subject: Pdus Can Increase Energy Efficiency [print this page] IT departments seeking ways to increase rack density, troubleshoot equipment more efficiently and decrease instances of potential risk in support of energy efficiency, and more and more IT administrators are being asked to monitor energy usage in an effort to use electrical power more efficiently.
The first step in the process is for IT managers to understand the options that are available to them, and then match the correct one to their application. PDUs serve as vital components in maintaining network power availability, as well as delivering conditioned power. Absent are the features found on standard power strips and surge suppressors that can serve as failure points and cut off power to critical equipment.
There are 3 main PDU types:
Basic PDUs which feature multiple outlets, a long input cord and a variable mounting housing - offer simple but reliable distribution to multiple pieces of equipment.
Metered PDUs provide a practical way for IT managers to avoid network downtime. While offering the same features as the Basic PDU, they also offer a digital load meter which allows IT managers to monitor the total power consumption of the connected equipment. As equipment is added, IT administrators can monitor the increased load and take proactive steps to increase input capacity.
Switched PDUs provide a practical way for IT managers to remotely reboot locked devices and eliminate costly service calls. They offer the same features as the Metered PDUs, but with the addition of a built-in network interface which allows managers to remotely control power to individual PDU outlets via a network connection. If power does fail, IT administrators can remotely shut down less critical devices in order to redistribute limited backup power.
IT managers have identified several features to increase the efficiency of their data centers including outlet-lever power metering and switching; environmental monitoring, improved user management, and both critical and non-critical thresholds and alerts for both power and conditions.
While technically not very complex, PDUs can dramatically increase a systems power availability and manageability, when selected and deployed properly.
