Some of you have heard me talk about the data center generations: Gen 1 – Mainframe, Gen 2 – Client/Server, Gen 3 - Cloud. I feel we are on the cusp of the next generation of data centers driven by the next wave of technology, as the iPhone did with the Cloud generation.
It is driven by distributed computing, edge intelligence (and the need for improved resilience), and real world real time data processing (like we will need for self driving cars). Everything connected, always on, peer-to-peer.
Over my many meetings with data center professionals around the globe I hear a consistent drum beat: save me money, save me space, make it easier to operate, make it faster and simpler to deploy. You want to get maximum use out of your resources.You used to talk operational metrics, but now you want to take it to a whole new level. You understand the strategic relationship between power density, facility footprint, capex, opex, efficiency and performance. You want it all, and you want it with speed and quality.
Vertiv has been listening and responding to these needs. The latest example can be seen with the development and release of the new Liebert® EXL S1 UPS, available now in 1 MW and 1.2 MW capacities.
Our goal for this product was to lay the foundation for the next generation of core data centers. Most of you needed bigger building blocks. You wanted to minimize gray space and consequently optimize white space, a concept we might refer to as SUE (Space Utilization Efficiency). No UPS does this better than the new Liebert EXL S1UPS. It delivers the highest kW in the smallest footprint (when compared to like-featured brands), without sacrificing electrical protection. The end result is an impressive gain in power density while providing robust, safe, efficient and flexible operation.
Let’s look at an example. Consider the colo/hosting firm who needs another 3.6 megawatts of capacity. They like to deploy a reserve power design N+1 UPS architecture. Let’s assume an average value of their white space is $180 per square foot and each rack averages 10 sq/ft. During their new build-out they evaluate the new Liebert EXL S1 UPS and notice it can save up to 27 sq/ft per module, when compared with a competitor’s similar sized product. With four (4) modules in the above system, that equates to 105 sq/ft saved, or $19,500 per month of new usable revenue generating space gained ($234,000/ year). Upon evaluation, the customer responded, “That’s like getting a free UPS module every 6 months! What a no brainer.”
This new generation UPS creates additional opportunities to intelligently enable other technologies and architectures, such as breaker locations, wire feeds and input/output connections where and how you need them. Some customers may choose to feature up the UPS to meet specific needs. But the key is users are not forced to strand floor-space. And with exceptional operating efficiencies (north of 97% in double conversion mode) across the load ranges that really matter, users save money not only during ramp up, but day in and day out.
Of course, every expert knows, protection is the name of the game. Here the Liebert EXL S1 also responds. It is based on proven systems across America and Europe that have already achieved over 3 million hours of MTBF.
Customers also told us they wanted systems that were more simple and safe to install and operate. After reviewing the Liebert EXL S1 UPS, they quickly saw the benefit of locating communication connections at the top of the unit, away from energized components. And, each mentioned the well designed bus bar jumper section that offers easy single or dual input/output cabling.
Finally, the Liebert EXL S1 is compatible and UL approved with Lithium Ion batteries (LIB). This is important since many of the next gen facility planners are evaluating this new energy storage solution for their data center. They are beginning to understand the positive Total Cost of Ownership compared to the lead-acid option, and are excited by the added space optimization aspects of LIBs.
So, customers hearing the full story wish to remove their UPS barriers around power density, facility footprint, capex, opex, efficiency and performance. We invite everyone to take a closer look at this Gen 4 UPS. You can begin by watching the video or by downloading the design documents.
In conclusion, I’m reminded of the notion … “the best way to predict the future is to create it.”
We can look forward to making that happen together.
