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• Secondary power supplies for emergency evacuation lifts

  UPS systems used to support emergency systems such as evacuation lifts must comply with BS EN 50171 regulation.

  
  Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are often overlooked as a backup supply of power for evacuation lifts as they usually evoke images of large data centres and IT infrastructure. However, in order for a premises to comply with BS 9999 regulation, there must be a secondary source of power feeding all evacuation lifts. In many cases, providing a secondary mains feed simply isn’t possible, so a UPS system and or generator combination is used instead.

  When an authorised person is present, emergency lifts provide an evacuation route for disabled persons in the event of a power outage. During normal operating conditions they should be available as a passenger lift and not solely for evacuation or an occasional use of transporting goods.

  Where a generator is being used as the secondary supply in a hospital for example, a UPS system must also be present. A factor often overlooked by building management. This is to meet regulations stating that healthcare facilities must test their emergency generators under load at least once per month for 30 minutes, not including the warm-up and cool-down time. During this period only one supply of power would be supporting the lift, if this was to be disrupted then the lifts would not be operational.

  In other circumstances, a UPS system is preferable as it is easier to install into the lift plant room, often located at the top of the lift chassis. The logistics associated with installing a generator onto the top floor of a high rise building can be costly and the space saving benefits of a UPS appeal to building managers.

  These backup power supplies must operate the lift for either 60 minutes or 3 hours depending on the evacuation plan and whether immediate evacuation of the premises is possible. For example, hospitals and care homes require a longer evacuation process and so would need backup power for at least 3 hours.

  The evacuation lift must be provided with communication networks from the plant room to the lift car and the main floor. It’s recommended that the lift control panel is also fitted with a smaller single phase UPS to resume communication during a power outage. The plant room typically requires a standalone three phase UPS system compliant with BS EN 50171 standard to provide backup power to the lift motor.

  Furthermore, it is recommended that a variable speed drive (VSD) is considered at the time of install. This negates the need for an oversized system to cope with the inrush current which is often 8x or 9x the running current. Fitted in between the UPS and lift motor, a VSD limits this inrush of electricity to 1x the running current, softening the initial start-up and not affecting the overall supply.

  Also to be aware of is the potential risk of a regenerative load, a common occurrence with lifts when the UPS has no load from other equipment. The lift motor can become a generator and feed power in the wrong direction. Most lifts are sufficiently counter weighted to minimise this effect but a load bank is still recommended by UPS specifiers and installers.

  Depending on the size of the premises and the number of lifts requiring support, a three phase UPS of 10kVA to 160kVA capacity is sufficient to replicate the mains supply normally serving the lift. Providing the ability to run the lift at normal speed and sufficient capacity to complete a required number of journeys, meeting BS 9999 regulations.

  for specific emergency backup power product information or email Power Control’s Divisional Sales director [email protected]

  Secondary power supplies for emergency evacuation lifts

• What constitutes a poor UPS environment?

  When looking to invest in a new uninterruptible power supply naturally the focus is on the systems’ functional attributes such as battery autonomy, power factor, efficiency, reliability and the initial cost. Whilst these are of course essential, it is also important to remember that uninterruptible power supplies contain fragile electrical components requiring stable and precise environmental conditions, specified by each UPS manufacturer, to ensure maximum longevity.

  Extreme temperatures are the most common causes of UPS battery degradation provoking behaviour that is incongruent to their normal specifications. Nearly all uninterruptible power supply manufacturers will quote a battery operating temperature tolerance typically between 20-25°C. Placing a UPS system in an environment which has a temperature not conducive to its specification, will cause the electrochemical reaction in the battery to quicken. On average, for every 8.3°C over the recommended temperature, the life of the battery reduces by 50%.

  More often than not, heat and humidity go hand in hand. Moisture in a high voltage environment can have serious consequences, causing corrosion of UPS cabinets and internal components, or worse a fire. Again, most UPS manufacturers will specify the maximum relative humidity of an environment safe for the UPS, most commonly <95% (non-condensing). For this reason it is recommended that a UPS is not installed near open windows or areas containing high levels of moisture.

