantages are missioncriticalpower.uk

clear; 99% efficiency in stable grids for >95% of the year with the bonus of excellent low≠ load efficiency as well.

There are some unscrupulous salesmen who try to avoid admitting ë bypass operationí by talking about ë low≠ power stateí for the inverter but, make no mistake, the UPS is in bypass with little or no power quality improvement and the critical load is fed by ë raw mainsí .

Now, there are some ë advanced eco≠ modesí around which operate faster, 2ms instead of 4ms, by using digital signal processing as opposed to analogue measurement, and some that monitor the load distortion and make decisions about the grid being able to accept it. However, the basic concept remains ñ if the utility is stable you save energy.

But are there risks? Yes, of course there are. In this world ë rewardí usually comes with ë riskí and eco≠ mode is no different. There are tangible

duration, high energy, transient surges coming from the utility.

The second, more of a barrier, is the problem of the distorted load current being drawn by the critical load. In the pursuit of high energy efficiency, the switched≠ mode power supplies in the load have been optimised for high utilisation but, generally and most often, loads are run at partial IT load and the effect is two≠ fold: ï The load power factor become leading (capacitive), often reaching 0.90≠ 0.92.

When the UPS is in circuit this will be masked from the utility and the generators, but when in eco≠ mode the unwanted leading power factor will be reflected into the system. Technically, it is extremely risky to run eco≠ mode when on generator supply, although practically there has usually been a mains≠ failure that has disabled eco≠ mode just prior to the generators starting

VFI in the other, alternating each week. However, the risk, whether real or perceived, will remain and limit the adoption of eco≠ mode.

One future development (which has already started in Japan) could make the energy advantage of eco≠ mode so marginal that the risk will not be attractive.

Transistors are currently manufactured with layers of doped silicon. The best to date, for UPS, are of the insulated gate bipolar (IGBT) type and these have become increasingly powerful and reliable. One drawback is that the faster you switch them (to achieve more precision) the higher the losses.

This is what mainly contributes to the upper limit of 96.8% module efficiency.

However, a change from silicon to silicon carbide (better known as carborundum or, occurring in nature, as the mineral moissanite) in the manufacture of semiconductor

Enabling eco-mode should be contemplated carefully and the risks compared to the rewards in lower energy bills. Today, the result is a slowly growing acceptance of eco-mode and this will, no doubt, continue as energy costs rise and the concept is proved reliable risks to enabling eco≠ mode: every time the utility deviates the load is switched ñ which is the very opposite of the protection offered by ë double≠ conversioní .

This switching represents a risk to the load, albeit small and maybe even inconsequential, but the user must balance that risk with the reward. Make no mistake, the reward can be high ñ with a return≠ on≠ investment (covering the entire UPS and battery cost) of less than two years.

But there are other risks, even barriers, with eco≠ mode enablement. The first is that the designer needs to pay extra attention to surge suppression fitting a graded system of surge protective devices (previously called transient voltage surge suppressors, or TVSS) to protect the critical load from very short

ï At partial load the switched≠ mode power supplies draw increasing levels of harmonic distorted (as high as 35% total) current that will distort the utility voltage, sometimes beyond the 8% limit set down in the EN standard. So, enabling eco≠ mode should be contemplated carefully and the risks compared to the rewards in lower energy bills.

Today, the result is a slowly growing acceptance of eco≠ mode, and this will no doubt continue as energy costs rise and the concept is proved reliable. It is a fact that energy effectiveness is not always the most important metric that users aspire to although there are a few high reliability dual≠ bus facilities that are hedging≠ their≠ bets by enabling eco≠ mode in one bus and running

switches like IGBTs holds the key to 99% UPS module efficiency in double≠ conversion.

Synthetic silicon carbide powder has been mass≠ produced since 1893 for use as an abrasive ñ eg carbide paper for finishing metals.

Silicon carbide IGBTs will initially cost more but the energy saving will rapidly be recovered ñ and all without switching the critical load to the raw utility and increasing risks of transfer.

Hence, silicon carbide will spell the end of worrying about the enablement of eco≠ mode and possibly even kill off line≠ interactive (VI) UPS. Who will need to worry when you can get total protection of voltage and frequency protection with less than 1% losses?

Maybe the hyper≠ scale facilities but surely not enterprise or co≠ location operators. l February 2017 MCP

14

COVER STORY

Scaling up and down: balancing resilience with efficiency The latest research suggests that many UPS systems are not operating efficiently and are being under-utilised. Louise Frampton spoke to Riello UPS general manager Leo Craig about the potential for modular UPS to help data centres balance resilience and efficiency by offering scalable solutions

L

ast year, Frost & Sullivan recognised Riello UPS with the ë Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovationí for its Multi Power (MPW) UPS. Since its launch, the modular solution has been well received by data centres across a wide range of markets in the UK and Europe. A factor in this growing interest has been its ability to address some key issues facing data centres ñ in particular, that of UPS estate being under≠ utilised.

Last year, Riello UPS conducted extensive research looking at 2,268 UPS systems between 10 and 800kVA that were serviced during 2015≠ 16.

More than 50% were found to be running at less than 50% load. In addition, about 25% of the UPS estate was found to be running at 20% load or less.

Currently, any online static UPS must meet certain efficiency levels at set percentage load levels to qualify for inclusion onto the Energy Technology Product List (often referred to as the ETL). This is a government≠ managed list of energy≠ efficient equipment and is part of the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) tax scheme for business. The load levels outlined for UPS are 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, with the highest efficiency rating at 100%.

The research showed that only three of the UPS exceeded the 75% loading and none exceeded 85% total load. The UPS included standalone, parallel redundant and N+1 and modular systems. Looking at the data, a significant number of UPS were found to be MCP February 2017

Data centres need a resilient solution that is also efficient, and this is where a modular solution can help, as it meets both requirements Leo Craig, Riello UPS

50%+ The number of UPS systems between 10 and 800kVA that were found to be running at less than 50% load

running at partial load, which would suggest that higher efficiencies at lower loads would bring energy saving within the UKí s UPS estate.

Riello UPS general manager Leo Craig comments: ì At 25% load, UPS systems do not have to meet such stringent efficiency targets and can be 93% efficient to qualify for ETL. Although many data centres can qualify to claim back tax, therefore, they are using their UPS inefficiently. Furthermore,

it is our view that the 100% load level should be dropped as a marker, as no UPS should be run continuously at 100% load ñ it is accepted within the industry that this is bad practice and presents a significant risk to the user.î Craig adds that current best practice is to load the UPS up to 80%. If you have a parallel redundant system (ie one operational and one as back≠ up), the load would be set at 40%. However, Rielloí s research missioncriticalpower.uk

15 would suggest that many are being used at less than 20% and energy is being wasted (see Figure 1). ì The government, at present, views this as acceptable, since the ETL categorisation suggests that low loads of 20% are an efficient use of UPS. This is wrong,î Craig explains. ì The government needs to change its stance on this and improve the ETL, as the benchmark is driving the wrong behaviour. Furthermore, efficiency at 100% load is simply meaningless. Using the analogy of a car, it is the equivalent of saying that you are most efficient when driving at 120mph, when the speed limit is only 70mph and realistically most people only drive at an average of 45mph.î The modular approach provides a solution to address this problem, he explains, as it is possible to either scale up or scale down. Data centres can easily switch modules off, to avoid the UPS being under≠ utilised, and therefore operate the UPS more efficiently. ì The trend for virtualisation and consolidation in the data centre has led to a reduction in the number of servers, sometimes by as much as 50%,î says Craig. ì This rapid change meant that data centres had to move from running at full design capacity to running at potentially half the design load, practically overnight.

The original UPS systems in place were designed for 80% loading and subsequently had to run at less than 40% load ñ and are now operating very inefficiently. Faced with a similar scenario, a modular system would simply allow the system to be scaled down to meet the change in demand of the data centre to optimise efficiency.î He adds that when designing data centres, the future capacity is frequently over≠ estimated.

A modular solution has the flexibility to scale up the power ë in blocksí as capacity increases over time, perhaps starting with 100kW on day one, then increasing to 300kW or 400kW missioncriticalpower.uk

or even 1MW as demand increases.

The MPW allows the UPS power and redundancy level to expand vertically from 42kW to 294kW in a single power cabinet. Likewise, the power capacity can be horizontally scaled up from 294kW up to 1176kW by connecting up to four power cabinets in parallel.

The battery cabinet is designed to house up to 36 units within a single frame, with a maximum of 10 cabinets connected in parallel.

The power cabinets feature two separate microprocessors performing distinct duties of regulating the overall UPS operations and managing end≠ user communication. In addition to these, it employs three dedicated communication buses to manage and transmit the data, and up to four temperature sensors are embedded within the power cabinet to enable constant and efficient operation.

The MPW is designed to offer full≠ rated power, especially for unity power factor loads such as the latest server generation applications.

It can achieve this without any power downgrading, even when operating at temperatures up to 40∞ C. It guarantees system efficiencies of more than 96.5% while operating in online double≠ conversion mode, and an efficiency in excess of 95% even at 20% loads, ensuring extremely low losses.

The MPW has also significantly minimised the upstream power source rating requirement by reducing the

Riello’s award-winning modular Multi Power UPS input harmonic pollution.

Furthermore, Riello UPS has effectively addressed the issue of failures due to miscommunication between the component parts of the system by doing away with the traditional method of controlling the power modules through one microprocessor.

Instead, it employs multi≠ microprocessors and assigns specific functions to each.

Modular UPS provides an ideal solution for new builds, as it is often very difficult to predict what the future load will be. However, Craig suggests that modular may also be a suitable solution for replacing older UPS.

Figure 1: UPS loading 2016 (maintained UPS) Quantity

700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 10%

20%

Source: Riello UPS

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

ì The UPS is your insurance policy. If you drove an old car from London to Edinburgh, chances are it would break down. With ageing UPS, there is an increased risk of it failing.

After seven to 10 years, it is time to consider replacing the UPS. The return on investment will depend on the application, but there are benefits around power density, when choosing a modular solution. In a data centre, space is money. You do not want to waste space with large UPS,î he comments.

The MPW system offers very high power density; it has the maximum amount of kW per square metre. Because it is so compact, floor space is saved ñ freeing up room for more servers, which is crucial for revenue generation.

The top priorities for data centres continue to be resilience and efficiency ñ the challenge for this sector is to balance these effectively, as Craig points out: ì Normally, if you increase your resilience, your efficiency goes down, because energy costs money. If you are wasting energy, you are throwing your profit margin away. Data centres need a resilient solution that is also efficient, and this is where a modular solution can help, as it meets both requirements,î he asserted.

Craig adds that modular solutions also offer flexibility.

Whether co≠ location facilities or company specific, data centres are unable to predict what is around the corner in terms of what will be required in computing power. Smart devices are fuelling huge demand on data centres and this is only going to increase.

Data centres will be expanding at an incredible pace to meet the need for increased processing.

Ultimately, increasing interest in modular solutions will be driven by the ability to optimise both the initial investment and the total cost of ownership by growing along with the demands of a business, while preventing data centres from having to oversize the UPS. l February 2017 MCP

16

POWER DISTRIBUTION

Optimising PDU technology: a crucial link in the power chain Power management at the equipment level within the rack/cabinet is a vital point in the power chain for the continual uptime of critical services.

Rack mount power distribution (PDU) is a crucial element and should not be overlooked, warns Richard Gray, from Austin Hughes Europe

W

ith all sectors now heavily reliant on data and it playing a vital role in everyday life, any downtime has a massive impact on a brandí s reputation as well as the companyí s bottom line. While there have been several publicised data centre power issues in the past few months (all experiencing outages attributed to UPS failures/issues) we should not overlook the rack mount power distribution (PDU) element of the power chain.

MCP February 2017

There are some simple yet effective ways to reduce the likelihood of power outages at the rack end of the power chain

Racking up the options The current power distribution units being mounted into 19≠ inch racks/cabinets have an array of variables allowing the selection of the most suitable unit for the job. The rack configuration and subsequently the PDU requirements are often determined by the main stakeholder requiring the hardware.

For example, AV (audio visual) specific racks predominantly require PDUs with UK sockets due to the

types of equipment to be rack mounted. The PDU technology level can vary depending on the physical location of the racks. A large hotel, for instance, would benefit from intelligent PDUs in racks located within the main equipment room, where as individual floors within the hotel would have a lower level of intelligence required and basic metered PDUs could be installed. There is an increasing variation of PDU configurations for different stakeholders, such as security, networks, missioncriticalpower.uk

17 There are major benefits from choosing intelligent PDUs for installations including the knowledge surrounding the captured data

facilities, as well as AV. Main considerations include the level of intelligence required (basic, metered, monitored, strip level metered with outlet switching, outlet switched and outlet metering); quantity and mix of sockets, input plug types, cable length, feed input (top or bottom depending on the power feed into the cabinet being through the floor or from overhead); dual feed option, whether circuit breakers or individual fuses are required; and environmental sensors.

