The advent of transformerless technology not only improved double-conversion UPS energy efficiency; it also maintained this high efficiency over a much wider load range. Nevertheless, if the load drops to about 25% or below, then efficiency levels start to fall away significantly. Xtra VFI is a smart way to minimise the resulting losses and improve uninterruptible power supply efficiency when operating considerably under capacity.
Xtra VFI is based on a concept that has always been inherent in modular UPS topology. Suppose, for example, that a significant number of a data centre’s servers are decommissioned for an extended period, or even permanently. Modular UPS power systems supporting the data centre could easily be kept adequately loaded with the remaining servers by switching off or removing uninterruptible power supply modules that have become excess to requirement. They can just as easily be restored later, if necessary. Easy adaptation to required load capacity is a natural benefit of modular uninterruptible power supplies, sometimes referred to as ‘rightsizing’ or UPS system sizing.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Xtra VFI mode is available on KUP’s KOHLER PW 9500DPA and PW 9250DPA uninterruptible power supplies. This automates the process by detecting the current load level and adjusting the number of active UPS power modules accordingly. No operator intervention is required in performing the optimal efficiency calculation as the UPS systems allow for any desired redundancy level. Redundancy levels for active capacity and the highest expected load steps can be user-configured to guarantee the highest power protection level.
Excess uninterruptible power supply modules are switched to standby but remain ready to start up, become active and share the load again if it increases. If a mains power outage or alarm event occurs, the Xtra VFI mode is deactivated, and all modules are switched to ‘active’ status.
The UPS efficiency improvements achieved by this mode of operation are especially significant when the load is less than 25 percent of full UPS system capacity.
A typical UPS implementation could comprise a maximum load of 800kW, with a required electrical redundancy level of N+2. This could be entirely supported by a pair of 500kW modular UPS power frames, each containing five 100kW modules. If the current load demand drops to 200kW, the number of active UPS modules will be reduced to four to provide 400kW active capacity. The 200kW load is being supported with N+2 redundancy, as required. All uninterruptible power supply modules share the load equally, so each is 50% loaded and operating efficiently. The UPS standby capacity becomes 600kW; some or all of this is available to bring back on-line immediately if the load increases again.
Even in the most carefully managed data centre environments, loads can vary unexpectedly for operational or business reasons. The Xtra VFI mode ensures that uninterruptible power supplies can accommodate these changes without loss of efficiency.
To find out more about improving the efficiency of UPS systems with Xtra VFI or about our UPS maintenance service in Singapore and power protection products get in touch with KOHLER Uninterruptible Power via our contact page or call +65 6302 0702.
