The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is what keeps IT equipment running in the seconds between a grid disturbance and generators taking the load. It also filters out voltage sags, surges and harmonics on normal days. In a data centre, the UPS system is sized, duplicated and tested to the same redundancy standard as the rest of the electrical design.
The Role of UPS in Data Centres
A UPS does three jobs:
- Bridging. It supplies power from batteries (or another store) until generators start, synchronise and accept load.
- Conditioning. It isolates IT equipment from grid voltage and frequency disturbances.
- Continuity during switching. It keeps the load supplied during transfers between utility and generator.
UPS packages include the UPS modules, battery systems, battery monitoring, bypass arrangements, input and output switchgear, and integration with power monitoring.
Key Infrastructure Requirements
Architecture
- Centralised double-conversion UPS: the traditional data centre design
- Modular UPS: capacity added in modules as halls fill, improving efficiency at part load
- Distributed or block-redundant designs: common on hyperscale campuses to reduce stranded capacity
Redundancy
N+1, 2N and distributed redundant (such as "4 to make 3") architectures. The choice depends on the operator's standard and the tenant's requirements.
Batteries
- Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA): long-established, but heavier and with shorter service life
- Lithium-ion: smaller footprint and longer life, now widely used. Requires attention to fire engineering and suppression
- Runtime is typically minutes, sized to generator start and transfer with margin
Integration with BESS
Some designs use battery energy storage for both UPS bridging and grid services, or use large batteries to reduce generator runtime. See BESS.
Efficiency
UPS losses count towards PUE. Operators assess efficiency at the load levels they will actually run, which is often well below nameplate in early years.
Maintenance and Testing
- Scheduled preventive maintenance of UPS modules and capacitors
- Battery monitoring (string and cell level), discharge testing and scheduled replacement
- Infrared inspection of connections
- Bypass and transfer testing
- Participation in integrated systems testing during commissioning and after major changes
Australian UPS Suppliers
Directory listings for this category are being verified before they are published. Supply to data centre projects? Add your company to be considered.
| Type | Typical scope |
|---|---|
| UPS manufacturers and distributors | Modules, factory testing, warranty |
| Battery suppliers | VRLA and lithium-ion systems, monitoring |
| Critical power service providers | Maintenance, battery replacement, emergency response |
| Electrical contractors | Installation and integration |
Selecting a Supplier
- Local service capability: response times, local spares, trained technicians in the city where the facility is
- Battery fire safety: documentation for lithium-ion systems and coordination with fire engineers
- Efficiency data at realistic loads
- Scalability: modular growth without disrupting live load
- Lead times: delivery windows for large orders across multi-phase campuses
Current Project Demand
Every hyperscale project in the pipeline needs UPS capacity roughly matched to its critical IT load, delivered hall by hall as campuses are fitted out. Demand is highest where fit-outs are active: CDC Marsden Park, CDC Laverton and Brooklyn, CDC Perth, Goodman SYD01 and Macquarie IC3 Super West. The approved and planned campuses (M4, S7, MEL2, the Mamre Road campus) come next.
Relevant Data Centre Projects
Australian data centre projects · Data centre power · Electrical contractors
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