PDU mounting cannot be overlooked; vertical PDUs can be mounted taking up zero ë Uí within the rack to ensure valuable hardware space is not occupied. Using mounting kits which are quick, tool≠ less and suitable for global branded cabinets saves engineers time and, in turn, companies further installation costs. Using further power management solutions, automatic transfer switches (ATS) are ideal for single fed missioncriticalpower.uk

AV and network equipment and can be easily mounted into 19≠ inch racks.

Why choose intelligent power management?

In addition to having high levels of configurability at the various PDU technology levels there are major benefits from choosing intelligent PDUs for installations including the knowledge surrounding the data that is captured.

Not only is data displayed locally on the PDU or a connected device mounted to the outside of the rack but it is also available remotely including current (AMP), voltage (Volt), power (KW), energy consumption (KWh), and power factor of the entire PDU. Power usage data can then be assessed, having been collated and reported using a web based GUI (graphic user interface) or integrated into an existing BMS. This data can also be used for inter≠ departmental billing or in co≠ location data centres, a revenue stream providing accurate billing data to clients, if meter reading accuracy of the PDU is within +/≠ 1%.

Variations in requirements with power management are also determined by sectors before reaching internal departments.

Education establishments are seeing greater storage requirement demands driven by increased research and development, big data and IoT technologies. Intelligent PDUs allow for capacity planning, departmental / faculty cross charging for power usage and environmental objective measurement on power usage effectiveness. Many sectors, including finance, require third party software integration via SNMP, as well as hardware modifications within the power distribution unit itself. These can subsequently require global variations (voltage, input, socket types, etc) for each geographic location/office.

Reducing power outages Regardless of sector or stakeholder ensuring hardware

remains powered on without interruption is paramount as the costs and implications associated with downtime would cause a sleepless night for most IT / data centre managers. Reducing power outages requires an examination and evaluation of all levels of the power chain.

However, there are some simple, yet effective, ways to reduce the likelihood of power outages at the rack end of the power chain where it is imperative to keep IT equipment running. There are a number of factors to consider with regards to the PDUs that will reduce the chance of unplanned power outages at the rack equipment level, providing further resiliency: ï Coloured PDU Chassis allowing the identification of the PDUs for technicians and engineers to reduce human error while working in racks/cabinets. The use of coloured PDUs also enables clear visual identification of the power feeds when redundancy is required (two

and thresholds to provide early detection of issues within the rack. For example, temperature, humidity, smoke and water ï Selecting PDUs which have hot swappable technology such as a RMS current meter with LCD or field replaceable DC modules, so there is no interruption to equipment in the event of a component replacement being required Rack accessibility It is also worth considering whether rack accessibility should be upgraded. While there is an increasing awareness for improving security beyond standard locks and keys, many rack installations would benefit from upgrades, such as smart card access control. Reducing access to inside racks and preventing the unauthorised removal of equipment, alerts could be configured notifying administrators of unauthorised access attempts.

Given the mission critical nature of the environment,

Given the mission critical nature of the environment, the intelligent rack PDU must be designed, built and manufactured to provide extremely high levels of resiliency PDUs per rack for primary and redundant, A&B, power feeds) ï IEC accidental release Sleeves, power cord retention system for C13 and C19 sockets. Such solutions offer added protection against the unintentional removal of cables from the PDU C13 or C19 outlets ï Threshold alerts to highlight unauthorised or accidental removal of equipment.

Setting low alert levels can notify nominated administrator(s) of removal of equipment from PDU sockets using SNMP ï Environmental sensors will also allow setting of alarms

the intelligent rack PDU must be designed, built and manufactured to provide extremely high levels of resiliency.

Areas that can be used to benchmark this are hot swappable digital local touchscreen displays and hot swappable DC power modules that are typically used within the metered and outlet switched (WS) PDU and the outlet switched with outlet metering (WSI) PDU models.

Most important is the use of latchable relays at the socket or receptacle level that will always supply AC power or will always be on in the event of component failure. l February 2017 MCP

18

BATTERY MANAGEMENT

Checking performance while maintaining critical load is simple The latest battery capacity re-injection functionality from Socomec enables the UPS’ own batteries to directly check battery performance without the need to external load bank, providing ultimate protection for critical asset

With the Delphys Xtend Green Power range of UPS from Socomec, the process of conducting battery discharge testing is simplified

B

atteries are often cited as the most common cause of UPS system failure; the design of the battery system together with battery performance is a key element of any UPS system.

Extending UPS battery life and back≠ up time through a programme of regular maintenance and management is vital for guaranteeing the ongoing performance of UPS systems and providing power security to organisationí s critical assets, together with optimising the battery investment.

Batteries are the workhorse of every UPS system. They must be operating at peak performance in order for a UPS to guarantee the critical power supply, high temperatures, frequent cycles, deep discharge, high voltage recharge and a MCP February 2017

lack of regular maintenance will all reduce the lifecycle and performance of a battery.

Preventing outages and minimising costly downtime are challenges faced by every facilities manager. The regular maintenance and replacement of batteries forms a critical element of every business continuity plan.

When did you last carry out a battery check?

Although the UPS system plays a significant role in ensuring the availability, reliability and quality of the electrical supply, at the heart of any critical power protection system are the batteries. Their effectiveness is essential for mitigating against load downtime.

Batteries are, however, the

At the heart of any critical power protection system are the batteries; their effectiveness is essential for mitigating against load downtime

most vulnerable and failure≠ prone component of the UPS system. One of the most frequent causes of unplanned outages in an UPS system is premature end of life of battery blocks. If undetected, a failing battery block can accelerate ageing within the rest of the battery string, thereby jeopardising the integrity of supply to the critical load.

The single most effective way to ensure the reliability of the UPS system is to conduct preventive maintenance including regular battery checks and replacements.

Typically, in order to perform a safe and effective battery check, reviewing the operating environment and main battery parameters at string level, the UPS manufacturer will carry out a series of regular checks in order to keep the equipment operating at optimum levels and to avoid system downtime, along with the associated risks of damage to the critical loads.

Every facilities manager will be familiar with the operating and infrastructure constraints associated with planning and executing regular UPS system checks. The design of the switchboard is one key point. Availability and access to connection points for load test banks, as well as the management of high heat dissipation during the tests, all require careful review, planning, risk assessments and the associated method statements.

The safety of staff and building security both have to be carefully reviewed and managed during the load bank tests. Furthermore, the costs associated with the test process can be a burden on an missioncriticalpower.uk

Sponsored column

already stretched operating budget.

While the manpower for such tests may be accounted for indirectly via the wider preventive maintenance budget, it is frequently necessary to incur other significant costs in terms of load bank and cable hire costs.

Effective, efficient battery checks online With the Delphys Green Power and the Delphys Xtend Green Power range of UPS, the process of conducting battery discharge testing is simplified. Socomecí s innovative battery capacity reinjection function enables the battery to be discharged to the upstream mains network through the UPS rectifier.

This function is carried out online with the load fully protected. The UPS rectifier acts as a current generator synchronised to the mains voltage; the reinjected power is active power (KW) only, there is no reinjection of reactive power (kVAR). The reinjected current is sinusoidal, and therefore does

not affect the LV installation.

If mains power is lost during the test, the reinjection is automatically stopped with no effect to the system load. For an N+1 or 2N installation the system autonomy is ensured by the other units.

During a routine battery capacity reinjection test, carried out by a Socomec technician, the reinjected power is consumed by the other loads or UPS systems on the site.

The reinjection test requires no changes to cabling within the existing installation. The battery discharge power (kW) is constant and configurable.

This UPS function enables the routine maintenance and testing of the critical UPS system and batteries to be easily carried out without the need for additional load banks or cabling.

As well as the financial benefit of no longer needing to hire load banks and cabling, the Socomec reinjection function simplifies the operational planning associated with such tests. l

Why call in a UPS battery replacement specialist?

When carried out correctly, the replacement of UPS batteries is a safe and effective procedure. There are, however, significant risks associated with UPS battery replacement of which it is important to be aware: 1. The load may cease to be protected by the UPS. Faulty cabling can cause an inverter/rectifier breakdown, therefore switching into the auxiliary (bypass) supply, and leaving the load unprotected by the UPS. 2. The probability of a fault can be increased through electrolyte leakage associated with the incorrect handling of battery blocks.

3. Serious injury to personnel can occur where there is spillage of electrolyte in the areas surrounding the UPS and battery installation. Furthermore, not using the correct PPE can also result in serious injury to the on-site operator.

4. There is a risk of thermal runaway, fire or explosion if the battery charger calibration is inaccurate.

5. Prosecution: not disposing of batteries according to strict guidelines may result in legal proceedings being brought against the offending party by local or central government, which in turn may lead to heavy financial penalties or possible imprisonment. missioncriticalpower.uk

Microgrids build UK momentum ABB is demonstrating the capabilities of microgrids worldwide

David Hughes, Director of Marketing & Sales, Power Grids UK A year or so ago, when ABB started talking about the UK potential for microgrids, it might have been hard to understand the relevance of something more associated with off-grid installations for remote regions of the world. However, concerns continue to grow as to how our networks can address the power supply capacity, stability and resilience issues vital to ensure ‘business as usual’ for customers.

The result is an increasing interest closer to home for grid-connected microgrids.

Typically, microgrids integrate renewable energy sources such as solar, wind power, biomass, small hydro, geothermal, waste-to-energy and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Increasingly, they are equipped with energy storage systems, including flywheels or lithium-ion batteries.

The heart of the microgrid is the controller, its software intelligence, that orchestrates these diverse resources, managing them to optimise the use of renewables while maintaining grid frequency, voltage and stability. This controller also manages the interface with the main grid, enabling the microgrid to connect and disconnect as required for seamless ‘islanded operation’.

It is this islanding capacity that is crucial for hospitals,

factories and data centres.

Normally, they will take their power from the main utility grid. But if there is any disturbance in this grid they can simply disconnect and rely on resources within their own microgrid to maintain continuity of power almost indefinitely.

Microgrids are also being driven by utilities interested in their capability to improve reliability by isolating critical pockets of generation and load.

If there is a disturbance the ‘embedded utility microgrid’ within the pocket will be islanded to prevent any risk of an outage.

Furthermore, the microgrid can feed power back to the main grid to support its stable operation as well as helping with restoration after a major blackout.

Microgrids offer an innovative highly flexible, modular and scalable solution to help support continuity of supply, and ABB is already demonstrating their capabilities in more than 30 microgrids deployed worldwide.

Even in advanced economies such as the UK, they can increase the reliability and quality of power supply; reduce energy costs and enhance their predictability; and reduce carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. A recent report by the Carbon Trust and Imperial College concludes that the UK could save between £17bn and £40bn across the electricity system from now to 2050 by deploying flexibility technologies such as microgrids.

Clearly, microgrids are now building momentum.

20

COOLING & AIR MANAGEMENT

Reducing the environmental impact of data centres Carl Munters, the inventor who gave his name to the Munters’ brand, was honoured by ASHRAE for making milestone contributions to the growth of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and ventilation. Today, Munters continues to pioneer cooling technologies to deliver energy efficiencies

T

he amount of energy needed for cooling the worldí s data centres is huge and increasing, both in terms of cost and in environmental impact. Some 30 to 40% of energy consumption in a typical data centre is attributed to cooling.

Using indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) is one approach that has the potential to address this issue. Muntersí Oasis range of IEC solutions, for example, are claimed to use as little as 20% of the cooling energy required by conventional systems, resulting in data centres being able to free up electrical power for their core business. It is reported that facilities can increase the available electrical power by 37% when using this approach.

The Oasis IEC system takes advantage of evaporation to reject heat without adding moisture to the data centre.

It operates by circulating the primary air from the white space through heat exchangers, which are cooled using a combination of outdoor air movement and evaporation.

MCP February 2017

The indoor and outdoor airstreams never mix, resulting in a minimal requirement for filtration. The air from the data centre is cooled using a patented polymer heat exchanger often without the need for supplemental mechanical cooling or water. There are three different operating modes, depending on the ambient temperatures. On cold and cool days, the polymer heat exchanger operates dry and simply acts as an air≠ to≠ air heat exchanger.

