If you are looking for a UPS for your data centre, and have started researching systems available on the market, you will find there are a large number of products. Even the most experienced and knowledgeable facilities manage can find it challenging to identify which system would be best-suited for their requirements. The most important thing is to sift the facts from all the marketing hype. There are some basic questions you are sure to be asking yourself, such as:
- Is it advantageous or disadvantageous to have modular systems installed?
- Will making the wrong choice burn significant hole in my pocket, in terms of additional energy consumption?
- Is IGBT technology a good option, or should I opt for SCR?
If these questions have crossed your mind, it’s a good idea to take a look at the points mentioned here. This information will make you better-equipped to ask relevant questions of your supplier, which in turn will ensure you get the right system. The different considerations that have to be kept in view while buying a UPS for your data centre are:
#1 Total cost of ownership
A prudent buyer will always be aware that the purchase cost is only a single component of the price. You have to be realistic and objective and would have to calculate the overall cost of ownership. This covers a number of cost factors such as installation & maintenance cost, and system-efficiency. It’s important to keep in view that an inefficient UPS can end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars every year just in wasted electricity bills. Even a small efficiency improvement of +4% can help you save more than $10,000 in utility costs, per year.
#2 Battery costs
This is one expense which is almost always hidden while mentioning the price of the system. It’s best to ask for battery costs to be priced separately; check on specifications such as brand and model. If your budget permits it, opt for premium batteries. High-quality batteries require far less maintenance and have a longer lifespan as well. Aside from this, they have a much lower failure rate as well. Stay away from UPS systems that operate on battery cartridges as that will eliminate the charges of cartridge replacement.
#3 Annual maintenance cost
It’s crucial that you get a maintenance quote from the manufacturer as well as from a few independent service providers. You will find that there can be a significant variation in the pricing from one vendor to the next. In some instances, this can easily be 15% more than the acquisition cost.
#4 Consider scalable units with objectivity
Many facilities’ managers that are looking for a UPS feel that scalable modular units are a good option as it will help them add capacity as their business and requirements grow. However, the fact is that these units are far more expensive in the long term compared to just adding separate units when you need them. Modular systems are also much more expensive; and replacing them can cost up to 30-40 times more than replacing a failed component in a standard unit.
Aside from all these aspects, also get a clearer perspective on the type of service you can expect from the supplier. Check whether they are proactive and how they handle queries and whether they return calls. After all, you want quick service if and when you need service or support for the UPS installation. You can check out some tips on how to ensure the quality of power at your data centre.
If you want to know more about our power products and services, don’t hesitate to contact us at KaRaTec Power Supply Pty. You can give us a call at 612 9808 1127. You can also fill in this contact us form.
Thanks for reading,
Karatec Power Supply Pty
612 9808 1127