Schneider Electric backs up edge with new UPS systems
Schneider Electric has debuted a 230-volt version of its short-depth APC Smart-UPS with interactive uninterruptible power supply lithium-ion batteries for use in Europe. Schneider Electric says the UPS devices make lithium-ion (or Li-ion) backups an economical option for edge applications in or out of conventional data center facilities.
Better battery life with the new APC Smart-UPS systems will cut the total cost of ownership, according to the company. Compared to UPS using the more common valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, Li-ion technology promises edge computing users and service outfits savings up to 50 %.
The APC Smart-UPS line is designed to give information-technology equipment and network devices maximum uptime. And it combines green mode for up to 97 % power efficiency.
Short depth refers to a new smaller design for APC Smart-UPS systems. Its footprint is smaller and its infrastructure is lighter than that of lead-acid systems, according to Schneider Electric, and requires less maintenance.
Schneider says the systems can be integrated with hyper-converged infrastructure. Not coincidentally, the company says its updated UPS device would fit within its six-unit EcoStruxure wall-mounted micro data center. Schneider Electric recently announced it is working with Cisco Systems to create a combined hyper-converged product due this year.
The APC Smart-UPS’ line-interactive range includes 500-, 750-, 1000- and 1500-VA models with high power output. They can be configured for 1-unit racks, towers and, in the case of the 500VA model wall mounts. There also are two- and three-unit rack versions. Each model is cloud-enabled out of the box for optional remote monitoring, according to the company.
All of these features plays into the edge-computing trend. Data systems are being deployed remotely — outside centralized cloud facilities and, often, separate from corporate data centers. As a rule, these facilities are smaller and not part of larger, purpose-built information-technology facilities.
Edge service firms are building and deploying pods and small huts for systems, rushing them to locations as the needs of individual companies or even the needs of small regions grow.
Article Topics
edge computing | edge data center | energy storage | Li-ion | Schneider Electric | UPS
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