  To prevent overheating, an uninterruptible power supply requires adequate ventilation and cooling. The powerful fans draw in air from the surrounding environment to cool the machine down, any dust or corrosive particles in the air will also be drawn in and sticking to the fan blades. A layer of dust could cause a significant blockage leading to overheating and ultimately the UPS system may be at risk of a consequential failure.

  Businesses requiring UPS systems that are located near the coast should take extra precautions when installing. Similarly to the adverse effects caused by dust, UPS systems located near the cost are affected by the sea air. The fans draw in salty air which crystallises on the printed circuit boards (PCBs) inside the UPS causing them to corrode and potentially short circuit.

  Installing UPS systems into such environments demands a detailed assessment of the surrounding conditions of the proposed location. We recommend that the UPS undergoes specialist treatment which includes the internal circuity on the UPS having a silicon based solution sprayed on them, providing a level of protection against harsh environments. It is also recommended that any UPS installed in an unsettled environment should have a minimum of two service visits per annum to remove any build-up of dust and closely monitor the resilience.

  Ultimately we would always recommend that prior to installing a UPS and battery solution, that a room with temperature control, humidity monitoring, and that contains clean air is factored into a budget. Neglecting these criteria can have severe and disastrous consequences on UPS and battery infrastructure.

  Power Control specialises in offering complete UPS solutions. In 2009 Power Control became an exclusive UK partner for renowned Italian UPS manufacturer, Borri Spa. Power Control is also a VAR and key service partner for leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei. The companies work closely together to deliver UPS systems, micro data centres and cooling solutions. Power Control’s single phase offering comes from global UPS manufacturer, CertaUPS.

  For more information about Power Control’s product portfolio and service offering please call 01246 431431 or email [email protected]

  What constitutes a poor UPS environment?

• UPS health checks and efficiency reviews

  Why you should book a UPS health check and efficiency review today!

  In this day and age, we have become heavily reliant on technology in our day to day lives. Every couple of years we upgrade our mobile phone and maybe every few years we upgrade our computer. We do this because we know that technology is always advancing, meaning we can achieve so much more whilst using so much less.

  How true that is. One of the first digital computers ever built was the size of a small data centre and took 3 years to complete. These days a run of the mill mobile phone has 1,300 times more power (a smartphone has even more) – and that fits in your pocket.
  However, we may not always apply this rule to equipment that many businesses rely on for much more critical purposes – we may even take these things for granted. Yes, you guessed it, I’m talking about UPS systems (uninterruptible power supplies).

  UPS systems have become a pivotal part of organisations today, providing a continuous source of power when we experience a power cut. Without it banks would lose Billions, Hospitals would lose patients and businesses would cease to work effectively. But how often do we check on their functionality? When was the last time it had to be used? Has it been sat there for the last 20 years collecting dust?
  At Power Control, we can help answer the above questions. We fully understand the importance of regular checks on UPS systems and making sure that they are doing the job that they were designed for – protecting your critical equipment.

  How do we do this I hear you ask?

  Our UPS health checks and efficiency audits allow us to inform you on how well your UPS is working and also how much it is costing you to run. We start by conducting a basic interrogation of the UPS along with a general inspection. Through this, we can evaluate the age of the ups, see if the UPS is reaching the end of its lifespan and make any recommendations to keep your UPS running as it should be.

  We then follow this with an efficiency audit. This test allows us to understand how much energy your UPS requires to operate, which in turn will tell us how much energy is being wasted. This will be followed by a report that offers our recommendations on how you may be able to save thousands on your running costs.