Outside air (commonly referred to as ë scavenger airí ) indirectly cools the data centre air through normal heat exchange, without the use of any water. Once the ambient temperature rises to a certain point, the heat exchanger will not provide enough cooling while operating in this dry mode.

When this happens, water is pumped from sumps that are internal to the air handlers to spray nozzles that wet the outside surface of the Oasis heat exchanger tubes, coating them with a thin layer of water.

The scavenger air evaporates

water on the exterior of the tubes, which causes heat to be extracted from the recirculating data centre air flowing internal to the tubes. In this evaporative mode, the heat exchanger can cool the recirculated air even when outside temperatures are high. However, during the few hours per year when outside temperatures are too hot and humid for evaporative cooling alone, a mechanical trim cooling system supplements the evaporative cooling, so that the air supplied to the data centre is maintained at the right temperature. The average data centre PUE is 2.0, while a facility with a PUE of less than 1.2 is generally considered to be very ë greení . The efficiency of the Oasis IEC system enables data centre operators to achieve ratios significantly lower than the green standard, with some facilities dropping below 1.1 PUE. It therefore offers a solution to help data centres to reduce their carbon footprint.

As well as reducing the

The efficiency of the Oasis IEC system enables data centre operators to achieve ratios significantly lower than the green standard, with some facilities dropping below 1.1 PUE

environmental impact of cooling data centres, the IEC technology saves in annual operating costs resulting from lower power and water consumption compared to conventional water≠ cooled chiller systems. The technology has now been installed in a wide variety of data centres across the globe, and in some challenging climates. One of the UKí s most advanced data centres ñ Equinixí s sixth London data centre, in Slough, (known as the LD6 campus) worked with Munters to provide a solution comprising Oasis IEC 200s, supplying more than 8MW of cooling for the IT load. ì Ultimately, the choice of direct or indirect cooling infrastructure for a data centre will depend on the benefits, geographic location, capital costs, operating costs, and availability risks,î says Muntersí Simon Young. ì The main barrier to using direct fresh air is the concern of air pollution, containments and high humidity risks on server longevity, which is the main difference compared to indirect cooling systems, so if the data centre is in a high pollutant area, such as a city, near to an airport or agricultural location, they are most likely to choose a solution that does not allow dust and contaminants into their data hall. ì We are noticing a trend for the indirect cooling solution in the majority of instances. Cooling demands will always include scalability, cost effectiveness (capex and opex), flexibility, reliability, sustainability and design, which Munters continue to develop and optimise,î he concludes. l missioncriticalpower.uk

COOLING & AIR MOVEMENT

21

Migrating North: data centres capitalising on colder climates There are some key benefits to locating data centres in Scandinavian countries, where there is significant investment in renewable energy and a favourable climate for cooling approaches. Mission Critical Power provides an insight into a state-of-the-art installation that has followed this trend

W

hen Hydro66 opened its new co≠ location centre in Boden, Sweden, it broke the mould in more ways than one.

Not only was it one of the first UK companies to site such a facility in Sweden, it was also the first co≠ location data centre to use 100% hydroelectric power and ë free airí cooling.

Hydro66 chief executive officer Andy Long explains the reasons for this pioneering approach: ì Internet giants ñ such as Facebook and Google ñ have increasingly looked to Scandinavia as a base for their European data centre operations, recognising the potentially huge savings that can be made by moving north. ì There are three main benefits to locating data centres in Scandinavia: a favourable climate, abundant renewable

energy and local expertise.

Possibly the most obvious reason for building a data centre in the region is that the annual temperatures are well suited to cooling electrical equipment. As anyone in the industry knows, servers produce a lot of heat, which is a lot easier to deal with if ití s ≠ 25∞ C outside. ì Similarly, summer temperatures rarely exceed +25∞ C, and so, by using free air adiabatic cooling, you can virtually eliminate the need for expensive air conditioning units or heat exchangers to provide sufficient cooling. ì Secondly, these countries have invested heavily in renewable energy technologies, providing low cost, ë greení power to help businesses minimise their carbon footprints and mitigate their

environmental impact.î This is now a major consideration for many companies globally and ever tightening regulations mean it is only going to become more important in the future, according to Long. He points out that this also ensures hundreds of megawatts of power can be found ë on tapí , unlike the constrained and often unreliable power supplies in city centre locations.

The third reason, which may be less obvious, is the infrastructure and expertise available. Local investment in both training and connectivity schemes ñ such as the Node Pole Alliance between government and industry in northern Sweden ñ has created excellent infrastructure links and a large pool of local expertise, ensuring that both »

A key objective of Hydro66 was to design the data centre to operate at a power usage effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.05

Hydro66’s new co-location centre in Boden, Sweden missioncriticalpower.uk

February 2017 MCP

22

COOLING & AIR MOVEMENT

The centre uses 100% hydroelectric power and ‘free air’ cooling the knowledge and support are in place to help data centres in the region succeed. ì Although the benefits of these government≠ backed centres of excellence were recognised by the major internet drivers several years ago, co≠ location providers have ñ for the most part ñ continued to develop the traditional city locations, with their associated high costs, limited space and unstable power supplies,î says Long. ì When we set up Hydro66, we wanted to move away from this model, offering customers the economic benefits of such locations without having to build their own facilities.

We chose Boden in northern Sweden ñ a place that just a few years ago would have seemed an uneconomical location for a data centre ñ because four separate regional hydroelectric power grids converge here.

This allows us to connect every server to two separate power stations at once, offering built≠ in reliability,î he continues. ì Combined with the excellent local infrastructure and support, this means we are just as well ñ if not better ñ connected to Europe than most traditional city locations.î Starting with a completely undeveloped site, Hydro66 MCP February 2017

undertook an ambitious building project, designing and constructing a state≠ of≠ the≠ art facility to take advantage of the benefits on offer.

A key objective of Hydro66 was to design the data centre to operate at a power usage effectiveness (PUE) ñ the ratio of total amount of energy used by a data centre to the energy delivered to computing equipment ñ of less than 1.05.

This could only be achieved using fresh≠ air cooling supported by the most efficient UPS and power distribution.

Cooling solution Alan Beresford, CEO of EcoCooling, explains that

The designs ensure very good airflow management inside the racks, with a range of standard blanking plates to ensure the most efficient air pathway

Boden lies on the 66th latitude and, consequently, is cold, with a record low temperature of ≠ 40∞ C and a maximum of 32∞ C, although it rarely exceeds 25∞ C. In this climate, a simple ventilation system can maintain compliant temperatures for much of the time, but in the few instances a year when the ambient exceeds 25∞ C, a supplementary cooling system is required.

The options for this are chilled water, direct expansion (DX), and direct or indirect evaporative cooling.

He further comments that a well≠ designed chilled water system can be very efficient but expensive. It is also only viable for larger cooling loads. The market for a data centre such as Hydro66 is in ë co≠ locationí , where equipment, space, and bandwidth are available for rental to retail customers.

The final cooling loads are not known at the time of construction, so it is impossible to size a chilled water system to reflect an unknown load.

IT equipment is normally installed in 600mm≠ wide racks, and rack loads can vary between 2kW and 15kW, depending on the type of equipment installed. This is why most data centres take the

DX route; units of up to 100kW of cooling load can be added in a modular way, reflecting the cooling load as the computer racks are populated.

Beresford explains that indirect cooling is the next option; outside air passes on one side of a heat exchanger and the hot air from the centre passes on the other side. The amount of heat extracted is dependent on the outside temperature. On warm days, the ambient (outdoor) air is adiabatically cooled using wetted pads or sprays, and ñ on very hot days ñ a DX coil is added to maintain compliant conditions.

The obvious key advantage of an indirect ventilation system, according to Beresford, is that any contaminants in the external air are not brought into the data centre. Because indirect cooling systems require large heat exchangers, the equipment is big and can be expensive. Also, in the case of Hydro66, the Boden planning authorities preferred solutions with no external plant.

Hydro66 decided to use a direct ventilation system supplemented by evaporative cooling. The equipment is modular and installed internally, thereby avoiding missioncriticalpower.uk

23 planning issues. Electronically commutated (EC) axial fans are used for air movement because they are easier to install and take up less space than centrifugal fans. With very low pressures, axials can also accommodate the larger flow rates and pressure, and their motors are efficient, quiet and have simple speed controls.

The equipment is modular and installed internally, thereby avoiding planning issues.

Electronically commutated (EC) axial fans are used for air movement because they are easier to install and take up less space than centrifugal fans.

With very low pressures, axials can also accommodate the larger flow rates and pressure, and their motors are efficient, quiet and have simple speed controls.

Beresford explains that the efficiency of a fan is approximately proportional to the cube of the speed. Data centres require redundancy of N+1, 2N or 2(N+1), so equipment is operated at part capacity. By controlling all of the EC fans as a group ñ and reducing the air flow rate to that required by the IT equipment ñ reductions in consumed fan power can be achieved, producing remarkable efficiencies.

He adds that, on average, 1MW of IT equipment will require an airflow of 90m3 /s of air at compliant temperatures.

A ventilation system, based on EC axial fans, can support 1MW

of cooling for approximately 40kW of fan energy use. This adds 0.04 to the PUE of the data centre. If ñ as in the case of Hydro66 ñ this is used in conjunction with a rotary UPS solution (a flywheel driven by an electric motor) where losses are <1%, a PUE of 1.05 is attained. Since the data centre has both redundancy and spare capacity, the ventilation rate is reduced and further savings are made. For example, running a fan at 80% reduces energy use by half and, at 50%, to 12.5%.

An intelligent control system is used by Hydro66 constantly to optimise the fan energy use to reflect actual cooling requirements in a dynamic environment.

On warmer days, the adiabatic cooling is enabled, bringing the supply air down to approach the wet≠ bulb temperature of the ambient air. In Boden, this means the supply air will never exceed 22∞ C, which is compliant with all standards without the need to use additional mechanical refrigeration. The use of adiabatic cooling will increase the moisture content, while reducing dry≠ bulb temperature, so increasing the relative humidity of the air.

With reference to the ASHRAE 2011 Thermal Guidelines, high relative humidity (RH) will normally only cause corrosion with other contaminants in the air. If gases such as sulphur or chlorine are in the ambient air, these, plus

7%

The total energy consumed by non-IT equipment at Hydro66’s co-location centre, making it ultragreen high RH, can cause corrosion.

Boden has ë cleaní air because there are no local industries producing contaminants.

The combination of high RH and dust or particulates can also create problems, so all incoming and recirculating air is filtered. In relatively clean conditions such as those in Boden, EU4 is a suitable level of filtration. Increasing this can result in significant increases in capital cost, maintenance needs and fan energy use.

A direct fresh≠ air system operating in arctic conditions at the coldest time of the year can result in very low RH in the data centre. Low RH, in conjunction with other factors, can cause problems with electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can damage IT equipment.

The Hydro66 cooling system incorporates a recirculation loop, where ñ in low RH conditions ñ the warm air from the data centre is passed over the adiabatic pads to humidify the air above the ASHRAE 2011 Thermal Guidelinesí allowable

Sweden lowers energy tax for data centres New legislation has lowered the energy tax by 97% for data centre operators in Sweden. Based on the new level, the total annual power cost for a 10MW facility will provide an estimated annual savings of between $1.6 to $2.7m. The new tax level represents a decrease from either 295 SEK (£26) or 199 SEK (£26) per megawatthour, down to 5 SEK (£0.44) per MWh. This is applicable to both existing data centres and new facilities exceeding 500KW installed IT capacity, excluding cooling facilities.

“For data centre investors, the new legislation results in a total electricity cost of between $0.035 [£0.027] to $0.045 [£0.035] per kilowatt-hour,” says Rick Abrahamsson, industry expert at Swedish energy company Vattenfall.

“This provides a strong business case with a near zero-carbon footprint. We have already seen an increased level of interest in the Swedish market,” says Tomas Sokolnicki, head of data centres at Business Sweden. “Investors are attracted to Sweden’s stable and robust power grid, as well as its extensive fibre network. The dramatically lowered cost of power is the final component data centre operators are looking for.” missioncriticalpower.uk

level of 20%. This novel solution therefore uses the adiabatic pads for two functions ñ cooling in hot weather and humidification in cold weather conditions.

