Modular Power Distribution


MODULAR POWER DISTRIBUTION

APC by Schneider’s integrated Modular Power Distribution lets users safely configure and expand their power distribution network without forced shutdowns or hot-work. With a complete view of the entire distribution network, Modular Power Distribution provides high levels of availability and manageability with the lowest total cost of ownership.

Modular three-phase Power Distribution has two elements. ~ The first is a Power Distribution Module or PDM, consisting of ~ an industry-standard circuit breaker, ~ branch current monitoring, ~ output cable, and ~ connector plug. This hot-swappable module feeds power to IT racks. ~ The second is the Power Distribution Unit or PDU, an enclosure that monitors and feeds power to the PDM. ~ The PDM plugs into a “touch-safe” back plane assembly inside the PDU which also houses the ~ main circuit monitoring bus, ~ the support structure for the PDMs, ~ intelligence modules and ~ communications circuit card.

Our Modular Power Distribution products are available in ~ 400, ~ 480 and ~ 208 volt models. Each offers ~ PDMs that include both circuit and breaker position monitoring. Depending on your region, power distribution units are available as ~ half-rack PDUs, ~ half-rack remote power panels or RPPs, as well as ~ 5U PDUs. Let’s look at these products in more detail.

The 400V NAM product line includes ~ both single and 3-phase PDMs. Three-phase power distribution is accomplished ~ through ½ rack PDUs, ½ rack RPPs or ~ 5U PDUs. ~ The ½ rack PDU and the ½ rack RPP each accept up to 24 modules, allowing for 72 poles per unit. ~ The 5U PDU accepts up to 6 modules, providing as many as 18 poles. The ½ rack RPP is transformerless so power must be stepped down before it enters the unit. The ½ rack PDU changes voltage using an autotransformer.

Traditional PDUs transform 480 volt power to 208V or 120V using isolation transformers. ~ APC’s innovative 415V PDU uses an auto transformer to change the voltage from 480V to 415V/240V, creating several green benefits. ~ Auto transformers are greater than 99% efficient, ~ reducing electrical consumption, ~ the amount of heat generated, and cooling costs. ~ Loss is ten times less than with traditional transformers. ~ Auto transformers are less than half the size of isolation transformers with the same power rating. This means ~ less copper used in manufacturing, ~ a smaller footprint in the data center, and ~ less weight to ship. ~ Delivering power to servers at 415V/240V allows for less current and therefore smaller power cables, reducing the copper used to distribute power in the data center.

Regions outside of NAM also include ~ multiple PDM options in the 400V product line to address a wide range of customer requirements. Three-phase power distribution is accomplished through ~ ½ rack RPPs or ~ 5U PDUs. ~ The ½ rack RPP accepts up to 24 modules, allowing for 72 poles per unit. ~ The 5U PDU can accept as many as 6 modules, providing as many as 18 poles. The ½ rack RPP has a high density design, delivering up to 277kw! Its user-configurable distribution allows for safe expansion and service without forced shutdowns.

The 208 V product line is designed for NAM customers only. ~ It features both single and 3-phase PDMs. ~ Power is distributed using ½ rack RPPs ~ with up to 24 PDMs and 72 poles. These high density units provide up to 144kW. ~ Customers can also use our 5U PDUs that ~ accommodate as many as 6 PDMs and offer 18 poles. Let’s take a closer look at these flexible power distribution units.

The ~ 5U Power Distribution Module boasts a high density design and ~ offers 72kW in only 5U! ~ It holds up to six modules, ~ supplies as many as 18 Pole positions, and automatically recognizes module type, amps and length. The 5U PDU is available pre-installed in an enclosure, or it can be purchased separately and installed in a customer’s enclosure. ~ It is perfect for load balancing, ~ has a PowerView Information Panel, and ~ is InfraStruXure Certified. ~The 5U PDU can easily be relocated to accommodate a changing data center environment, giving customers much-needed flexibility.

When it comes to our Modular Power Distribution products, ~ the key word is safety! We offer the only UL-listed power distribution solution. A touch safe back plane shields the user from all live wires. ~ Modular Power Distribution products are scalable, allowing customers to easily add or reconfigure circuits. ~ Total cost of ownership is reduced, thanks to the auto transformer in our 415V PDU. ~ It is better than 99% efficient, reducing  both power and electrical consumption in the PDU ~ as well as the heat generated. Customers pay less for cooling costs while getting nearly double the power in ~ half the footprint. What’s more, ~ it’s fast and easy to install!

And what about interchangeability? ~ Our innovative design adds the award-winning InfraStruXure® modularity and scalability to the critical power and cooling architecture by ~ delivering a truly hot-swappable, ~ hot pluggable circuit breaker and ~ power distribution capability to the customer’s ~ scalable and modular critical power deployments.

Modular Power Distribution products come with a one-year warranty that includes parts, labor, and travel for next business day response. Customers can further protect their investment by purchasing our available services ~ including start up, ~ on-site, ~ project management, ~ network integration and ~ preventive maintenance services.