Driving costs down, availability up: Coordinated connectivity from the network infrastructure through to the printed circuit board

Convenient and secure scalability

The advantages of Plug & Play over hardwiring are already apparent when connecting data centres to the networks. For example, installation times are trimmed if parts of the transition from the 110 kV high-voltage grid to the low-voltage area inside the data centre (400 V/230 V) are implemented by way of plug connectors. The Han^® HPR HPTC series connectors are ideal for the transformer output: They enable transmission up to 3.6 kV/1400A (AC/DC, partial discharge-free housing) and ensure effective protection in scenarios in outdoor areas (up to IP69K). Indoors, the Automatic Transformer Switch (ATS) ensures the power supply to the downstream devices. Here, the connection of the transformers on the lower level is best implemented by way of Han^® HPR Single Poles.

Making space for IT equipment

The Open Compute Project (OCP), a working group to which HARTING has already belonged for six years, focuses on making data centres more efficient, more flexible and more rapidly scalable. In this context, the following factors are to be curbed:

• the investment and operating costs

• energy consumption

• the environmental impact

Implementing the OVR3 standard, the OCPhas paved the way for space savings in the energy distribution of data centres. The advantages of the standard can be aptly illustrated using the power shelves, the foundation for the power supply of the computing units. OCP member Delta Energy Systems has named its latest device after the "ORV3" standard: "The shelf has a 50V output that feeds power directly to the busbar for the server supply. Each housing contains six power supply units (PSU), each with an output of 3 kW. The successor that we are currently working on features six PSUs, each delivering an output of 5.5 kW. The output power increases by a good 80 %, while installation space contracts by an appreciable quarter and dimensions and efficiencies remain enchanged," as Cihan Aydin, Senior Design Engineer Power Electronics, Delta Energy Systems reports.

HARTING supports these developments with the Han^® ORV3, which supplies the power shelves with power. Compared to conventional solutions, the flat plastic housing requires 50 % less installation space, is lightweight and enables convenient and rapid configuration for different current and voltage levels.

High system availability

The open ORV3 standard plays to its strengths in the server rack units. Standardisation enables simpler and faster service for the numerous components deployed in data centres. Other functions, such as cooling, for example, are regulated and secured in data centres by wa of control cabinets. Here, HARTING has developed the Han^® Protect, a new connector that simplifies protection and reduces the required installation space in the control cabinet by up to 30 %. Blown fuses are indicated on the outside - without opening the cabinet - by an LED and replaced tool-free. Maintenance processes are streamlined and system availability trends upwards.

Energy efficiency on the up and up

According to the ORV3 specification, the upper power limit is 32 A. Higher power requirements are handled by the Han-Eco^® series. Their voltage ranges extend up to 1000 V, with an upper limit of 70, 100 or more amperes, depending on requirements. Thanks to its modularity, the series enables a wide range of adaptations. The contacts are characterised by low impedance. HARTING has compared the Han-Eco^® with conventional CEE plugs and sockets and determined that up to 50 % of the transmission losses at interfaces can be eliminated. For large data centres, this equals appreciable annual electricity cost savings of up to €95,000.