Rack solution Another key aspect of the data centre infrastructure was the rack design. Hydro66 had already virtually settled on a supplier for its racks, cages and aisle containment when a chance meeting with Dataracks at a trade show made them re≠ evaluate: ì Dataracks had clearly learned from many years of experience working with co≠ location providers, and constantly tweaked and updated their designs to make it as easy as possible to work with their products,î says Christiaan Keet, chief technical officer at Hydro66. ì For example, because we are working with our customersí own hardware, it is sometimes necessary to change the size of shelves or cable management to suit individual needs, and the Dataracks team has thought this through. All their products are extremely easy to access, adjust and tailor, while still being really solid and secure. ì The companyí s designs also ensure very good airflow management inside the racks, with a range of standard blanking plates to ensure the most efficient air pathway. ì Most rack manufacturers simply doní t offer this, forcing you to use homemade blanking plates. Because we rely on free air cooling, this is a huge benefit for us, ensuring the interval environment of the racks is as controllable as we can make it, without needing to rely on custom≠ made solutions.î Ultimately, every aspect of the facility has been carefully considered to deliver an ultra≠ green data centre. Only 7% of total energy consumed is by non≠ IT equipment and this is of growing importance to consumers, who are increasingly aware of the climate impact of internet services. l February 2017 MCP

26

ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE

Google, Facebook, Amazon, IBM, Intel, Apple and other behemoths are pouring billions of dollars into artificial intelligence.

In the energy sector, one UK start-up thinks it can take them on.

Brendan Coyne reports

AI for smartgrids: Can UK academia beat Google?

B

y connecting the best human minds and then pitting the algorithms they create against each other, Upside Energy founder Graham Oakes thinks UK academia can outsmart Silicon Valley. His goal is to enable a more intelligent, cost≠ effective energy system based around millions of small, connected loads optimised via artificial intelligence.

A grand plan. But how big a role can artificial intelligence play in a smarter energy system? ì I think it will be fundamental,î says Oakes. ì If you look at demand≠ side response right now, people are doing fairly simple things ñ single services from a dedicated asset. But as the energy system transforms to a marketplace that buys flexibility as well as energy, you need to be doing multiple things to get the MCP February 2017

most from these assets.î Sometimes that will mean providing services to the distribution network operator, sometimes to National Grid, sometimes an energy supplier.

At other times it might simply be arbitraging price differentials, says Oakes. ì So now youí ve got a question: How do you make intelligent decisions to best use the individual asset and the portfolio of assets?î He thinks machine learning will come up with the most efficient answer ñ and a best value energy system.

Food for artificial thought Great in theory. But, if the energy system is already struggling to adapt to technology shifts, what is a realistic timetable to embed AI? Oakes says the firmí s

algorithms will make significant improvements in areas such as battery life management ì quite quickly, within 12≠ 24 monthsî .

However, ì AI is dependent upon data ñ and the challenge for start ups is getting enoughî .

Additionally, the broader energy market is not entirely sure what it wants. ì The market to deliver the full range of value services to all parts of the energy system will take five to 10 years to really develop,î says Oakes. ì Every time we talk about flexibility my question is ë what do you actually mean by flexibility?í Because we havení t actually defined what flexibility is. How does it add value to people, what types of flexibility add value? It will take time to learn that stuff. So the intelligence will really come into

its own five years from now.î But Oakes says the company ñ and any other market participants aiming to develop smart grid solutions ñ must focus on that horizon now. ì If you have five yearsí worth of data you can immediately start to add value. If you only start to try this when we define flexibility, you are going to need to go out and gather yearsí worth of data.î He uses Wayne Gretzkyí s ice hockey analogy: ì The best players doní t follow the puck, they go where the puck is going to be. And that is what we are doing.î Universal challenge The firm, which was funded by the now defunct Department of Energy & Climate Change, as well as Innovate UK, has missioncriticalpower.uk

27 But Oakes thinks the collective brain of UK academia ñ the firm is also working with universities including Oxford, Imperial, Manchester and Lancaster ñ offers the start≠ up a fighting chance against their might. And if the universities come up with a better algorithm than Upsideí s, they earn a revenue share. ì There is an enormous amount of academic firepower out there doing really interesting stuff with machine learning and algorithm development and fantastic modeling of the energy system,î says Oakes. ì Working with them gives us enormous intellectual weight.

We think we can leverage the expertise within the UK ñ and ultimately within the global academic base. We think that gives us a way to compete with Google.î

managed about 400kW of load from about 20 different sites for almost two years.

Last November it signed an agreement to provide frequency response to National Grid and is now qualifying some 2.5MW (including a megawatt≠ scale battery being managed by the University of Sheffield) for delivery from April. That will enable Upside to start earning some money, with National Grid paying a premium to parties that can react within two seconds to keep the power grid stable.

In January this year, Upside was also granted another £100,000 from Innovate UK to fund AI≠ driven demand response research at Heriot Watt University. While that adds to Upsideí s academic firepower, it is probably not worrying the titans of Silicon Valley just yet. missioncriticalpower.uk

Sum of all parts Most traditional demand≠ side response aggregators target larger firms due to the cost of amalgamating hundreds or even thousands of small sites, which analysts suggest represents a barrier to genuine scale.

Meanwhile larger corporates, they say, will be reluctant to cede control to those without sufficient brand credibility.

But Oakes thinks that creates a vacuum for companies such as Upside to fill. He also believes a more diverse range of assets will unlock higher value. ì Managing small, diverse loads is our core. We think we are unique in terms of the range and type of those assets ñ and the benefit of doing this in the cloud is that we can talk to almost anything ñ whereas other people are operating in narrow niches.î Oakes says that approach is shedding light on how managing combinations of batteries, heat pumps and hot water tanks, for example, adds more value than the equivalent capacity of a single asset, such as a battery. ì Using a battery to manage frequency response, for example, you need to have capacity to go in both directions; to add load to the grid when frequency is

high and take load off when frequency is low. That means you need to manage your battery in about a 50% state of charge.

So you go out and buy this very expensive asset and you just use half of it,î says Oakes. ì What we are starting to see in our modeling is that batteries are wonderful for [frequency balancing] but you want to keep them fully charged so you can use their full capacity,î he says. ì Hot water tanks are the reverse. You caní t export to the grid; you caní t do very much when frequency goes low. But when frequency goes high, you can always put a bit more heat into them. So this combined thermal and battery store means we can optimise in a way that a single portfolio of batteries or thermal stores cannot deliver.î Oakes thinks that will become a ì very powerful modelî . But it will require National Grid to give further thought to procuring flexibility. ì National Grid has started to get its head around aggregating smaller assets and to get its head around batteries,î he says. ì But now when you start to aggregate diverse asset classes, that is yet another shift of mindset to be taken.î Selling flexibility So how does Upside, without a sales force, overcome the cost of sales barrier mooted by some traditional aggregators? Oakes says the simple answer is ì by being lazyî . ì I doní t want to build a sales force, the innovation in our business model is to find people to sell it for us. The PV and battery manufacturers have installer channels. We give them something that makes the

The best players don’t follow the puck, they go where the puck is going to be. And that is what we are doing.

economics work for them and let them sell it for us.î Upside has also signed an agreement with one of the three large UPS manufacturers; where Schneider, Eaton and Vertiv (formerly Emerson) collectively hold about 85% of the UK market. Although Upsideí s website cites Emerson as an advisory partner on the Innovate UK project, Oakes says the firm is under non≠ disclosure, so cannot reveal which of the three will incorporate Upsideí s technology.

Nevertheless, Oakes says UPS firms have recently begun to convey a ì more nuancedî message than selling kit based on fear of failure.

He thinks that will help break down customer barriers to demand≠ side response participation, which, according to research by MCP sister publication The Energyst, are principally around unsuitability of equipment and fear of disruption to core business. ì We have seen a significant change in mindset over the last six months,î he says.

Domestic DSR? Oakes thinks domestic demand≠ side response could also scale more rapidly than many market participants believe. However, he says it may be hampered by consumer versus commercial silos within the large industrial conglomerates involved in batteries and UPS. Whether grid operators grasp the nettle is another key factor. ì Behind the meter storage isní t challenged in quite the same way [as some of the larger scale markets]. Talking to people at Ofgem and BEIS, they are all very supportive,î says Oakes. ì [But] National Grid and the DNOs are still very much getting their heads around the possibility of domestic DSR [they think] ë great idea but weí ll address it in five or ten yearsí timeí . ì Actually, I think it is just waiting to be tapped into. It is going to take time to kick off, but I think if we start now, we can make it happen in the next two or three years.î l February 2017 MCP

28

POWER QUALITY

RTE’s smart substation will pave the way for greater penetration of renewables

Li-ion technology: ensuring smart back-up for smart substations Saft’s Mohamad Fourati explains why lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology has a growing role as back-up in digital substations and why French transmission system operator RTE has adopted it for two critical substations under its Smart Substations project

G

rowing penetration of renewable energy and changing patterns of supply and demand mean that the operators of our electricity transmission and distribution networks are working hard to implement smart digital substations.

The vision for the future is that substations should be equipped with digital communication over fibre optic networks to allow for fast communication, control and protection, enhanced safety and to avoid huge investments to control the network.

However, while adopting digital primary and secondary substation equipment is the main focus, it is important to consider other equipment MCP February 2017

that has an essential role in substations ñ the back≠ up battery.

Every substation is equipped with a battery system for several hours of back≠ up power.

In the case of an outage, they have the role of providing power for switchgear to change the configuration of the network, paving the way to isolating lines and clearing faults. They must also power communication and control equipment and it is this element that is becoming increasing important in smart digital substations.

Smart Substations project French transmission system operator RTE operates 100,000km of overhead lines

When it came to specifying a back-up battery system, RTE had the objectives of wanting to minimise the need for onsite supervision and intervention by technicians

of 63,000 to 400,000 volts in France and 46 cross≠ border lines, which makes it the most important electricity network in Europe.

Traditionally, France has relied on nuclear power stations to generate electricity but, in recent years, there has been rapid introduction of wind and solar photovoltaic.

Renewables account today for 20% of electricity consumption in France (Q3 2016) with an objective of 32% in 2030. Today, wind energy in France is of 11,200MW and solar energy 6,6510MW. RTE delivered the four≠ year Smart Substations project between 2013 and 2016 to pave the way for greater penetration of renewables by creating a » missioncriticalpower.uk

30

POWER QUALITY

RTE wanted an autonomous substation with minimal need for visits by maintenance technicians for topping up or checking the electrolyte levels

MCP February 2017

modern substation capable of remote control. It selected two substations in the Somme region of northern France, which has the countryí s highest level of grid≠ connected wind power. The 225/90kV Blocaux substation is a point of interconnection with neighbouring Luxembourg and the nearby 90/20kV Alleux substation is the point of supply to distribution system operator ERDF. When it came to specifying a back≠ up battery system, RTE had the objectives of wanting to minimise the need for on≠ site supervision and intervention by technicians, enabling access to control centres and delivering a technology that would remain compatible in the future in case of the need for extension or alteration.

However, with the Smart Substations project being partly funded by the French government and the Blocaux substation being connected to neighbouring Luxembourg, RTE also wanted to consider European and French suppliers and required the same high levels of safety as other substation equipment.

One challenge for back≠ up batteries in a digital substation is that conventional lead≠ acid battery technology is not immediately compatible with digital communication systems, meaning that it is harder to integrate into the state≠ of≠ the≠ art SCADA and condition monitoring that is the raison dí Í tre for digital substation technology. RTE selected Saft for Li≠ ion battery technology because it was able to meet all of these technical requirements and because of Saft renowned leadership on utility applications.

Why Li-ion?

Saftí s experience with Li≠ ion technology dates back to the early 1990s when it developed its first Li≠ ion batteries for applications such as mobility, space and defence.

Since then, the technology has become more accessible and today, Li≠ ion batteries are found in consumer devices and electric vehicles.

However, Saftí s focus is unusual, demanding and niche industrial applications such as transportation, satellite, defence, grid and back≠ up power for telecom and data≠

missioncriticalpower.uk

31 centres. The main advantage of Li≠ ion technology is its high energy density.

This gives batteries a compact footprint and light weight and is the reason why Li≠ ion technology has been selected in industries where weight and performance are top priorities, such as aerospace and telecoms installations.

Although helpful to transmission and distribution substation operators, small size and light weight are not always important advantages for substations, even digital substations. Most of RTEí s substations are equipped with lead≠ acid batteries.

During the project, RTE delivered two digital substations, with one being located inside an existing building and the other being a containerised solution. This meant that size became an important question for RTE that only Li≠ ion technology could answer.

The smaller the equipment, the better in terms of being able to fit inside a containerised substation or the lower requirements for civil engineering. Light

missioncriticalpower.uk

weight solutions also need less structural support and leads to simpler manual handling during installation and maintenance.

Low maintenance was another important factor for RTE, which wanted an autonomous substation with minimal need for visits by maintenance technicians for topping up or checking the electrolyte levels. As Saft Li≠ ion batteries are sealed for life, they require no maintenance.