  UPS technology is advancing at an extremely quick pace. Just like we upgrade our mobile phones and computers every few years, we may need to be looking at our backup power solutions to see if they are working as they should be and to see if there are any savings that can be made.
  To book your UPS health check and efficiency audit please email us [email protected]

  UPS health checks and efficiency reviews

• A domino effect

  The intrinsic links within global supply chains are becoming increasingly scrutinised. With over 20% of the world’s population in lockdown, the domino effect on daily lives has been staggering. Not only this, but the country was blindsided by the speed in which Covid-19 took hold of the UK and its businesses. It took only a matter of hours to witness complete business closures and factory shutdowns, causing immediate disruption to international manufacturing industries and supply links. 

  As China, the world’s largest manufacturing centre, was the first to lockdown, the rest of the world was impacted instantaneously. The production of electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and countless consumer items were put on hold, triggering worldwide shortages. These have been most felt across the healthcare sector, with reported shortages of surgical gloves, protective masks, antibacterial sanitiser and respiratory aids mainly hitting the headlines.   

  With the UK a few months behind China in the coronavirus cycle, many are probably thinking that they should have been more prepared for the lockdown. Especially knowing that only those businesses deemed as essential would be allowed to continue to operate. Obvious establishments such as the NHS, data centres and supermarkets are very much on the front line.  

  Then, there are those businesses that support them, ones that are essential to business continuity. Like Power Control Ltd, a company that provides critical back up power solutions (UPS). The products and services it provides are vital to keeping businesses operational.  

  There is a grey area though, one that is being highlighted more and more. Peripheral industries, so for example the companies that provide IT support, advisory services and other subcontractors that are not essential have been left to make their own decisions on whether or not they should continue to operate. 

  Power Control is in a very fortunate position as its foundations have been built around the availability of all aspects of the service it offers. Not just in terms of physical product but also its project and maintenance services. Over its 26 year history, Power Control has forged some invaluable partnerships with leading manufacturers, contractors and consultants. Despite this, the directors of the business have always sought to ensure operational independence to minimise its reliance on third parties. In hindsight an extremely shrewd move, especially given the current circumstances. 

  The company has a fully stocked warehouse, thanks to foresight earlier in the year and with its in-house engineering capabilities, installation teams, project management and technical support, Power Control is able to seamlessly continue to deliver its products and services to frontline operations. 

  This solid business model is enabling Power Control to continue to work with its broad client spectrum, which includes NHS estates, emergency services, public sector, data centres, water treatment facilities and supermarkets amongst other essential industries identified by the government. 

  Power Control supplies, installs, commissions and maintains backup power solutions for all applications. The company holds over £2million of UPS stock including three phase UPS systems up to 300kVA. Its team of nationwide engineers are also available to respond to immediate call outs.  

   For more information please visit www.powercontrol.co.uk, email [email protected] or call the office on 01246 431431  

   Alternatively, please visit our product pages for specific product information.

    #ignoranceisnotbliss

  A domino effect

• What’s next for UPS?

  There have been many rumblings of late that centre around the demise of traditional standalone UPS systems and the market longevity of these. It is undeniable that the market is saturated when it comes to centralised UPS. Technology seems to have plateaued and the performance delivered from different manufacturers has become fairly ubiquitous. This has meant that manufacturers are now having to compete on cost and subsequently, judging from the latest industry figures, are making less profit.

  Despite this slightly glum outlook, demand for critical power goes on, albeit in a slightly different vein. The requirement for medium to large sized UPS systems is diminishing and is being replaced by more modular and easily scalable options, fuelled by not just economic circumstances but also the need for rapid infrastructure development.

  The adoption of, and reliance on technologies continues to grow, which coupled with increasing power shortages means that the need for emergency power shows no sign of abating. According to experts, the market will continue to grow at a steady pace and is expected to reach in excess of £4.5billion by 2020.

  Much of this growth will come from the uptake of modular UPS solutions. When it comes to the deployment of new UPS systems within large infrastructure settings, the outlook for the immediate future will see many adopt a ‘repair and make do’ attitude.

  Commenting, Power Control Ltd’s solutions director Rob Mather said: “We believe that the focus will be very much on the maintenance and replacement of existing UPS systems, particularly in more sizeable facilities.

