Background
A major data center operator in Singapore provides secure, reliable, and scalable data storage and computing capabilities to its global customer base. Their operations heavily depend upon uninterrupted uptime, especially during power outages, where Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems activate to safeguard valuable data. The lead acid batteries that power these UPS systems are essential, serving as the last line of defense to prevent costly downtime and data loss during external power disruptions.
Challenge
The data center relies on more than 22,000 12VDC Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries across its multiple facilities to provide emergency power, necessitating assurance that these batteries will perform reliably in the event of an outage.
Maintaining the health of thousands of batteries is an ongoing challenge, as they naturally degrade over time and are susceptible to environmental factors like temperature fluctuations and aging. Without proactive monitoring, any failing battery can go unnoticed, potentially compromising the entire backup power system.
Monitoring the state of health of each battery in real time is critical to the Data Center’s ability to deliver reliable service without interruption. This need for accurate, real-time insights led them to seek a solution that would prevent critical failures, extend battery lifespan, and reduce maintenance costs while ensuring that the UPS systems were always fully operational.
Implementation
Franklin Electric Grid Solutions won the opportunity to supply, install, and maintain a comprehensive battery monitoring system tailored to the data center’s needs. Specifically designed to monitor battery health and capacity, the solution enables proactive maintenance by identifying early signs of degradation. This provides the data center with the insights needed to address potential issues before they escalate into critical failures.
METRIC TRACKING
The system tracks key performance metrics, such as voltage, temperature, and internal resistance, providing them with a detailed, real-time insights into each battery’s health. This functionality enables them to perform proactive maintenance, allowing technicians to address any battery degradation before it escalates into a failure. By detecting early signs of battery wear, the monitoring system allows for timely replacements, ensuring continuous backup power availability.
ONGOING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
In addition to monitoring, Franklin Electric Grid Solutions offers ongoing system maintenance and health reports, reinforcing their ability to rely on the system’s long-term durability. The system also integrates seamlessly with the existing UPS partners, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to power backup management in the data center.
WITH THE BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM THIS DATA CENTER ACHIEVED:
Seamless Communications:
The data center can integrate the newly installed battery monitoring system with their preferred data collection system.
Proactive Maintenance:
Empowered with continuous 24/7 monitoring of key battery performance indicators, the Data Center can enable proactive maintenance and deliver uninterrupted uptime when it matters the most.
Advanced Insights:
Implementing the battery monitoring system enabled the data center to analyze and track data related to each battery’s state of health, making it easier to detect potential issues.
Rapid Deployment:
A modular quick connect system enabled installation without the need for a site survey so the data center could get real-time insights sooner.
Conclusion
By partnering with Franklin Electric to install the battery monitoring system, the data center can now identify issues before they escalate into critical failures. This has helped them reassure its growing customer base about their data’s security and the capacity to expand while maintaining quality service.