Lastly, being modular in nature, it is possible to build up a battery system that is closely aligned with the system requirements. In the case of Blocaux substation, the battery can deliver 11kW at 110V for up to four hours.

IEC 61850 smart grid protocol One aspect that is important in a digital substations is the ability to integrate the substation equipment with IEC 61850. This is the international standard that governs protection and control systems in smart grid.

One clear advantage of Li≠ ion over other technologies is that because it requires an

The main advantage of Li-ion technology is its high energy density. This gives batteries a compact footprint and light weight

electronic battery management system (BMS), it is amenable to integrating into an operatorí s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system.

To achieve this, Saft integrated smart grid communications into the battery charger, which is controlled by the battery and relays information to RTEí s smart grid control and protection scheme. It is allowing RTE to benefit from the same condition monitoring and real≠ time situational awareness on its batteries as it does from the primary and secondary substation equipment.

While it is very popular, Li≠ ion technology is under intense scrutiny in the wake of safety incidents in other industries. Without wishing to comment in detail, Saft has demonstrated the safety of its qualified industrial battery systems through achieving safety certifications in the aviation, space and marine industries, where safety rises above all other factors. For RTEí s project, we worked closely with its engineers to demonstrate the safety that is built in. l

February 2017 MCP

32

MODULAR SOLUTIONS

Selecting a UPS technology for the data centre environment Robin Koffler, global sales director, data and IT, at AEG Power Solutions, provides an insight into some key considerations when specifying and installing UPS technology, while arguing the case for scalable, modular solutions

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ne of the biggest issues facing most data centre managers today is that of ë scaleí . How do you forecast future usage and adapt to a rapidly changing and ever more connected world? 5G networks are almost a reality and will establish a new norm for communication speeds and bandwidth.

The Internet of Things (IoT) may then finally have a suitable communications infrastructure (alongside WiFi) that can fulfill the vision of billions of connected devices, with their data stored within Cloud enabled data centres. With data centre expansion comes problems associated with power and cooling capacities.

Any system expansion affecting efficiency must be optimised. Resilience must also be maintained in terms of N+x redundancy and especially so if the facility has a certified Tier rating (Uptime Institute). In terms of power expansion, the main area of concern is how to scale installed uninterruptible power supplies and any associated standby power generation.

UPS systems can be installed either as a centralised power solution within a plant room or a decentralised solution supplying local distribution boards or within a white≠ space server cabinet row. Smaller UPS systems can be installed within the server cabinets themselves. Where and how a UPS system is installed is often dependent on its size and the floor space, cooling and electrical infrastructure available.

MCP February 2017

Delivering expansion Traditionally, most UPS manufacturers only offered mono≠ block type uninterruptible power supplies.

These standalone systems (above 10kVA) can be installed in parallel for resilience (N+1) or total capacity expansion or some combination of the two. While offering resilience, mono≠ block UPS do not offer easy upgrade paths and right≠ sizing for efficiency, as new server capacity is brought online or even reduced through virtualisation.

With a mono≠ block UPS system, there are two ways to

Modular UPS provide flexibility and not just in terms of growth but also serviceability and operational configuration

meet expansion. Firstly, a UPS can be oversized on day one to meet a projected growth path.

Alternatively, provision could be made on day≠ one for an additional matching UPS to be installed at a later date. For this, the initial UPS installation would have to be sized to accommodate the additional UPS in terms of electrical cabling, discrimination, LV switchgear, power distribution and floor space.

Both approaches can be costly and lead to a less than energy efficient installation, an especially so if the extra power demands are marginal to the overall system size.

This is where modular UPS offer a more cost≠ effective and attractive upgrade path.

Modular UPS technology relies on the choice of a suitable UPS frame size, designed to house a set number of modules.

The UPS frame can also house input/output connections, an automatic transfer switch, maintenance bypass and remote communications connections.

UPS modules will be of a certain kVA/kW rating and the total power that can be delivered by the overall UPS system will be a multiple of this.

Typical examples of frame sizes include 180kVA and 300kVA, designed to take either six or ten 30kVA UPS modules. At maximum installation, the UPS frames would offer either 120kVA N+1 or 180kVA and 270kVA N+1 or 300kVA capacities.

For a 120kVA modular UPS installation, an additional missioncriticalpower.uk

33 30kVA expansion could be met through the installation of a further 30kVA UPS module if the installed frame size had a vacant slot for expansion (180kVA). This is known as vertical scaling.

If an additional UPS frame was required (horizontal expansion), this could require additional electrical works but would provide future options for vertical growth. If the installation was a mono≠ block design an additional 120kVA UPS would be required.

For data centres and IT environments, modular UPS offer five key benefits: 1. Modular UPS systems are easier to install than mono≠ block parallel N+1 systems. This can lead to lower installation costs and less complex electrical installations.

As with any associated LV switchgear and distribution, the chosen UPS frame size must be suitably matched to the final load size.

2. Modular UPS systems tend

missioncriticalpower.uk

to be better able to optimise their energy efficiency as UPS modules can be set to hibernate (sleep) when not required to meet the overall load rating.

Typical operating efficiency is 95% or greater even down to as low as 25%.

3. Scaling vertically to 180kVA requires no more additional footprint to a single 30kVA design. Reducing the overall footprint compared to a mono≠ block design allows the plant room size to be reduced and if required, the modular UPS system can be installed, inside the white space environment, taking up no more space than a typical 1000mm deep rack. Some modular UPS suppliers also provide combination systems that can house both UPS modules and a battery set.

4. Modular UPS provide flexibility and not just in terms of growth but also serviceability and operational configuration. UPS modules are typically designed to be

Modular UPS systems tend to be better able to optimise their energy efficiency

ë plug and playí into a suitable frame. Where a data centre operates two or more modular UPS systems, modules can be moved between systems to meet demand.

5. The flexibility of the design also helps to speed up both response to service issues and repairs. On≠ site swap≠ outs can be carried out within 30 minutes of a service engineer arriving on site. The relatively low cost of the UPS modules also allows for sites to store a spare module, removing the need for the UPS service engineer to co≠ ordinate spares delivery with a service centre department.

These advantages make modular UPS the ideal choice for data centre environments.

While there will be a higher initial cost outlay compared to mono≠ block UPS, the overall system will be more flexible and could, over its operating life, achieve higher operating efficiencies and lower running costs. l

February 2017 MCP

34

DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE

Designing for uptime: investing for reliability and efficiency Sudlows technical director Andy Hirst offers Louise Frampton his views on the important factors that contribute to a successful critical infrastructure project and provides an insight into the pioneering technologies and key influences that will have an impact on the mission critical power sector

S

udlows ñ a specialist in the design, build and maintenance of energy efficient and sustainable critical infrastructure environments ñ has a long history of sourcing and installing resilient mission critical systems to provide effective defences against power interruptions. While designing installations for clients ñ ranging from the Co≠ operative Salford Data Centre, to Stockport Council ñ the vendor≠ neutral organisation has gained insights into some of the technological innovations taking place in the market and trends in critical infrastructure.

Andy Hirst, Sudlowsí technical director, believes that this is an exciting time of rapid technological innovation but MCP February 2017

argues that projects demand more than the ability to ì buy a box and install itî ; designers must invest heavily in R&D to develop systems that ensure the highest levels of efficiency that are demanded by the UK market, as well as perform their own due diligence to investigate the performance and quality of manufacturersí equipment ñ whether ití s the UPS systems they specify or the cooling technology that is installed. ì It is no longer enough to specify equipment from a company because they are a ë reputableí brand. You need to perform your own due diligence on equipment to ensure it meets the clientí s demands,î Hirst says.

He adds that clients with

With technology advancing so quickly in the data centre arena, it is vital not to stand still.

You cannot assume that you can use the same technology installed on the previous two projects

mission critical power requirements should be prepared to challenge designers as to why they have selected specific manufacturersí equipment and the designer should be able to present their evidence based on their own investigations. ì We are vendor neutral so we will look at what levels of service the manufacturer can offer and how they manufacture their products ñ often visiting the manufacturing facilities, to ensure we are happy with what we see. We will test the quality of the product but also investigate whether the service engineers that work on the equipment are certified to the right standard. missioncriticalpower.uk

35

Sudlows’ work includes the Co-operative Salford Data Centre, which was both time critical and technically advanced.

Whatever the size of the brand, designers should perform their own checks and tests before anything is installed. ì Clients often assume that this is offered routinely and do not realise that not everyone has the capability to offer this expertise when they recommend and install equipment,î he says.

As the chairperson for the ECAí s technical committee for Information Communication &

Controls Technologies (ICTT), Hirst reports that he is working with a project aimed at developing more comprehensive UK standards for mission critical applications in data centres.

There are two standards based around ensuring the resilience of data centres ñ the Uptime Institute and the TIA942 standards. At present, the US standards dominate.

However, Hirst explains that sessions to achieve accreditation with the Uptime Institute are very limited and mainly held overseas, making them difficult to access. ì You must be an incorporated or chartered engineer to be accepted on to the course, so the course itself is stringent in terms of who can qualify for entry. Many of the big consultancies will have one or two certified designers, accredited to the Uptime Institute, while Sudlows has five. ì However, there are only 50≠ 60 certified designers in the UK that currently meet the Uptime Institute Standards. ì The UK is well respected for its engineering yet we are currently ë piggy backingí on US standards because the British equivalent are not as in≠ depth,î he says.

Fast pace of innovation Hirst goes on to share his views on what he found exciting about the mission critical infrastructure environment, highlighting the fact that technology is advancing at a rapid pace: ì We invite manufacturers of electrical systems, UPS, generators and cooling to present on the latest technology, so that we stay abreast of the latest developments and trends, as there is so much innovation taking place in this area,î says Hirst. ì In terms of UPS systems, the modular approach is on the increase ñ until three years ago there was only one recognised solution, now there are several available. ì With technology advancing so quickly in the data centre arena, it is vital not to stand still ñ you cannot assume that you can use the same technology that was installed on the previous two projects; you could find you are two generations behind on the UPS, for example.î Hirst believes there are some interesting innovations in UPS technology that are gaining traction. For example, Sudlows has supplied diesel rotary UPS (DRUPS), with

flywheel technology, to some of its projects. ì Ií m an advocate of the technology; it is highly efficient and it has its place in the market, although it must be the right project,î he says.

Other recent developments that are generating interest include Air DRUPS technology.

This has now been on the market for a couple of years and is described as ì an environmentally friendly systemî that combines highly efficiency UPS technology with a compressed air energy storage system to provide back≠ up power.

The technology uses a series of scroll generators, driven by the release of the compressed air, to provide an emergency supply of electricity for the time required to support the load until a standby diesel generator kicks in. ì We are currently looking at this technology ñ it is on the cusp of breaking through and there is a lot of R&D around this area,î says Hirst.

There has also been an increase in indirect fresh air cooling solutions on the market in the past year, he points out ñ expanding from just one manufacturer solution to four. ì We have been involved with a project using this approach »

The technology has moved so fast that updating equipment that is still relatively new, at two years old, can show a return on investment in just one year Andy Hirst, Sudlows missioncriticalpower.uk

February 2017 MCP

36

DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE

Co-operative Salford is designed to be a highly efficient and sustainable development, while still achieving Tier 3 resilience and it is highly efficient. We performed our own assessment on the various solutions available, measuring efficiency and pushing the technologies to the limits to evaluate the optimum solution. The efficiencies are improving at an incredible pace,î he says.

Outside the areas of power and cooling, Hirst reports that there are interesting developments in the field of fire suppression, with the development of systems that operate by reducing oxygen in a room, as well as data centre infrastructure management tools, which allow administrators to collate, store and analyse data related to power and cooling in real time.

However, he acknowledges that, to capitalise on the benefits of these new advances, there is a need to educate finance directors to understand that the capital investment in new technology will save money in the long≠ run.

He points out that if you improve the infrastructure, you will improve the efficiency: ì You can go into a facility that is less than two years old and you can return the investment by swapping out some of the equipment, whether it is the missioncriticalpower.uk

UPS or cooling systems. The technology has moved so fast that updating equipment that is still relatively new, at two years old, can show a return on investment in just one year. ì In the past few years, we have seen greater importance being placed on energy efficiency, when tendering, but the urgency is still not quite there. There is still a general lack of awareness of how power hungry data centres are ñ they have overtaken airlines in terms of carbon footprint and a small comms room can consume as much energy as a four≠ storey office block. This is not widely understood.î Neutrality So what is the key to delivering a successful project? Hirst believes that collaboration and vendor neutrality are crucial factors for designers: ì Every time we complete a project, we develop a new design ñ incorporating a unique specification of controls, UPS, cooling and BMS. You cannot achieve this by working with one manufacturer ñ we believe it is important to be vendor neutral to be able to meet each clientsí individual demands across a diverse range of sectors.

