Solution Description

Data centers are the core infrastructure for massive data storage, computing, and transmission. Their load types are mainly divided into IT loads and air-conditioning/power loads. IT loads account for about 70% of the total load, mainly including a large number of servers, storage devices, network equipment, and the UPS uninterruptible power supply systems that power them. Power loads account for about 30%, mainly including precision air conditioning, fresh air systems, cooling towers, circulating water pumps, and other temperature control equipment. Among these devices, UPSs and server switching power supplies are typical nonlinear loads, which inject a large amount of harmonic current into the power grid during operation. Among them, three-phase 6-pulse bridge-type SCR rectifier UPSs mainly generate 5th and 7th harmonics, and the harmonics from high-power UPS rectifiers account for 25%–33% of total harmonics. The harmonic currents from server switching power supplies are mainly 5th and 7th harmonics. Devices like variable frequency air conditioners and variable frequency fans produce harmonic amplitudes and spectral components that fluctuate with the load, causing serious harm. At the same time, the widespread use of high-frequency UPSs makes IT loads exhibit leading reactive power (capacitive) characteristics, with a total harmonic current distortion (THDi) of about 10%. Power loads, with their extensive use of inverters, show lagging reactive power (inductive), with THDi that can reach around 35%. The combination of harmonic pollution and reactive power fluctuations (capacitive/inductive) can cause local parallel or series resonance in the power system, leading to equipment like capacitors burning out, as well as misoperation of protection devices and confusion in energy metering. Data centers have extremely strict requirements for power stability, and power quality issues can lead to shutdowns, data corruption, hardware failure, and substantial losses.

Recommended Solution

In the low-voltage distribution system of the data center, install IVL-RCS static filter compensation components. These components consist of filter capacitors and filter reactors and are specifically designed for reactive power compensation and filtering in harmonic-polluted distribution systems. RCS series filter compensation components with a 7% reactance have a tuning frequency of 189Hz, providing reliable reactive power compensation while effectively suppressing 5th-order and higher harmonic pollution. Components with a 14% reactance have a tuning frequency of 134Hz, effectively suppressing 3rd-order and higher harmonics. For data centers with complex harmonic spectra, mainly 5th, 7th, 11th, and 13th harmonics, the 7% reactance components offer targeted mitigation. Given the extremely high power quality requirements in data centers, further installation of IVL-APF active filters can work in conjunction with IVL-RCS static filter compensation components to achieve dual benefits of reactive power compensation and harmonic filtering. Combined with our full range of electrical equipment, including high-voltage switchgear, low-voltage switchgear, prefabricated substations, cable branch boxes, switching stations, ring main units, gas-insulated cabinets, eco-friendly cabinets, and prefabricated modules, we can provide a full-chain power quality solution from high-voltage incoming lines to low-voltage distribution, ensuring safe, stable, and efficient operation of the distribution system.

Benefits of the Solution

Effectively mitigates harmonic pollution in the data center distribution system, reducing current distortion to within national standard limits. Compensates reactive power, improves power factor, and avoids power factor penalty fees. Reduces line and transformer losses, minimizes energy wastage, and improves energy efficiency. Protects key equipment such as servers, storage devices, UPSs, and precision air conditioners from harmonic damage, lowering the failure rate, extending equipment life, and reducing downtime risk and maintenance costs. Suppresses harmonic amplification and eliminates resonance risks in the system, ensuring reliable and continuous power supply to the data center, preventing data loss or business interruption due to power quality issues. The solution combines energy saving with operational reliability, providing high-quality power assurance for the data center.