Glossary
Glossary
A
A voltage regulator is designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage level removing dangerous fluctuation in the voltage from the mains supply that could harm the connected equipment.
An Automatic Transfer Switch is an electrical switch that switches a load between two sources. Some transfer switches are manual, in that an operator effects the transfer by throwing a switch, while others are automatic and switch when they sense one of the sources has lost or gained power. An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is often installed where a backup generator is located, so that the generator may provide temporary electrical power if the utility source fails.
B
A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically. Within seconds of a utility outage an automatic transfer switch senses the power loss, commands the generator to start and then transfers the electrical load to the generator.
C
The goal of cold aisle containment is to separate the hot and cold air in the data centre to conserve energy and lower cooling costs by managing air flow. Whilst containing the cold air leads to improved efficiency when compared with other traditional room cooling methods, choosing to contain the hot air rather than the cold air can save up to 40% in annual cooling system energy costs.
D
A large group of networked computer servers typically used by organisations for the remote storage, processing, or distribution of large amounts of data.
The period of time when a computer is out of action or unavailable for use.
Data centre cooling refers to the collective equipment, tools, techniques and processes that ensure an ideal operating temperature for equipment within a data centre facility.
Data Centre Infrastructure Management or DCIM software gives data center operators a holistic view of operations in the data centre and the ability to run measure efficient and improve data centre infrastructure planning and design. It typically replaces Excel, Visio, and home grown databases.
In the direct expansion or DX types of air central conditioning plants the air used for cooling space is directly chilled by the refrigerant in the cooling coil of the air handling unit. Since the air is cooled directly by the refrigerant the cooling efficiency of the DX plants is higher. However, it is not always feasible to carry the refrigerant piping to the large distances hence, direct expansion or the DX type of central air conditioning system is usually used for cooling the small buildings or the rooms on the single floor.
E
Environmental Monitoring enables IT managers to obtain real time detailed measurements of the environmental conditions in a server room or data centre. Environmental sensors provide alerts for high temperatures, humidity, leak detection, smoke and physical threats to the security of the data centre and can be controlled via a central portal.
F
Free Air Cooling solutions, when temperatures permit, leverage the outdoor fresh air by driving it from the outside to the inside of the data center. Free air cooling generates significant savings since in certain locations data centers operators can take full advantage of free cooling for several hours of the day without the need of expensive mechanical cooling.
H
The goal of a hot aisle containment is to separate the hot and cold air in the data centre to conserve energy and lower cooling costs by managing air flow. The choice of hot-aisle containment over cold-aisle containment can save 40% in annual cooling system energy cost.
I
A hardware platform that hosts IT workloads, enabling businesses and individuals to access and make use of data and services.
InRow cooling positions the Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units within the row of racks in close proximity to server and network equipment targeted cooling at the banks of server cabinets that fill the data centre.
L
The line-interactive UPS is similar in operation to a standby UPS, but with the addition of auto voltage regulation or AVR. This is a special type of transformer that can increase or decrease the output voltage of the transformer. This is also known as a Buck–boost transformer. This type of UPS is able to tolerate continuous undervoltage brownouts and overvoltage surges without consuming the limited reserve battery power.
M
Power Distribution Unit providing active metering to enable energy optimization and circuit protection.
N
A Network Rack is a standardized frame or enclosure for mounting multiple equipment in a secure environment. Network Racks include internal mounting rails at the front and rear of the rack which are the industry standard 19 inch wide. The height of the device that is mounted in the rack is also standardized as multiples of 1.752 inches (44.50 mm) or one rack unit or U. Network racks are available in sizes from 9U to 48U tall and smaller ones can often be wall mounted.
O
An offline or standby UPS offers only the most basic features, providing surge protection and battery backup. The protected equipment is normally connected directly to incoming utility power. When the incoming voltage falls below or rises above a predetermined level the UPS turns on its internal DC-AC inverter, which is powered from an internal storage battery. The UPS then mechanically switches the connected equipment on to its DC-AC inverter output and runs from battery power until the mains power is restored.
In an online UPS, the batteries are always connected to the inverter, power transfer is not required. When the power fails, the rectifier circuit is cut-off and the batteries keep supplying power to load or equipment.
P
Any power problem manifested in voltage, current and/or frequency deviations that result in failure or mal-operation of customers’ equipment.
Perimeter cooling positions Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units around the perimeter of the data centre floor providing cooling down into and through a raised access flooring system. The colder air then flows through floor grilles situated at the front of hardware cabinets. Hot air is then return back into the top of the CRAC units.
R
A rack PDU is a power distribution device designed to fit into a server rack in either a vertical (0U) or horizontal (1U or more) position. Rack mount PDUs are offered in many sizes and configurations depending on voltage, current, number and type of connections, as well as remote access and monitoring functionality.
S
Use of an appliance/device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.
Power Distribution Unit providing reliable power distribution coupled with remote power & environmental monitoring.
Switched Power Distribution Units provide advanced load monitoring combined with remote on/off switching control of individual outlets for power cycling, delayed power sequencing, and outlet use management.
A Server Rack is a standardized frame or enclosure for mounting multiple equipment in a secure environment. Server Racks include internal mounting rails at the front and rear of the rack which are the industry standard 19 inch wide. The height of the device that is mounted in the rack is also standardized as multiples of 1.752 inches (44.50 mm) or one rack unit or U. The industry standard rack cabinet is 42U tall.
U
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost. It draws current from the AC outlet and switches to battery within a few milliseconds after detecting a power failure. It also provides protection from power surges.
UPS bypass switches are added to a UPS solution to allow service and isolation for safety purposes. A UPS bypass switch enables these operations to be performed without loss of power to the load.
We have 9 UK data centres and Source UPS are our preferred supplier for infrastructure. Their advice is always valuable and well considered. I would strongly recommend Source UPS.