ì We may specify one manufacturer because the footprint is a key factor on the project, while for another resilience, redundancy or efficiency may be the deciding factors. It about understanding the clientí s drivers ñ whether it is our installation at AO World plc, the UKí s largest online retailer of household appliances, or our recent installation at Stockport Council. ì It is important to have the client involved in the project at the start, working closely to identify their objectives.

We encourage clients to engage with workshops, with manufacturers, so they can understand why the recommendation has been made to use technology, such as DRUPS for example. The best projects are ones where we work as a team,î he says..

Looking to the future, Hirst believes there will be an increased demand for greater consolidation. One university

had 14 comms rooms, for example, which Sudlows successfully consolidated into one ñ thereby delivering significant efficiency savings.

Hirst points out that there is also potential for other public sector organisations to follow suit ñ such as healthcare Trusts. Through consolidation, hospitals could reduce the amount of space they are using, while achieving energy savings and reducing the amount of equipment required, such as UPS systems. ì As newer technologies are coming to the fore, which are more efficient, people will begin to realise they can achieve a quick return on investment by upgrading UPS and cooling systems. ì Following Brexit, we are also seeing inquiries arising from US investment and we are likely to see some large facilities being developed in the UK in the next few years,î Hirst concludes. l

The UK is well respected for its engineering yet we are currently ‘piggy backing’ on US standards because the British equivalent are not as in-depth February 2017 MCP

38

RESILIENCE

Score-card approach can give you the edge Schneider Electric has developed a white paper which provides a forwardthinking methodology to improve the reliability of digital IT and critical data centre services, on which business continuity is most dependent

T

he nature of todayí s digital economy and the surge in data from connected devices has fuelled the growth of edge data centres, which ensure IT services remain reliable, resilient and available.

Schneider Electric has released new research into data centre availability and why edge computing sites are having a disproportionate affect on the resilience and reliability of digital IT services.

The research detailed in Schneider Electric white paper: Why Cloud Computing is Requiring us to Rethink Resiliency at the Edge suggests a new methodology which measures data centre availability.

The approach is based on considering the criticality of all edge sites on which a business depends for its IT services and concludes that a greater concentration on physical infrastructure in smaller data

Brown: “We need to rethink the design of the data centre systems at the edge of the network” MCP February 2017

centres is necessary to improve overall resilience. ì The industry is seeing a change in the way it delivers services to customers,î says Kevin Brown, CTO and SVP of innovation, at Schneider Electricí s IT division. ì More businesses are utilising a hybrid≠ cloud environment in which users in any one company access applications and services that may reside in several data centres, all being of different sizes and with differing levels of availability. ì This supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link, therefore the industry has to consider which services are the most business critical and create a secure method for ensuring they remain available to their users.î Larger, centralised Tier 3 data centres are built to be highly resilient with multiple levels of redundancy, high standards of security and meticulous monitoring of all critical elements.

Further down the chain are smaller regional data centres that nevertheless have similar high standards of monitoring and backup. But at the lowest level and nearest to the end≠ users are the micro data centres, which are often co≠ located on the customers premises and most susceptible to downtime. ì Smaller data centres are often found on company premises, with little or≠ no security, unorganised racks, no redundancy, without dedicated cooling and little or no DCIM software. ì These edge sites provide

only a minority of services the business uses but are often of critical importance,î says Brown, adding: ì They may include proprietary applications, on which the company depends but also the network infrastructure necessary to connect to outsourced services.î Schneider Electricí s research

As an industry, we have to improve physical security, monitoring and increase redundancy in power, cooling and networking in micro data centres to improve the overall availability

Micro data centre solution Schneider Electric has announced a joint venture with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to create HPE Micro Datacentre, a custom-designed and integrated architecture that supports edge environments.

The collaboratively engineered converged infrastructure solution provides end-to-end IT infrastructure, networking, storage and management in a single, self-contained and easy-to-deploy architecture

ideal for distributed IT environments.

Schneider Electric is leveraging its SmartBunker FX, an integrated and secure enclosure with UPS, power distribution, cooling and monitoring, with HPE storage, network and compute solutions.

Customers can reduce latency and quickly add capacity while providing a secure and easy to manage remote data centre environment.

The software-defined HPE Micro Datacentre uses cloud-enabled HPE Converged Systems and Hyper Converged, as

missioncriticalpower.uk

proposes that the overall availability of IT services to a business should be a product of the percentage downtime of all data centres providing critical functions. Although large centralised data centres might have highly resilient uptime figures, typically 99.98% or more, when these are combined with a typical Tier 1 data centre on the edge whose corresponding benchmark is 99.67%, overall availability is reduced.

Further complicating the calculations are that more people in an organisation may be dependent on the locally hosted applications so that any downtime in such a centre will have a relatively high impact on business productivity.

Power and cooling The white paper also discusses power and cooling infrastructure systems (eg UPS and air conditioners) and highlights the fact that these are generally deployed at edge sites with no redundancy.

This results in single points of failure as well as an inability to concurrently maintain systems. In some cases, no dedicated cooling exists to support the rooms, resulting in over≠ heated equipment.

The infrastructure systems are often shared with the rest of the multi≠ purpose building,

well as IoT HPE Edgeline Solutions. Ranging in size between 23U and 42U, the enhanced solution, built within the Schneider Electric SmartBunker FX, incorporates IT with 1N and 2N power and cooling, environmental and security monitoring in a single-delivery platform.

Complete with full remote management capabilities for the IT and physical infrastructure components, SmartBunker FX brings data centre level availability and reliability to locations lacking dedicated IT space or that require additional levels of physical protection or security.

Kevin Brown, CTO of

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so the availability of the edge data centre is dependent on the availability of those shared resources. The white paper outlines that the best practices to reduce these risks include measuring temperature and humidity to understand level of cooling needed (ie passive airflow, active airflow, or dedicated cooling); considering redundant power paths for concurrent maintainability in critical sites; and ensuring critical circuits are on emergency generator.

Needing attention Schneider Electric has devised a score≠ card methodology which factors systems availability from all sites, number of people impacted, criticality of each site, and annual downtime into a single dashboard which helps identify areas in need of attention. ì We need to rethink the design of the data centre systems at the edge of the network,î says Brown. ì As an industry, we have to improve physical security, monitoring and increase redundancy in power, cooling and networking in micro data centres to improve the overall availability.î l To download the full white paper, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ hdx6g2y

Schneider Electric – IT Division, comments: “As data is becoming increasingly impactful to data centre performance and business success, edge computing has emerged as a compelling solution to reduce latency, meet IoT processing needs and deliver greater availability and reliability.

“Micro data centres provide a turnkey solution for edge deployments, complete with all the necessary IT and compute components to meet new data growth requirements and deliver connectivity demand.”

40

DEMAND-SIDE RESPONSE

Breaking down barriers to a smarter energy system The government has now closed its consultation paper: ‘A Smart, Flexible Energy System’, a call for evidence that asked businesses for advice on how to best to develop a smarter, more flexible and user-friendly energy system. Vijay Shinde, grid services lead for Sweco UK, examines what it could mean for the UK’s future energy system and considers some of the possible barriers

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hen the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem published their long≠ awaited call for evidence, it was a milestone moment for the UKí s future energy security.

Businesses finally had a chance to have their say on a smart revolution that could change the future of our energy system. More importantly, BEIS and Ofgem had finally confirmed their commitment to creating a smarter, flexible, more user≠ friendly energy system.

The paper focuses largely on removing barriers for energy storage and demand≠ side response (DSR), which could save consumers between £17bn and £40bn by 2050, according to BEIS and Ofgem.

Energy storage technology and DSR ñ where businesses are incentivised to reduce or shift their electricity use at peak times ñ could be the key to unlocking the potential of greener energy production in the UK. New demands on our energy system ñ for example from electric vehicles and the need to manage renewable energy sources ñ mean that these enhanced capabilities for flexible energy are not just advantageous, but essential.

With the government committed to closing all coal fired power stations in the UK by 2025, ití s no exaggeration to say it could be crucial to keeping the lights on in years to come.

MCP February 2017

Despite its potential, the industry has been waiting for clarity, especially in light of the recent political changes. This call for evidence highlights some of the barriers that are in place for this emerging technology, such as planning regulation and licensing, even the definition of storage ñ and is the first step toward providing much≠ needed answers.

What is DSR? One of the main solutions put forward in the paper is demand≠ side response, which means increasing, reducing or shifting electricity demand in areas such as onsite generation, heating and cooling systems, business operations and appliances and battery storage.

There are many examples already in operation in business and industry, including high street retailers such as M&S and supermarket chains such as Sainsburyí s, which have HVAC assets in their stores available and online, so they can control and shift loads as required.

In addition, they have their generators upgraded to

Shinde: “We must move quickly if we are to take full advantage”

Energy storage technology and DSR – where businesses are incentivised to reduce or shift their electricity use at peak times – could be the key to unlocking the potential of greener energy production in the UK

supply power to the grid when called upon. One unexpected benefit is that, by keeping their generators online for providing flexibility to National Grid, they are more confident they will run successfully if a power cut did occur.

In other examples, turkey producer Bernard Matthews found that by shifting the lighting for its livestock by one hour to avoid peak times, it saved £40,000 while maintaining comfort levels.

Bath NHS Foundation Trust, meanwhile, uses its existing two 800kW standby generators to offer services in DSR, reporting overall benefits of £40,000/MW for 2015≠ 16.

Breaking barriers To fully understand the potential of DSR, we must first examine the barriers that were highlighted. In preparing the paper, Ofgem conducted a survey of large non≠ domestic DSR, seeking views of both large consumers and those that procure DSR, including suppliers, networks and aggregators.

The results of this engagement revealed a high level of interest in DSR, but barriers remain, which Ofgem has split into four categories; cultural, regulatory, commercial and structural. I will consider each category below: Cultural: Perhaps the most challenging barrier to overcome is the mindset of those that need to buy≠ in, missioncriticalpower.uk

41 including large consumers.

Persuading people to change the way in which they consume energy will be difficult but, as the paper identifies, it will be even more difficult unless we can make information available to those consumers.

This includes information on the flexibility of products and programmes, how to participate in them and even awareness that the opportunities exist.

For me this is one of the most important points. We have seen too many examples of government energy initiatives fail because it has not been possible to drive cultural change, even though the incentives were, on the face it, good enough. Get this bit right, and we are well on the way to a successful roll≠ out.

For the domestic sector, governmentí s recent research found that 50% of respondents would take up a smart tariff if their supplier offered one to them now. For those who were not interested, scepticism and uncertainty over the impact of a smart tariff on energy costs was the most common reason for a lack of interest.

Respondents also said they would need more information before taking up a smart tariff,

and were concerned about loss of control and that it would not fit their lifestyle. For the non≠ domestic sector the returns are more visible and quantifiable.

DSR need not have any noticeable impact on day≠ to≠ day operations. Customers can decide the extent to which they are willing and able to change their practices to participate in DSR. Some customers are able to shift their electricity use themselves and respond to signals, others may have limited ability to change their practices or have smaller loads, so they can work with demand≠ side providers and bring in the technology they need to participate.

Regulatory: Of course, there are still a number of operational challenges to overcome, not least the regulatory challenges, which focuses on the role of partners.

Government and Ofgem need to develop policy and regulation that facilitates consumer benefits.

The consultation paper identified two areas in particular that will need careful consideration. Firstly, the process for getting an export connection to the distribution network for on≠ site back≠ up generation can be relatively

Customers can decide the extent to which they are willing and able to change their practices to participate in DSR

protracted and expensive.

Secondly the relationship between DSR opportunities for different uses (for example network operator, rather than system operator≠ procured) may be unclear to consumers.

There are currently low levels of flexibility offered to the system by domestic and smaller non≠ domestic consumers because many of the building blocks that would enable them to participate are not yet in place.

Product specification, such as duration of response, may disadvantage DSR in competing with other sources of flexibility. For example, DSR response time is typically in minutes, which makes it possible to participate for STOR, STOR Runaway and Demand Turn Up. However, SMEs are missing participation in whole fleet of frequency response services.