  “With regards to modular UPS growth, I don’t disagree with industry speculation that the market will grow – I have no doubt that it will. However, I do question the speed in which this is anticipated. With global economic uncertainty, it is inevitable that consumers will be even more cautious with their spending.

  “Our position within the industry means that we are ultimately responsible for driving growth and ensuring clients make intelligent investment decisions. This will come with helping them realise true TCO (total cost of ownership).

  “Unfortunately there are very few power protection organisations out there that can offer genuine technical guidance attune to all the varying industry sectors and applications. I am proud to say that Power Control is a business built on technical knowledge and as such, we are one of the most highly sought after service and support companies for UPS systems.

  “The shift in market attention from centralised units, to modular UPS systems, the need to appreciate TCO and the requirement for a greater understanding of the true potential of existing solutions plays into the strengths of our business perfectly.”

  It would be fair to say that unless those involved in the power protection field take the time to understand and react appropriately to the market shift, we could see many reputable organisations perish. Some forward thinking businesses such as Power Control have already embraced new market thinking and are already fully focused on the importance of TCO, scalability and practical financial investments.

  The UPS market still has huge growth potential as long as it is driven by expert power protection specialists who are willing to adapt to the ever evolving consumer needs.

  The company’s product portfolio includes single phase, three phase standalone and modular UPS solutions, the technologies Power Control supplies are of the highest calibre. The business provides complete peace of mind, bringing together the very best components to achieve industry leading performance and superior efficiency.

  For further information please email [email protected] or call 01246 431431

  What’s next for UPS?

• Climate change, are businesses prepared?

  We have all seen the direct impact of climate change, not only is it causing extreme temperatures across the globe, it is also increasing the frequency of heavy down pours causing localised flooding and electrical storms, causing power outages.

  Although there has been an increased uptake of critical power supplies across businesses, this is primarily down to the sensitivity of the grid. Not all businesses are taking in to account the effects that global warming may be having on their critical power infrastructures.

  Lightning from electrical storms is a common cause of power outages either by directly striking electrical equipment or by striking trees, which may fall onto power lines and cause outages.

  Additionally, more often than not, storms and heavy rain go hand in hand. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding in localised areas leading to damage to electrical equipment both above and below ground. To prevent further damage, the national grid may need to shut down the equipment, affecting power supply to some areas.

  If the outage affects a business’ mains power supply, there will not be enough warning to perform a safe equipment shutdown without the assistance of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

  Not only do UPS systems keep the power on during the outage, they also help to protect vital equipment from power surges with an automatic voltage regulator. This guarantees a pure sinewave output, meaning the electricity flow remains at a constant state.

  For businesses that have a UPS system already installed, it is important to remember that they contain fragile electronical components requiring stable and precise environmental conditions, specified by each UPS manufacturer.

  Extreme temperature is the most common causes of battery degradation, on average UPS manufacturers quote a battery operating temperature of 20-25⁰C and for every 5⁰C over, the life of the battery reduces by 50%.

  To prevent overheating, a UPS requires adequate ventilation and cooling, with environmental temperature on the incline, it is recommended that the UPS is installed or moved to a temperature controlled room with humidity monitoring.

  Data centres are also monitoring the effects of climate change. Results from the 2019 Uptime institute Data Centre Survey have shown an increase in the number of data centre owners re-evaluating flood risk, site selection and their ability to deal with rising temperatures, compared with last year.

  Installing a UPS, or upgrading to a modern UPS can also offer opportunities for energy saving and reducing a business’ environmental impact.

  Companies qualifying for participation in the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (Esos) will already have to identify energy saving opportunities and although there is no legal requirement to implement such opportunities, companies often do so to reduce their energy use where possible.

  Modern, transformerless UPS systems such as those from Italian UPS manufacturer, Borri Spa, are far more efficient than legacy units due to the substantial reductions in heat losses and energy running costs.

