FEATURE
Marc Garner , VP , Secure Power Division , Schneider Electric UK & I
greater number of charge and recharge cycles , also offer many advantages in terms of sustainability . Those powered by Lithium-Ion ( li-ion ) can offer users longer battery life , a lower TCO over the life cycle and reduced carbon emissions .
Further , the greater number of charge and recharge cycles offered by use of li-ion chemistries provides the possibility of collaborative measures such as peak shaving and micro grids – allowing stored energy to be utilised efficiently to reduce the demand on mains power .
Peak shaving applications can also ensure that higher tariffs , designed to encourage operators to remain within agreed power-consumption levels , are avoided by switching temporarily from mains to battery supply as limits are approached . Such capabilities , therefore , offer the user a means of both integrating with renewables and the grid , while delivering sustainable power protection .
Sustainable , circular considerations
A final aspect to consider is the circularity attributes of an uninterruptible power supply . Schneider Electric is committed to providing data centre operators with the technology to combine efficiency and sustainable operations with needs for maximum resilience . To achieve this , products labelled as Green Premium can ensure vendors are crystal clear about the sustainability impact of their hardware systems , further helping end-users to truly gain a greater understanding of their embodied carbon footprint .
Such aspects include transparent environmental information about products , minimal use of hazardous substances and compliance with regulations such a Restriction of Hazardous Substances ( RoHS ) and the European Union ( EU ) Registration , Evaluation , Authorisation , and Restriction of Chemicals ( REACH ).
Further , environmental disclosures such as a Product Environmental Profile ( PEP ) or circularity profiles provide end-users with guidance on responsible product end of life treatments along with circular value propositions . Such measures enable owners and operators to take a step further in their sustainability considerations and build upon their energy efficiency considerations .
Today , balancing the need for sustainable power protection alongside demands for resiliency are paramount . Yet , by carefully considering the type of UPS technologies deployed , the design of the system and by broadening the sustainability conversation to include renewables and the Circular Economy , data centre operators now have the means to ensure operational continuity , while minimising impact on the environment . ◊
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