Commercial: Clearly DSR will not work unless it is commercially viable for consumers, with the right incentives to encourage participation. The government has recognised this in highlighting ë commercialí as the third category and there are some very clear challenges to overcome here. »

CBI highlights need to make DSR more accessible As part of its commentary on a variety of aspects of the government’s consultation paper, the CBI said that DSR could help the UK to better manage energy use and balance the energy system, but added that more needs to be done to “make good DSR options accessible to all consumers”. While positive steps have been taken by bringing DSR into the Capacity Market, it said that there is further work needed to encourage the full range of DSR mechanisms, including ‘turn-down’ DSR, as well as behind the meter generation.

A smarter system could allow industrial, commercial and domestic consumers to better engage, according to the CBI. However, this will require a holistic review of network charging arrangements, and of the ancillary services market (specialist services provided by the system operator to ensure supply and demand of electricity are balanced and the system remains stable). It further stated that the review should simplify the market, so more companies can engage in DSR. Market-based frameworks should be developed within the balancing services markets so that there is a genuine level playing field for both the demand and supply side. In addition, the review should “support the continued evolution of the Capacity Market in order to better facilitate technology neutral auctions and ensure that demand side can compete on a level playing field with traditional generation.” Securing more effective secondary trading arrangements within the design of the Capacity Market will be a key enabler for more active participation of DSR. The CBI concluded that aggregators are likely to have an important role to play in supporting a more flexible system and driving the uptake of DSR. For industrial and commercial customers the role of aggregators is significant in helping them access a range of services, not limited to the Capacity Market. If the role for aggregators grows, so will the number of ‘disruptors’ within the sector. It is therefore important that, as the new system develops, clear roles and responsibilities must be established, while addressing the current imbalance of costs and responsibilities between energy suppliers and aggregators, and the businesses they service. A Code of Conduct for aggregators may also be required but it is also important that any regulatory response is proportionate, and does not stifle innovation in the market at this early stage in its development. missioncriticalpower.uk

February 2017 MCP

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DEMAND-SIDE RESPONSE

Specifically, it has been suggested that the technical and commercial requirements of flexibility products may not fit with the characteristics of the consumers, while DSR may also conflict with existing corporate environmental schemes/commitments.

We must also be conscious that providing flexibility is not the core business for consumers, so the monetary value may not justify the effort required to sign a contract and provide the service.

Consumers interested in the DSR opportunity need to understand both their power use and business operations. They need to gather information on their businessesí operational and safety requirements, electricity consumption, existing building management system (BMS), potentially suitable assets and who manages them, and ñ if intending to use generation for export ñ the type of generation

MCP February 2017

connection agreement that is in place with local network operator.

It is also important to establish contacts with electricity industry experts, such as electricity supplier, network operator, National Grid, aggregator or independent expert, in order to understand different options, costs involved, timescales and revenue streams.

Structural: Finally, the paper focuses on the structural challenges ñ or the costs associated with DSR. There are concerns that the disruption and the impact on business performance may preclude consideration of DSR and even if considered, the ongoing perceived risk and perceived associated costs of providing flexibility may be too high compared with perceived benefits. It will be beneficial to talk to someone with a similar business already providing DSR and

£40,000/MW Benefits reported by Bath NHS Foundation Trust through DSR look at relevant case studies.

It is also important to meet early with people across the organisation who might need to be involved, such as energy management, operations, finance, procurement and estates/building services. The approach could be treating DSR as any other cross≠ departmental project with a project manager, team and plan.

Looking forward So what next? The important thing now is how quickly BEIS and Ofgem can put in place the resulting roadmap that will set out the plan to remove those barriers and stimulate innovation and investment.

Energy storage is an

incredibly fast≠ moving technology and it has already taken longer than the industry had hoped to issue this call for evidence. DSR also offers huge potential, but as the paper shows there are still some barriers to overcome.

The most important thing now is speed. As a nation we must move quickly if we are to take full advantage.

That means the government, energy suppliers, networks and aggregators all working together to develop a common, innovative and scalable solution.

If that can be achieved, then we can all look forward to the possibility of a smarter, flexible energy system. l

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44

STANDBY POWER

Achieving the perfect pairing with the right generator choice A generator must back UPS up whenever power protection over an extended period is essential. Alan Luscombe, director at Uninterruptible Power Supplies, looks at how to pair these components successfully UPS and generator compatibility is essential to ensure a resilient power protection solution

U

PS with true online topology can mostly supply all the protection required by even the most critical loads.

Their dual power conversion technology filters out mains≠ borne disturbances, while the batteries maintain power during a blackout.

However, their protection can be compromised by power outages of extended duration.

Increasing battery autonomy to hours rather than minutes can be prohibitively expensive ñ and even the longest autonomy can potentially be exceeded by a protracted power outage.

In some circumstances, using the battery autonomy to shut the load down gracefully if the blackout time is extended may be acceptable.

For critical applications that must remain up and running through power blackouts MCP February 2017

of any length, a matched UPS≠ generator arrangement, complete with an automatic mains failure (AMF) detection panel, becomes the only practical solution.

UPS/generator components A generator set comprises a stored energy source, engine, alternator, control panel and the AMF panel. Although both gas and diesel≠ powered engines are available, standby generators are normally diesel≠ powered. Whatever the generator chosen, it must be compatible with the UPS and all other power equipment to guarantee continuous power.

Generator output frequency can be an issue if its range is outside the UPSí tolerance, as the UPS cannot synchronise with the generator without endangering the critical load.

Whatever the generator chosen, it must be compatible with the UPS and all other power equipment to guarantee continuous power. Generator output frequency can be an issue if its range is outside the UPS’ tolerance

This can be avoided if the generator is known to be UPS≠ compatible and fully tested.

Ensuring compatibility can be considerably simplified by sourcing the UPS and generator from a single supplier offering proven, matched generator/UPS sets.

Practical generator considerations Generator capacity should accommodate more than the UPS and its critical load. Load cooling equipment, emergency lighting, communications and alarm systems must all remain operational. Generally, the generator should support 1.5 x the nominal UPS capacity for transformerless UPS, together with three times the nominal air conditioning capacity.

Since power failures are unpredictable, the generator must always be ready to start and support the load.

Accordingly it must be kept warm, with a fully charged battery and sufficient fuel. It must also receive mains status signals from the AMF panel to initiate its start≠ up and shutdown.

Additionally, issues relating to environmental protection, fuel storage, acoustic noise, heat generation and exhaust fumes must be considered.

This is to protect the generator and its users, and to ensure compliance with any local environmental legislation.

A suitable supplier will offer advice and solutions on these issues as well as UPS/generator compatibility. The reward is a power protection solution resilient to even the longest of blackouts. l missioncriticalpower.uk

46

INFRASTRUCTURE

Designing flexible rack solutions for the evolving data centre Clive Partridge, Rittal technical manager, IT Infrastructure, provides an insight into the company’s latest modular IT rack solution

I

f I was to highlight what I believe to be the key attributes of an ideal IT rack, then (in no particular order) I would suggest it would need to be easy to order, provide a safe environment for servers and other equipment, be modifiable at no great cost and have an optimum price/ performance ratio.

The Rittal TS IT Rack ticks all these boxes. Its intelligent modular design will save time and money and, at the same time, will enable future investment because it will allow the data centre to be adapted to include the latest innovations. It also offers largely tool≠ less assembly, saving further time and money.

The standard version includes two fully adjustable 19≠ inch mounting levels and a multi≠ piece roof plate with optimised side≠ cable entry via brush strips in the roof, as well as the option of fan integration. Accessories can be added or modified without tools. This enables intelligent, versatile expansion and the flexibility of customer≠ specific configurations.

Optimum access Todayí s data centres need to protect and adapt to cutting≠ edge technology, so racks have to be able to adjust to accommodate the innovation cycles of servers and storage systems. The easy, tool≠ less adjustments of the 19≠ inch mounting levels and space≠ saving integration of the relevant accessories ensure the rack delivers this benefit.

The vertically divided rear

MCP February 2017

door which is fitted as standard on all racks over 24U, together with 180∞ hinges, gives the administrator direct access to all the equipment.

It all combines to make optimum use of the space available, ensuring that escape routes are narrow, but still meeting access requirements in the event of an emergency.

Addition of RFID The rack can be readily adapted through systems for automatic inventory systems and for recording the technical features of all installed components. The rack can support the direct integration of specific RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) antennae as an additional feature. Furthermore, customers can add one of these systems at any time while the rack is in operation.

The new mounting angles provide a range of further options. For example, the rack can accommodate both cable routing aids and the space≠ saving integration of the Rittal power distribution units PDU≠ i at the rear. These can be fitted directly in the Zero U space between the side panel and rear mounting levels.

An angle for all enclosures Adjusting the assembly angles allows the rack to

The Rittal TS IT Rack has been designed with climate control in mind accommodate a range of dimensions from 19î to 24î and asymmetric expansion.

Whatever the specific requirements are, all you need is the necessary accessory kit.

The TS IT can carry a potential load of up to 1,500kg on the mounting level, as standard.

Climate control concept Powerful IT equipment obviously generates a lot of heat, which has to be dissipated safely. So, it is important to have highly energy≠ efficient cooling systems for the safe operation of the installed technology. We have therefore made the decision to identify future rack generations on their climate control requirements, not their application. Rittal enclosures are now only differentiated by their climate

control technology or the rack and/or row climate controls.

The TS IT rack has been designed with climate control in mind, including IT≠ specific cooling systems and liquid≠ based cooling systems such as the liquid cooling systems from Rittal. All this has been confirmed by accredited testing laboratories.

The TS IT rack also comes with the option of a Flex Block base or plinth, which can be fitted without tools thanks to quick≠ assembly technology.

All this makes the new TS IT rack a flexible solution for the future and a cost≠ effective way to respond to the changing requirements of the IT environment.

Rittal is exhibiting the TS IT rack on Stand J10 at Data Centre World, 15≠ 16 March 2017 at the Excel, London. l

Today’s data centres need to protect and adapt to cutting-edge technology, so racks have to be able to adjust to accommodate the innovation cycles of servers and storage systems missioncriticalpower..uk

48

DATA CENTRE WORLD 2017

A look into the future Data Centre World, which started as a small-scale, niche exhibition and conference nine years ago, has grown into a leading event, dedicated to tomorrow’s world of data centres

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ondoní s ExCel plays host to Data Centre World on 15≠ 16 March, a global event showcasing innovative technology in the sector.

The event is billed as the worldí s largest, most influential gathering of data centre expertise, attracting 20,000 visitors, 600 industry thought leaders and 500 providers, including names such as Huawei, Riello, Huber + Suhner, Carel, Siemens, Schneider, Rahi Systems, Brand≠ rex, Anixter, Minkels, Munters, ABB, Finisar, Rittal, and MPL Technology group.

With new technologies, products and best practices emerging in the data centre market comes the pressing need for a new, focused and dedicated showcase. Six new content areas have been introduced, on the show floor, including: Routing and Switching; Power, Develop and Grow; Design and Build; Physical Security; Fire & Security; and Robotics and Automation. Data Centre World will provide you with everything you need to know for data centres of the future.

Robot soars Andrew Burgess, consulting director for Symphony Ventures, will be discussing the background to robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI). He will be talking about how they are impacting business and society in general, and data centre operations in particular.

He will also describe what he believes organisations need to do next to be able to exploit these technologies. Burgessí s background is originally as an outsourcing consultant. ì I advised companies on how to outsource their IT and business functions and, around MCP February 2017

four years ago, discovered robotic process automation.

I immediately realised this was going to turn the whole outsourcing market on its head, so I then focused on RPA and, subsequently, artificial intelligence. I now I advise companies on how to automate their businesses using these technologies,î he explains.

The concept of robotic assistance for human tasks is now a reality and, at Data Centre World 2017, it is a hot talking point. The discussion theme will be one of many world≠ class presentations, interactive panels and fast≠ paced discussions.

Fibre grasp Ludwig Vleugels, managing director of Gigacom Benelux, will discuss the benefits of ì automated fibre management and test systemsî for network construction, service activation,

The event is billed as the world’s largest, most influential gathering of data centre expertise

facilities management and service assurance.

Vleugels has more than 18 years of telecommunications and datacomms experience with a strong focus on fibre management systems and optical distribution frames.

Vleugelsí presentation will also provide a comprehensive overview of the different technologies, and the most important features of such a system. Ludwigí s current role concentrates on the automation of next≠ generation fibre networks for the telecom and datacom industry. ì We provide high≠ end and innovative solutions that dramatically lower cost of ownership, maximise network assets and delight end≠ user customers,î comments Vleugels.

Visitors to Data Centre World can gain a wealth of information and insight into the latest developments and future for this sector. From Microsoftí s regional director, Maarten Goet; and Grouponí s director of global data centre operations; to Harmail Singh Chatha, manager at Beverly Webb, speakers at Data Centre World will provide the latest insights into the most topical issues.

