< PreviousTRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 20Despite the evidence of numerous data centres piloting fuel cells, as well as predictions for strong growth of the technology in data centre applications, actual use remains low. The industry needs a greater understanding of fuel cells to drive wider adoption of a technology which could accelerate the effectiveness of the sector’s GHG Abatement efforts. The potential of fuel cells is one answer to cutting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with powering data centres. This was a recurring conversation topic across the industry in 2022. It looks like a debate which is also set to continue in 2023. However, the year 2022 may yet turn out to have been pivotal for hydrogen fuel cells for backup power and even primary data centre power uses. Across the world, there was positive news about hydrogen fuel cells as a cleaner alternative, such as that provided by Microsoft. As part of its data centre advanced development strategy, the technology giant ran a proof of concept in Latham, New York, where dual 40ft containers housing proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology ran at 3MW capacity to provide emission free power for around 10,000 data centre servers. The story is fully documented in Microsoft’s case study. In September, it was reported that Equinix and the National University of Singapore are to test hydrogen fuel cells as a power source for data centres in the city-state. According to an article published by DatacenterDynamics, the plan is to run a comparison between hydrogen fuel cells and "fuel flexible" linear generators, which can run on hydrogen, or else shift to other renewable fuels such as biogas when necessary. In February 2022, The Register reported that Dutch data centre business NorthC was to replace its backup power generators at the company's facility in Groningen to run on green hydrogen, claiming it was a European first for data centre design. The 500KW fuel Ed Ansett, Founder and Chairman, i3 Solutions Group Fuel cell use in data centres – How much do you know? The potential of fuel cells is one answer to cutting the greenhouse gas emissions associated with powering data centres. This was a recurring conversation topic across the industry in 2022. It looks like a debate which is also set to continue in 2023. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 21cell module will run on hydrogen created by renewable power. Recent analysis by Emergen Research, a market research and strategic consulting company, says “the fuel cell market size reached $4.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to register a CAGR of 22.8%.” The company cites growing demand for fuel cells for backup power in data centres as one of the key factors driving growth. In addition to their high efficiency, low carbon footprint and ability to provide reliable power, hydrogen fuel cells also appeal because they can help data centres save money by reducing the amount of energy wasted during the power generation process, say Emergen. More details of their Fuel Cells Market Report can be found on the Emergen website. Gaining an objective view of fuel cell applicability in data centre applications The above examples provide a flavour of the news coverage and broader discussion around fuel cells. For those in the data centre industry who wish to explore the potential of fuel cell use, i3 Solutions Group has produced a white paper entitled: ‘Assessment of Fuel Cells Application in Data Centres for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Benefits.’ This publication provides a high-level perspective on the application benefits of and challenges to fuel cell use for data centre backup and primary power. It provides a simple description of fuel cells by operation and type, as well as detailing the different fuel cell types suitable for use in data centres. Details of primary and backup power configurations are also provided. ‘Assessment of Fuel Cells Application in Data Centres for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Benefits’ explains the sustainability benefits of fuel cell technology in terms of emissions abatement, reduced transmission losses and TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 22potential for heat reuse. It also includes a comparison of the Sustainability Performance Indicators of some Fuel Cells versus traditional Gas Turbines and Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT), with Natural Gas as the common fuel. From potential to production While the white paper indicates there are many clear sustainability advantages to be gained by using fuel cells for data centres, actual adoption today remains low. This may, in part, be due to perceptions held by the industry about fuel cells, from concerns about reliability and availability, to those regarding fuel supply and the cost of ownership. However, fuel cells are projected to achieve cost parity with diesel generators in data centres, partly driven by the higher adoption of fuel cells for transportation applications. More widespread use in other sectors will help inform and educate regarding fuel cell technology, driving improvements to the technology, and providing the economies of scale associated with higher volumes such as reductions in the cost of key components and manufacturing. To further reduce carbon emissions and GHG abatements, pure hydrogen fuel cells have been developed. And, as per the examples detailed above, hydrogen fuel cells are being piloted and tested as replacements for diesel generator backup power in data centres. However, if fuel cells are truly to move from potential to production in the data centre industry, overcoming the challenges identified in ‘Assessment of Fuel Cells Application in Data Centres for Greenhouse Gas Abatement Benefits’ could be key to the more widespread use of fuel cells for further GHG abatements throughout the sector. