Industries
Power distribution for data centres
Transformers, switchgear and substations for data centre power systems, where the redundancy concept rather than the average load sets the ratings.
A data centre is designed around a redundancy concept, and the concept sets the ratings. In an N+1 or 2N arrangement each transformer and each board has to carry the full IT and cooling load when its partner is out of service, so sizing against the shared load in normal operation is the mistake that surfaces at the worst possible moment.
The other defining feature is timing. Transformers and medium voltage switchgear are long lead items, and a data centre programme usually needs them before the building is complete. Procuring against a frozen specification early is often worth more than a marginally better price later.
The equipment chain
What decides the ratings
The non redundant load, meaning the full IT and cooling demand that one path must carry alone, sets the transformer and board ratings. Redundancy is a design and contract decision, commonly expressed through availability classes such as those in the EN 50600 series, rather than a single legal requirement.
Uninterruptible power supplies and other converter loads produce harmonic currents. The transformer vector group affects how those currents pass to the medium voltage side, and the designer's harmonic assessment is what fixes the transformer specification.
What to settle early
| Consideration | Why it matters here |
|---|---|
| Redundancy concept | Sets whether each transformer and board carries the full load alone |
| Dry type or liquid immersed | Dry type units inside the building simplify the fire strategy |
| Harmonic loading | Converter loads affect transformer specification and losses |
| Fault level | Parallel or closely coupled transformers raise the fault level the boards must withstand |
| Lead time | Transformers and medium voltage switchgear usually set the critical path |
| Flexible connection terms | A network operator may offer a connection with a power limit rather than a firm connection |
The German example
In Germany the Energy Efficiency Act defines a data centre by its non redundant rated connection power from 300 kW and sets efficiency requirements by the date operation begins. The German page sets out those thresholds and the connection terms that apply.
Equipment for this application
What we need to quote
| 01 | The redundancy concept and the non redundant load per path |
| 02 | Transformer ratings, voltages and whether they are indoor dry type units |
| 03 | Medium voltage panel schedule and the network connection data |
| 04 | Low voltage board ratings and the prospective fault level |
| 05 | Harmonic assessment or the UPS and converter loads |
| 06 | The programme date the equipment has to be on site |
Related
Send us the requirement
Send the rating, the voltage and the destination, or submit the specification, drawing or nameplate. Anything missing is raised before it reaches a supplier.