There are two types of data center infrastructure: AC-powered and DC-powered. Below, we'll review MEAN WELL products, included in the extensive product catalog of Electrónica OLFER, that are suitable for these different data centers.
AC-Powered Data Center Infrastructure
: Typically, the system is powered by a 400-480V AC three-phase network and includes a backup diesel generator, an AC online UPS (uninterruptible power supply), and a liquid cooling system to dissipate the heat generated by the computer racks.
The AC online UPS is installed in series with the three-phase power supply and provides a few minutes of power to allow the backup diesel generator to start.
The liquid cooling system consists of a hot/cold liquid circulation circuit and a Rear Door Heat Exchanger (RDHx), attached to the server rack to dissipate heat.
Figure 1: AC-Powered Data Center Infrastructure
The AC online UPS system is scalable up to 250kW. This is achieved using a three-phase power cabinet that integrates a high-power inverter, a battery charger, and battery modules.
To cool the internal power electronics, the MEAN WELL XTR-480-24 power supply, distributed in Spain and Portugal by Electrónica OLFER, is typically used to power several 24V/50W DC fans, as the supply accepts three-phase input and can handle the momentary voltage spike generated by the inverter during startup.
Cooling systems are essential in data centers due to the high heat generated by servers. Liquid cooling is frequently used in these types of installations. The 12.8kW, 19” DHP-1UT-B rack system is used to power the BLDC motors responsible for circulating hot and cold water, as well as the 500W DC fans of the RDHx.
DC-Powered Data Center Infrastructure:
The heat generated by server racks remains a critical factor, but in this case, power is supplied at 800V DC, derived from a solid-state transformer instead of 400-480V AC. HVDC power reduces current, which lowers cabling costs and power losses.
Furthermore, with HVDC, an 800V DC BESS (Best Energy Storage System) replaces the online AC UPS, improving overall efficiency by several percentage points. Therefore, the 800V DC HVDC system allows for cost reduction and minimized energy losses.
Figure 2: DC-powered Data Center Infrastructure
The BESS in a data center delivers 800VDC to maintain operation for a few minutes until the backup diesel generator starts.
The BESS power management system, as well as its displays and controllers, typically operate at a lower DC voltage, so MEAN WELL RSDH-150/300 or DDRH-120/240 series DC/DC converters (distributed by Electrónica OLFER) are frequently used.
These converters are ideal because they offer a wide input range of 250–1500VDC, compatible with the system's HVDC line.
In a data center, fuel cell modules can replace both the diesel generator and the BESS system, as their power output can be sustained for hours or even days thanks to the hydrogen supply, typically produced off-site. Furthermore, fuel cells require no startup time and are more cost-effective than large-scale BESS systems.
For this type of architecture, MEAN WELL's power solution combines eight SHP-30K-55 switched-mode power supplies in parallel, delivering 130kW to power the electrolysis stacks. This power output enables rapid off-site hydrogen generation, ensuring a continuous and stable supply for the data center's fuel cells.
In summary, MEAN WELL offers AC/DC and DC/DC power supplies for the entire data center ecosystem.
For thermal management, the new generation of XTR three-phase power supplies and the high-efficiency DHP-1UT-B rack are ideal for BLDC motors and pumps, as well as DC fans.
In an HVDC data center, the RSDH-150/300 and DDRH-120/240 series, with a wide input range of 250–1500VDC, allow the 800VDC of the main bus to be reduced to low voltages to power the peripherals of the battery system (BESS).
Finally, MEAN WELL's system power solution provides ultra-high power for hydrogen generation via electrolysis, ensuring the energy supply of the fuel cells used as an alternative to the diesel generator and BESS in the data center.
Author: Brian Lu, MEAN WELL Technical Service Center.
Translation: OLFER Electronics Marketing Department
