
Backup Power for Data Centers: Preventing Downtime

In today's AI-driven landscape, securing reliable backup power systems is a significant challenge for industries, particularly AI data centers. By 2050, electricity is projected to become the primary energy source, accounting for over 70% of our energy needs. As renewable energy production increases, data centers face heightened risks from power outages, short circuits, peak demand spikes, and downtime related problems. The data center industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, where uninterrupted power supply is vital. Power cuts and downtime can lead to substantial financial losses and damage a company's reputation.
The Financial Impact of Downtime
Downtime can cost data centers tens of thousands of euros per minute and, in severe cases, up to a million euros per hour. Ludovico Barro Savonuzzi, Head of Application Engineering, emphasizes the necessity for data centers to invest in dependable backup power systems. This article explores the advantages of integrating SuperBattery technology into data center operations to ensure consistent energy supply and maximum reliability.
Why Reliable Backup Power is Critical for Data Centers
Reliable backup power is essential for data centers due to their reliance on expensive equipment that cannot afford downtime. Power issues are inevitable; however, a well-designed uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ensures seamless operation by drawing power from a battery until the backup generator activates. This system guarantees continuous functionality during storms, outages, or unexpected incidents.
How SuperBattery Functions as a Backup Power Source
When power issues arise, the backup system activates by drawing energy from the SuperBattery. Many data centers still utilize lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries that require extensive cooling and pose fire risks due to overheating. Transitioning to the SuperBattery represents a significant advancement toward safer and more cost-effective energy management and storage.
Common Causes of Power Outages Disrupting Data Center Operations
Downtime: refers to periods when equipment, systems, or processes are not operational or are temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, failure, or other reasons. In a data center context, downtime typically means when servers or systems are not functioning, resulting in a loss of productivity or service.
Peak Power Demand: refers to the highest amount of electrical power required by a system during a specific time period. For a data center, this would be when the demand for power spikes, typically when there is high activity or during periods of increased usage of computing resources. This often results in higher energy costs and strain on the power grid.
Cooling System Failures: Without proper cooling, the equipment can overheat, leading to potential damage, system shutdowns, or data loss. This could result in a costly loss of productivity and service interruptions. Cooling system failures are particularly critical in data centers because even a brief temperature spike can harm sensitive hardware.
Short Circuits: Short circuits can lead to electrical fires, equipment damage, or system failures. In a data center, this could cause significant disruptions in operations, damage to expensive hardware, or even pose a safety hazard to personnel.
How SuperBattery Addresses Power Demand Issues in Data Centers
Large-scale data centers may have power demands reaching up to 500 MW, primarily consumed by critical functions. To ensure continuity and avoid data loss, data center architectures incorporate multiple layers of redundancy in data management, hardware, and power supply. Battery backup systems play a vital role in this redundancy.
Backup systems range from centralized UPS units near grid connections to distributed battery backup units (BBUs) integrated into data racks. These units support critical loads during outages. Given that outages can last for extended periods, data centers are equipped with generator sets (originally diesel but now transitioning towards cleaner fuels) that activate as soon as a grid outage is detected.
The purpose of battery backup systems is to bridge power loss until generators are ready to support full load operations. These generators can run for hours or even days, ensuring reliability during prolonged outages.
The Advantages of SuperBattery Technology
SuperBattery technology excels in environments like data centers due to its high power capability and safety features. A BBU typically uses around 50-60 D33 cells paired with a high-performance DC-DC converter that manages power flow during outages and maintains charge during regular operation.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion technologies that struggle under high C-rates expected in these scenarios, SuperBattery does not experience thermal runaway even at temperatures up to 450°C. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where fire hazards could cause catastrophic damage.
Conclusion
In an era where reliable backup power is crucial for operational continuity in data centers, integrating advanced solutions like SuperBattery technology can significantly enhance energy management and safety. By investing in robust backup systems, data centers can mitigate risks associated with power outages while ensuring maximum reliability and efficiency in their operations.