Background
A leading global provider of digital infrastructure operates an extensive network of data centers designed to support businesses with secure, resilient, and scalable digital services. These facilities must maintain continuous operations to ensure seamless connectivity, data storage, and computing capabilities for enterprises worldwide.
The data centers rely on robust backup power systems, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), DC power systems, and generators. These systems prevent service disruptions during power outages or fluctuations in the commercial power grid. To maintain optimal performance, an advanced battery monitoring solution was required to track the health and efficiency of these critical backup power components across multiple locations, ensuring compliance with global uptime standards and regulatory requirements.
Challenge
In the highly competitive digital infrastructure industry, data center clients expect near 100% uptime to safeguard their critical business processes. Any power failure can result in financial losses, service disruptions, and reputational damage.
Backup power systems rely on thousands of lead-acid batteries to supply emergency power during outages. Over time, these batteries degrade, reducing their effectiveness. Without continuous monitoring, undetected battery failures can compromise power availability at critical moments. Given the scale and complexity of operations, a reliable and efficient system was needed to provide real-time insights into battery health and prevent unexpected failures.
The key objective for the data center operations team was to implement a cost-effective solution. A real-time state-of-health (SOH) data for each battery, enabling proactive maintenance and extending battery lifespan, while also optimizing replacement strategies.
Implementation
Franklin Electric Grid Solutions was selected to provide a comprehensive battery monitoring system tailored to the specific power demands of data centers. Given the high density power demands and stringent reliability expectations of data centers, the CELLGUARD™ Wired Battery Monitoring System continuously tracks key performance metrics such as voltage, temperature, and conductance, ensuring each battery operates at peak efficiency while mitigating risks associated with thermal fluctuations.
CELLGUARD™ Wired BMS
By delivering real-time insights and alerts, the CELLGUARD™ BMS solution enables operators to detect early signs of battery degradation, ensuring continuous power availability for critical IT loads and uninterrupted data processing. Proactive responses to battery health issues eliminate the risk of service disruptions, safeguarding customer operations, and maintaining the highest level of system reliability.
Additionally, the system supports predictive maintenance by allowing data center operators to base battery replacements on actual condition rather than fixed schedules. This strategy optimizes power management, reduces unnecessary maintenance costs, and enhances scalability, allowing the system to seamlessly integrate as new data center expansions come online.
WITH THE WIRED BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM THE DATA CENTER ACHIEVED:
State of Health Monitoring:
Real-time assessments of battery condition enable operators to detect issues early, preventing service interruptions and optimizing battery performance and reliability.
Operational Efficiency:
A web-based asset management database provides a centralized view of battery health across the network, streamlining monitoring, reporting, and decision-making. This reduces unnecessary battery replacements and optimizes cost management and resource allocation.
Proactive Maintenance:
Continuous monitoring allows maintenance teams to address battery health concerns before they impact power availability, helping to manage costs and optimize maintenance schedules.
Seamless Integration and Security:
The system integrates with existing power infrastructure, enabling streamlined power backup management. The CONVERGE™ Web Interface setup tool simplifies commissioning by guiding users through required fields and allowing configuration details to be saved and redeployed across multiple sites.
Conclusion
The deployment of Franklin Electric Grid Solutions’ battery monitoring system has enhanced data center power reliability by delivering real-time insights into battery health. By enabling proactive maintenance and optimizing battery management, the system minimizes downtime, reduces costs, and ensures uninterrupted operations.
With improved visibility into the state of health of thousands of backup batteries, operators can make informed decisions, extending battery life while maintaining high service availability. As digital infrastructure continues to expand, maintaining resilient backup power systems remains essential for long-term operational success.