  Boosting UPS efficiency to 99% is also made possible with ECO-Mode functions. Careful consideration of the critical load and site conditions should be given before using this mode, as well as improving efficiency, this mode does carry risks.

  Power Control supply a range of UPS systems including those with ECO-mode function. For more information email [email protected] or call the office on 01246 431431

  It is not only important for businesses to be prepared for climate change, but is also important for them to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint where possible.

  For product information please visit https://powercontrol.co.uk/product-category/ups-systems/

  Climate change, are businesses prepared?

• Backup Power is not interchangeable

  Selecting the correct backup power provision for any application is essential but can be difficult to navigate. Understanding the principle differences is key. Looking specifically at Central Battery Systems (CBS) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) solutions, whilst very similar, it is important to know that they are not interchangeable.  

  A CBS is designed explicitly to cope with significantly greater overload protection for life safety applications such as emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, smoke extraction and evacuation lifts.  

  Backup power solutions for any of these applications must adhere to a set of government standards and regulations. The most familiar is BS EN 50171. This sets out a requirement for a minimum of 120% permanent overload capacity, 10 year battery design life, automatic circuit breakers for static bypass and rectifiers, and that the charging current must have a 10 hour capacity level and cannot be less than 0.1C10.  

  BS EN 50171 also references polarity reversal protection where reversed battery connections can be done without any damage or impact. Discharge protection is also a key safety measure to ensure that batteries are safeguarded against varying levels of discharge current.  

  Other regulations such as BS 5266-1 go into slightly more detail on the speed in which power must be restored to any life safety application. A CBS must have the ability to provide and recover 80% autonomy within 12 hours in the event of a mains fail. The final directive to make note of is EN 60598-1 which stipulates that the backup power system must be housed within an IP20 metal enclosure. 

  Guidance is also given with regards to operating modes. An ‘Uninterrupted mode’ must have the load continuously fed by the inverter. A ‘changeover mode’ must have the load fed continuously through the bypass and a ‘changeover mode with control switching’ needs to include a switching device for emergency only loads.  

  

  Borri
  

  BORRI INGENIO ECS

  Three Phase
  60kVA – 160kVA
  Standalone – CPS

  Designed in compliance with EN 50171 standards, ideal for for emergency safety systems

  VIEW PRODUCT

  

  Borri
  

  BORRI E8031/E8033 ECS

  Three Phase
  10kVA – 50kVA
  Standalone – CPS

  Designed in accordance with EN 50171 standards, ideal for emergency safety systems

  VIEW PRODUCT

  It can seem more convoluted than it is. All the above policies are easily achievable. Borri Spa for example, has drawn on its manufacturing history and engineered a range of CBS exclusively for life safety applications.  

  All the CBS solutions from Borri Spa meet the required regulations and standards. They also come with acid proof battery trays, separate input for rectifier and static bypass with automatic circuit breakers and temperature probes to measure the charging voltage vs ambient temperature compensation. The Borri ECS series is available from 10 – 160kVA with both single or three phase output. The solutions also feature the company’s patented Green conversion technology and are available with backfeed protection contactors for added protection.  

  When it comes to understanding power protection and the equipment available, Power Control has had nearly 30 years of experience in the field and has delivered countless solutions for life safety applications within both critical and non-critical environments.  

  Trusted by businesses across the country Power Control supplies, installs, commissions and maintains backup power solutions for all applications. For more information please visit www.powercontrol.co.uk, email [email protected] or call the office on 01246 431431  

  #ignoranceisnotbliss 

  Backup Power is not interchangeable

• Why installing the correct electrical infrastructure supports business growth

  The phrase ‘electrical infrastructure’ often provokes thoughts of large projects that include megawatts of power for multi-national corporations. However, the need for such equipment is equally as important for small and growing businesses alike and whether the growth is exponential or gradual, making sure the electrical infrastructure matches the pace of the business can sometimes prove difficult.