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 23For uninterrupted operations – optimise your UPS TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 24In today's digital age, the reliance on technology has never been greater, making the need for a reliable and efficient uninterruptible power supply (UPS) even more critical. A UPS serves as protection against power outages, brownouts and other power disturbances that can cause damage to electronic equipment and disrupt operations. Moreover, a UPS protects devices against voltage fluctuations and power surges that can damage electrical equipment, shorten its life, and result in costly repairs or replacements. By acting as a power buffer, it absorbs energy, regulates power supply, and safeguards equipment from harm. Without a UPS in place, businesses risk not only downtime and financial losses but also reputational damage, loss of productivity, and potential safety risks in critical settings such as hospitals and airports. By investing in the right UPS and taking a proactive approach to its management, businesses can protect their critical infrastructure, ensure business continuity, and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly technology-dependent world. Giovanni Zanei, senior director AC Power Global Offering, Vertiv Flora Cavinato, director, Global Service Product Portfolio, Vertiv TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 25Selecting and configuring your UPS A crucial first step is to choose the right system based on your business's power requirements. Since each business has unique needs based on its size, autonomy time needs, and equipment types, it's important to select a UPS that can meet specific requirements such as the amount of power needed, the type of equipment to be connected, and the expected duration of power outages. There are several types of UPS systems available on the market. Standby UPS systems are the most basic type and provide battery backup power during outages. Line-interactive UPS systems are more advanced and offer better voltage regulation, making them ideal for protecting sensitive electronics. Double-conversion UPS systems are the most advanced type and provide the highest level of protection by converting incoming AC power to DC power and then back to AC power before supplying it to connected equipment. All offline, line- interactive and double-conversion online systems also feature a built-in battery backup and provide consistent, clean power to critical equipment. Scalable, modular UPS systems are another option that can grow with a business's changing needs. These systems offer flexible configurations, making them ideal for large data centres and mission-critical applications. However, selecting the right UPS is only the first step. In fact, a broad variety of project services supporting the deployment at site - the proper installation and control settings, the start-up of the equipment and the testing of the application - are a prerequisite to maximise UPS performance. The UPS selection is as important as its start-up and testing as these lay the foundations for optimal performance and operation throughout the life of the UPS. A hotbed of technology innovation There are various technological advancements that can enhance the efficiency and durability of a UPS system. These include advanced battery management systems, which can extend the life of the batteries used in a UPS, and advanced power management control, which can optimise the performance and minimise energy losses of the UPS. Innovations such as high-frequency Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and digital signal processing systems (DSPS) are being developed to improve the speed and control of UPS systems. Not only do these technologies increase the quantity of power, but they also allow for faster switching between modes of operation. All of these technologies are currently being developed with the aim of including them in new-generation UPS’s together with direct digital controls and power metrics. They will provide significant benefits to maintaining optimal UPS operation and performance. What’s more, as energy costs can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, a UPS with battery backup allows businesses to store energy when it is cheaper and use it when energy costs are higher. This can result in significant savings on energy bills and help mitigate the financial pressure caused by rising energy costs, which is especially useful while energy prices are high. Ensuring adequate maintenance and servicing To keep a UPS operating at peak performance, it is vital to conduct regular maintenance. As a UPS comprises various components, some of them may age and need replacement over time. By conducting routine maintenance, companies can replace these components before they fail, reducing the risk of expensive downtime. Moreover, frequent upkeep can detect any potential issues early, enabling businesses to address them before they develop into severe problems. Remote monitoring and diagnostics are also becoming increasingly relevant in UPS maintenance; allowing businesses to keep their UPS monitored in real- time and having equipment data