For further information on the conference and exhibition, at Data Centre World 2017, visit: datacentreworld.com l

Return of the Live Green Data Centre 2016 saw the world’s first edition of the DCW Green Data Centre. This year, the interactive feature returns 155% larger, spanning up to 400m2 and containing more than 30 of the world’s leading suppliers, including Dunwoody, Fireworks, 2BM, Riello, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, Huber + Suhner, IPU Group, Excool and many more.

The Live Green Data Centre will feature a wide range of solutions, from cooling units and fans, to cables and perimeter fencing.

Data Centre World is co-located with Cloud Expo Europe, Cloud Security Expo, Smart Iot London and launch event Big Data World, collectively making up the UK’s largest business technology event. To claim your FREE ticket to Data Centre World 2017 visit datacentreworld.com/MCP

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PRODUCTS

Digital solution proactively predicts and prevents incidents Schneider Electricí s StruxureOn is a digital service that connects data centre physical infrastructure assets to the Schneider Electric cloud enabling the delivery of simplified and faster services.

With real≠ time visibility into system performance, maintenance and service requirements via mobile app, StruxureOní s data≠ driven analytics can proactively advise of potential failures, fundamentally improving the ability to service critical equipment prior to failure.

As part of the digital service, Schneider Electricí s Service Bureau personnel is readily available to remotely troubleshoot an issue or, in cases that caní t be addressed

remotely, dispatch a field service representative armed with the necessary information and equipment to quickly resolve the issue and minimise downtime.

Schneider Electricí s Service Bureau acts as a ë second set of eyesí providing around≠ the≠ clock incident monitoring so that data centre and facility managers can rest assured that immediate action will be taken to curtail the impact on data centre operations.

Schneider Electric global director of ITD digital services Henrik Leerberg said: ì Today, as data centre managers face tightening budgets, growing customer demands on data centre performance,

Real-time asset monitoring Harting’s Ha-VIS RFID Locfield antenna provides real-time monitoring of asset movements within the data centre. Realtime asset management improves operations, and supports the trend towards co-location data centres, where the operator manages key assets.

Liability issues are reduced through the continuous monitoring, recording and reporting of asset movements.

Owing to an increase in cybercrime, there is a need to maintain the security of physical elements within data centres. The RFID solution enables tagging of each element within the server rack, with the Ha-VIS Locfield acting as a flexible coaxial waveguide antenna that can be shaped for the desired read field.

MCP February 2017

For increased design, build and maintenance flexibility, the Han-Eco connector family can be implemented into a data centre’s power distribution network where it provides a space-saving solution as well as reducing installation time and minimising maintenance downtime. This plug ’n’ play solution uses modular connectivity to offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing installations to be tailored to the individual needs of a customer.

Harting Customised Solutions also offers a full service solution for producing bespoke cable assemblies. Harting is showcasing its ranges of asset management and connectivity solutions for data centres at Data Centre World, London ExCel, Stand N73.

and an increasingly competitive market, optimising operations while staying within financial confines has become a significant challenge. With StruxureOn, Schneider Electric is harnessing the power of IoT to give data centre and facility managers the insights, tools and support they need to proactively predict and prevent incidents and system downtime.î Schneider Electric is bringing IoT to the data centre with StruxureOn, optimising the way that data is analysed, stored and delivered as actionable information to improve decision≠ making around data centre maintenance, uptime and incident management.

Space-saving PDU range

Server Technology has added the HDOT Switched POPS (per outlet power sensing) PDU to its range.

The HDOT Alt-Phase PRO2 rack PDU expands on the company’s modular PDU design allowing custom user configuration.

It provides +/-1% billablegrade accuracy for energy consumption at each outlet for typical data centre equipment loads.

POPS also includes current, voltage, active power, apparent power, power factor, and crest factor at each outlet. This provides high efficiency and capacity analysis.

POPS enables alarms and warning signals on current, power, and power factor for both low and high values.

To combat the limited physical space that PDUs compete for in the data centre rack, Server

Technology developed High Density Outlet Technology (HDOT), the smallest form factor PDU which increases real estate in the back of the rack by fitting as many as 42 C13s in a 42U high network managed PDU device — that is more than 20% smaller than a comparable PDU using standard outlets.

In conjunction with the launch of HDOT, Server Technology developed a manufacturing process that provides short lead times for PDUs with the exact combination of C19 and C13 outlets in the locations where the customer needs them.

The design also provides high native cord retention of over 12lbs pull strength, reducing or eliminating the need for custom and costly ancillary locking cord devices.

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PRODUCTS

Cooling installation helps data centre achieve PUE of 1.12 Netwise Hosting is an innovative and forward≠ thinking company and one of Londoní s leading data centres. Its facilities and systems have been designed and built in≠ house, allowing for strong working relationships with all the technology suppliers, not least EcoCooling.

Netwise have just completed its second EcoCooling installation within its estate.

Phase 1: Netwise began its journey in south London, with a much smaller facility and as such, standard cooling systems were not an option. EcoCoolingí s smaller external modular units (ECP60≠ 02 wet box units) alongside efficient EC fans were an ideal alternative.

EcoCooling units were chosen for the initial installation as they are generally cheaper to install than their refrigerant counterparts and Netwise could perform a majority of the installation works itself. EcoCoolingí s control systems also allow for exact supervision of temperatures and built≠ in safety measures.

Phase 2: In June 2015, Netwise moved to central London and opened a bigger facility.

Following on from the success of the first installation, it was decided that EcoCooling would be an integral part of this development.

The evaporative cooling system at the first Netwise facility was a successful partnership,

with the units working as expected and without fault. Three of the wet boxes were able to be moved across to the new site, with only a few minor modifications.

In London, power is already a struggle, so choosing a more environmentally friendly cooling system is also a cost≠ cutting step, and has a knock≠ on effect for customers.

EcoCooling direct evaporative cooling units

90-95% Saving with EcoCooling systems versus the same output achieved if standard refrigerant-based products were used

alongside its energy optimising control systems can provide 100kW of cooling. Netwise is able to significantly reduce its customersí CO2 production, while keeping the levels of energy used much lower than that of other data centres, which have been seen to be running at PUEs of up to 2 with refrigeration kit.

Using a cooling system that uses fresh

Versatile power analyser

Infratek Switzerland’s latest power analyser, the Power Spectral Converter PC11, is available in three, four- or six-phase versions and is equipped with 0.08% or 0.02% accuracy.

It is designed to calculate all quantities of power electronics, including motor and transformer values, harmonic, energies, analog inputs and speed.

Offering a wide bandwidth (DC to 2MHz), the instrument is extremely flexible and upgrading is feasible due to its modular concept.

Applications include: inverter drive systems, electric motors, automotive, standby power and more.

High-speed data acquisition software is available for efficient production testing of 12 or more singlephase apparatus.

MCP February 2017

air, ventilation, and attemperation rather than refrigeration has both financial and environmental consequences. Evaporative cooling is a very energy efficient way of cooling, and the new project allowed Netwise to push the design of the system further, stacking multiple units together resulting in an operating capacity PUE of just 1.12.

From an end user perspective, the EcoCooling system is easy to use, as each custom cooling stack has its own controller, and the entire cooling system can be managed via a single control unit, or remotely over the internet.

Using an upscaled version of the south London system, Netwise was able to increase the resilience and cooling output, while keeping the ongoing costs down. In this way there can be a 90≠ 95% saving with EcoCooling systems versus the same output achieved if standard refrigerant≠ based products were used.

The long≠ term plan for Netwise is to build a host of private, bespoke data centres around the UK (and maybe Europe), which will be highly interconnected offering a truly global hosting platform, and EcoCooling systems are anticipated to be an integral feature throughout this vision.

Slotted cover plate for electrical distribution systems Rittal, a global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control and IT infrastructure, has announced the launch of a new cover plate for shielding live components within electrical distribution systems.

The plates, which are transparent and made of slotted insulating material, can be cut and formed to protect smaller moulded case circuit breakers inside control gear or switchgear assemblies. They can be used to cover all the live parts behind the door of an installation, helping panel builders to comply with the IEC 61439 standards by offering protection to IP2X. Each plate is 1,200mm x 800mm and 3mm thick, making them relatively easy to store and handle. The integral vent holes allow convection of warm air inside the assembly, ensuring an uninterrupted air flow within the compartments.

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54

Q&A

Ian Ward TSE Power’s managing director on guilty pleasures, motorway middle lane hoggers and standing out in the crowd Who would you least like to share a lift with? Why? RMT leader Mick Cash, who has caused so many people such misery trying to get to and from work each day on Southern Rail.

I doní t think I would be able to stop myself from giving him a piece of my mind.

You’re God for the day.

What’s the first thing you do? I think everyone believes you should stop famine, disease and create world peace. I doní t think this is possible in todayí s society so I would remove the desire for civilisationí s incredible thirst for the latest material things and bring about more recycling.

If you could travel back in time to a period in history, what would it be and why?

I would travel back just to the 1960s and 70s, the period when I was a child. Really cold snowy winters and hot summers.

Power cuts on winter evenings due to strikes etc. I would be able to sell and maintain many more UPS units for clients that really needed clean constant power. Of course computing was not really mainstream then so it would be a challenging time.

Who or what are you enjoying listening to?

Right this minute I am listening to Jeff Lynneí s ELO album Alone in the Universe. But previously it was Bruno Mars and 24KMagic.

10.30 each working day is a must for Ken Bruce and PopMaster on Radio 2. Thatí s a guilty 15≠ minute pleasure I try to keep. I am also proud to say that I am still a DJ at heart and play around on Spotify and a DJ app when at home.

Music in the car by myself can be anything from a play on Radio4 extra or anything soul.

MCP February 2017

What unsolved mystery would you like the answers to? I would love to be able to make batteries as light as feathers. So in effect making lead 40 times lighter than present.

This would have saved countless aches and pains as a UPS engineer when shifting tons of heavy lead acid battery blocks.

What would you take to a desert island and why?

I would take a telescope and a book on the solar system. With no artificial light pollution I would have a fantastic view of our stars and planets. Are we the only ones here? There must be something out there surely?

Even if I only manage to see the Clangers.

What’s your favourite film (or book) and why?

This has to be the film The Shawshank Redemption. I could watch it every day and not get bored. Book wise it would be the series about Jack Reacher from Lee Child. If you read them you would understand just why Tom Cruise should not be playing the lead in the film versions.

If you could perpetuate a myth about yourself, what would it be? It would be that I am the oracle on all things UPS. If there is an issue or a system with a problem, I would have the answer due to my 23 years in the UPS business as bench engineer, mobile engineer, senior engineer and now managing director of TSE Power. (I am not really as I have passed all my knowledge on to our UPS engineering manager.)

What would your super power be and why?

Instantaneous travel. Being able to picture a place in my mind

and then within an instant being there without the long drawn out process of driving the car to the airport, waiting in the lounge, then flying there etc.

Only issue would be leaving everyone else where I started.

What would you do with a million pounds? I think I would be rather boring and probably retire early and buy a beachside property in the Caribbean, a place I have not visited enough to date.

What’s your greatest extravagance? Taking a cruise each year. They may be expensive but it is a perfect way to relax away the stress of running a company. You get to see a different port (or country) every day and meet so many interesting people who you would not meet on a beach holiday. Then again, grandchildren are an expensive extravagance too.

My talent would be to be the No1 motorsports commentator and follow in Murray Walker’s footsteps

If you were blessed with any talent, what would your dream job be and why?

My talent would be to remember every name, every incident and result in motorsport and be the No1 motorsports commentator and follow in Murray Walkerí s footsteps.

What is the best piece of advice ever been given?

Wear sun cream.

What irritates you the most in life? When you traverse the country on a regular basis meeting new clients for TSE Power, you inevitably come across bad drivers. Those middle lane hoggers doing 60mph on a motorway. I think more motorway and dual carriageway driving skills need to be taught.

What should the energy users be doing to help itself in the current climate? As our ability to generate more power than we need gets smaller, we should all be looking at changing out old legacy UPS systems that are power hungry and inefficient. I love showing clients how much money I can save them by TSE Power supplying, installing and maintaining a modern UPS. What’s the best thing – work wise – that you did recently? The branding of TSE Power. Since coming back to work at TSE in 2005, we have worked for many other UPS companies as subcontractors and have always been non≠ branded.

These clients still use TSE Power as a subcontractor but now we are more visible and growing faster since our branding, due to the exposure we are now getting.

We are not afraid to stand out in the crowd. l missioncriticalpower.uk