  The Challenge

  It is not uncommon for a company’s initial electrical infrastructure install to include as few racks as possible in a communications and server room to keep costs to a minimum. But what happens when it reaches full capacity and the business is still growing? It is easy to fall into the trap of buying more and more racks only for them to become fully populated too.

  In these circumstances the critical power path may have been overlooked and the company can find itself with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that has exceeded its power capabilities and no longer functions effectively. At this point, a new, higher capacity UPS installation would be required.

  Forward planning is one way to prevent the above challenge from arising and ensure a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the long run.

  Thinking Ahead

  Technology has evolved a lot over the last decade, none more so than for UPS systems. In the past, options were limited to either oversizing the UPS to allow for growth or taking a chance and hoping more UPS capacity is not required in the future. In both cases the result is a lack of ability to run an effective and efficient electrical infrastructure.

  Now a decade on, it is easier to plan for future growth without having to take unnecessary risks. There are a few ways to do this, but one that stands out is using modular UPS technology.

  Modular UPS systems provide the ability to start with a smaller UPS capacity and gradually increase the capacity over time by adding extra modules. For example, the day one requirement may be around 45kW but with company growth this could double in 18 months’ time with the potential for the same again to happen in another 18 months. Installing a 160kVA solution in the first place is often not a viable option.

  In this scenario, choosing a modular UPS would provide the best TCO. By using modular technology. 50kW modules can be added at a time to increase UPS capacity as and when required. A modular UPS provides flexibility and also means the commitment to a large UPS system from day one is not required.

  Power Control’s Business Development Manager, Samuel Rea, commented, “The reality is, each client’s critical infrastructure varies and this is just one example of how to plan ahead for UPS and business growth.

  “As an independent solutions provider, Power Control always puts the client’s needs first and strives to provide them with a solution that works best for them. Offering a wide range of UPS products from renowned UPS manufacturers including; Borri, Huawei, CertaUPS and now Legrand, Power Control makes sure all critical power options are considered”

  For more information please email [email protected] or call the office on 01246 431431

  Alternatively please visit https://powercontrol.co.uk/product-category/ups-systems/ for specific product

  Why installing the correct electrical infrastructure supports business growth

• Casting light on emergency luminaire compliance

  The FIA has recently released information on developments to the standards for emergency lighting, BS 5266-1. As a result, companies are readdressing their emergency evacuation procedures and equipment. How can companies ensure they are compliant and where do Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) fit in?

  Emergency escape lighting and exit signage are required by law in all commercial buildings to indicate and illuminate exit routes during a mains power failure or emergency situation. In some circumstances an emergency light operates as a normal light from a mains supply, continuing to operate at a lower light level from a central battery source during a mains failure. Otherwise, the emergency light only switches on during a mains failure using battery backup and lasts for a minimum of one to three hours depending on evacuation time and premises type.

  In each circumstance, there is a choice of backup power supply. Self-contained (single point) or a central battery source such as a BS EN 50171 compliant UPS. A number of considerations such as; budget, facility type, project size, longevity and building age should be factored in when making the decision.

  Typically installed into smaller projects, the self-contained power supplies for emergency lighting offer a fast and cheap option with a lower initial investment required. These systems can easily be extended with additional luminaires and do not require any special sub-circuit monitoring. However, the battery life is limited to between 2 and 4 years depending on the application and in order to test the batteries, the luminaires require isolation and observation on an individual basis. Furthermore, the batteries may be adversely affected by a relatively high or low ambient temperature which varies throughout the system.

  On the other hand, a UPS is ideal for larger sites with longevity and low maintenance as priorities. A UPS allows for easier maintenance and routine testing with only one location to consider and the batteries have a lifespan of between 5 and 25 years. This method also benefits from larger batteries being cheaper per unit of power and so luminaires are usually less expensive. Additionally, the high capital equipment costs are offset with the Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

  Power Control is a well-known supplier, installer, commissioner and maintainer of Borri Spa and Legrand UPS systems. These manufacturers have designed high efficiency, small footprint central battery sources in compliance with EN 50171 and IEC/EN 62040.