continuously analysed enables early detection of anomalies. Additionally, being connected can provide valuable data on how the UPS is being used, which can be leveraged to optimise its performance. UPS vendors offer service contracts to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency and total cost of ownership with direct field engineers and increasingly, services. “AI and ML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) are proving to be increasingly reliable and are even surpassing expectations in real-world deployments across industries.” TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 26A holistic approach So, ensuring your business's critical equipment is up to the task is paramount, and a reliable UPS is essential in achieving that goal. To optimise performance, it's crucial to not only have a UPS in place but also to leverage the latest technological innovations that promote maximum efficiency, support for the grid, lower energy costs, and increased load protection. One way to ensure that a UPS is functioning at its best is to monitor it regularly. By monitoring the UPS, businesses can keep track of factors such as power usage, battery health, and overall system performance. This can help identify potential issues and prevent downtime, allowing businesses to take proactive steps to maintain system availability. Additionally, monitoring can help optimise the UPS's performance, allowing businesses to fine-tune the system for maximum efficiency and cost savings. With remote monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, businesses can have their UPS systems monitored from anywhere in the world, and respond quickly to any issues that may arise. But monitoring is just part of the picture. Managing a UPS is a holistic process that requires attention to detail, from initial purchase and installation to regular maintenance, repair and eventual decommissioning. Ultimately, taking a comprehensive approach to managing a UPS can help businesses to not only improve equipment uptime and reliability, but also lower operating costs, increase energy efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact of the UPS. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 27TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 28Several competing forces surround enterprises, carriers and service providers. Massive growth in multimedia content, the explosion of cloud computing, the impact of increasing mobile usage in the Internet of Things era, and ongoing business pressures to reduce costs while revenues remain flat, are all wreaking havoc on traditional business models. Many of these players are turning to Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology to revolutionise network design and operations to remain competitive. SDN is a network architecture approach that allows networks to be intelligently and centrally controlled, utilising software applications. This enables operators to manage the entire network consistently and holistically, regardless of the underlying network technology. SDN principles can be traced back to the separation of control and data planes, which was first used in the public switched telephone network to simplify provisioning and management, years before this architecture was used in data networks. Previously, the enterprise or service provider's response to increasing demand for data capacity and bandwidth was to throw money at the problem in the form of additional hardware capacity – an expensive approach, especially given the exponential growth in demand. A better solution is required in today's business environment. SDN separates the physical network hardware from the processes that control how the network functions and how data flows across it. SDN enables organisations to manage their networks by allowing them to create policies that apply across the network, instructing each device on how to handle traffic, and controlling access to enterprise resources. SDN solutions eliminate the necessity to physically touch routers, switches and gateways to change how they function. The Boom Together, good network design and SDN can give network engineers practically unlimited creative freedom in developing new networking functions or innovations. In 2022, the global SDN market was valued at $26 billion. By 2027, it is forecast to amount to $51 billion. This rapid growth can be attributed to four factors - greater reliability via automation, more efficient network management, cost-savings, and faster scalability. SDN is an excellent solution for large, complex networks that require a high level of uptime. It enables engineers to reroute networks on the go. During an outage, for example, a software-defined network can be configured to automatically reroute around it and maintain connections. SDN allows for real-time monitoring of network performance. This visibility enables organisations to optimise their network's performance and efficiency. Furthermore, because SDN allows businesses to automatically reroute or stand-up new functions and routes in real-time, they can increase uptime without adding new hardware and increasing costs. Finally, SDN allows for automated scaling up and scaling down. This capability, combined with the increased visibility it provides, gives engineers the operational ability to normalise traffic across a large area quickly and seamlessly. Alan Hayward, Sales and Marketing Manager Sales at SEH Technology The rise of software- defined networking and automated networks TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 29Next >