Intelligent Data Centres Issue 15 | Page 23

INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA effectively buy time to make informed decisions and take the right kind of corrective actions. In practical terms, PQM systems enable the evaluation of responsibilities in the event of power quality events. Most utilities must comply with EN50160 in order to guarantee the best possible service to their customers. The standard sets minimum power quality levels which means that a PQM is able to create EN50160 compliant reports that provide proof to the utility. Power Quality Meters ensure that it is safe for IT equipment to use UPS equipment in offline mode. For energy efficiency and cost reasons, many data centres are using offline UPS equipment which does not isolate the load from the supply voltage, meaning that in turn, that upstream pollution could damage and shorten the equipment lifespan. PQMs will also monitor the quality of renewable energy production equipment – particularly important in terms of managing voltage variations, frequency fluctuations and harmonics pollution. Stay safe, stay smart, stay connected For smart and connected energy management, it is now possible to more precisely monitor protective devices – remotely and in real time – across the entire electrical installation. The latest metering and monitoring solutions guarantee the availability and safety of the electrical installation, while also monitoring performance, checking power quality and managing loads. One such system is Socomec’s Diris Q800 which has been engineered for industry-leading accuracy and designed for ease of use, this is just one solution that can address this issue. Maintaining service continuity By fitting permanent power quality monitoring systems, it is possible to monitor and manage the reliability, efficiency and safety of an organisation’s electrical system in real time. Data is collected and analysed in order to diagnose problems, identify deterioration in performance and highlight areas of risk – as well as locating the causes of electrical disturbances. In an environment that demands watertight preparedness planning and with zero margin for error, taking an integrated approach to service continuity and mastering monitoring has never been more important. ◊ In an environment that demands watertight preparedness planning and with zero margin for error, taking an integrated approach to service continuity and mastering monitoring has never been more important. www.intelligentdatacentres.com Issue 15 23