  The E8031 – E8033 ECS and Ingenio ECS from Borri Spa are available from 10 to 160kVA and supply uninterrupted quality power to emergency lighting systems with a 120% permanent power overload capacity and deep discharge protection. The ECS units also contain batteries with a 10-year life expectancy.

  For a modular solution, the Legrand TRIMOD MCS central power supply is available from 3 to 80kW and also complies with EN 50171 standards with a 120% permanent power overload capacity. As a modular solution, the TRIMOD MCS is scalable from day one requirement with easy to install modules.

  With over 25 years’ experience of delivering UPS solutions to all applications and industries, Power Control will establish the exact power protection needs of any premises.

  For more information and to arrange a free site survey please visit our services page, email [email protected] or call the office on 01246 431431

  Alternatively please visit our product pages for specific product information.

  Casting light on emergency luminaire compliance

• Give your data the modular edge

  The internet is getting bigger, data usage has never been greater and cloud computing is now massive. To cope with all this data we would expect to see even bigger data centre structures right? Wrong. In fact, the trend has gone towards micro data centres.

  Whilst this may seem like a quirky oxymoron that surely can’t be right, there is a very logical explanation and one which experts are referring to as the ‘Edge’ – the space between the cloud and standard network frames.

  The growth of the ‘Edge’ has been driven by the evolution of technology based applications and the continued demand for data analytics and storage. As consumers our mounting intolerance towards latency is also creating challenges for the data centre world. We demand instant response – nothing is worse than watching the little loading circle whirl around our screens.

  Even though the cloud is the most efficient place for data processing, it does take time to reach the cloud and during peak periods, drawing information down from the cloud can be a challenge. Taking some capabilities out of the cloud and bringing them closer to the end user will help eliminate latency issues.

  Developing ‘Edge’ infrastructure resources will definitely pick up pace in 2017 as users seek to overcome not just problems with latency but also bandwidth restrictions, security breaches and monitoring boundaries.

  This will see a new era of data centres – edge data centres to be precise. In simple terms, these are essentially over flow data centre facilities to support already existing larger structures that won’t cost £thousands. They are typically small facilities used to supply secondary locations or a space for alternative networks that are housed alongside an organisations own main network.

  Whilst, some manufacturers and suppliers have tried to market tailor made ‘edge’ data centre solutions, the more savvy amongst us are wondering if we really need to reinvent the wheel and over complicate what should and needs to be far more straightforward and cost effective.

  This is where the adoption of micro data centres comes in. As a relatively low-cost and quick to deploy solution, the industry’s appetite for avoiding complicated and costly construction works is evidently growing. After all, we don’t always need to build rooms for data centres when there is a much simpler solution at our finger tips – designing a data centre for the room.

  Micro data centres by their very nature are small, compact systems that house all the components of a traditional data centre in one prefabricated unit. The more advanced solutions such as those from Huawei have been developed as intelligent, fully integrated cabinet systems. For example, the Huawei FusionModule series combine UPS, PDU, rack air conditioner and monitoring equipment.

  Fully expandable, these one stop equipment room solutions are simple, efficient and reliable. They are ideal for tier 1 and tier 2 constructions within a plethora of industry sectors including financial subsidiaries and branches, educational institutions, hospitals, public security bureaus and commercial retail stores.

  Modular data centre technologies not only offer a very practical solution to addressing the growing need for data centres but also provide greater TCO clarity. Advanced micro data centre solutions deliver very impressive TCO results as all the components are designed to work in harmony and ultimately deliver the most efficient long term operational values.

  Whether they are deployed as low-cost and quick-to-assemble upgrades to existing IT facilities in SME organisations, or deployed at the ‘Edge’ of a network to complement cloud computing structures, whilst supporting the reduction of superfluous internet traffic and minimisation of latency, micro data centres will play an essential role in the computing landscape of the future.

  For further information please email [email protected] or call 01246 431431.

  Give your data the modular edge