Data Centre Management (DCM): UPS Systems Plc Project With University Of Bristol

Reseller UPS Systems plc turns to Multi Sentry for major critical infrastructure upgrade at a leading University’s high performance computing facilities.

The University of Bristol’s HPC centre is recognised as one of the UK’s foremost academic hubs. However, the 1MVA facility was built in 2009, so legacy equipment was getting to the stage where an upgrade was desirable.

Not only would this increase performance, the efficiency gains would help the University fulfil its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Authorised Riello UPS reseller and service partner UPS Systems plc earned the contract to perform the revamp.

The autumn edition of Data Centre Management (DCM) magazine explains how moving to Multi Sentry (MST) led to significant energy and space savings.

EFFICIENCY GAINS: The Multi Sentry (MST) range offers up to 96.5% operating efficiency

Multi Sentry Benefits

The MST is designed to power high-density capacitive loads like blade servers. Combined with its outstanding operational efficiency of 96.5%, the UPS was the ideal solution for the HPC centre.

In addition, the Multi Sentry has one of the smallest footprints in its category. Space savings totalling 30m2 enabled the University to install an extra 12 server racks.

All in all, UPS efficiency rose from 66% to 92%, leading to a net reduction in energy waste of more than 76kW.

Using the HPC centre’s existing IT load of 200kW as a base, annual energy savings from the UPS system alone total £80,000. Add in the reduced air conditioning and the savings reach more than £97,000 per year.

By the time the system hits full capacity of 400kW, it is thought energy savings will top £240,000 a year and cut carbon emissions by 550 tonnes.

Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) for the HPC centre’s critical infrastructure dropped to 1.04 from 1.52, will below the University’s target of 1.10.

The Autumn edition of DCM also features its annual Buyers’ Guide. Riello UPS is the principal partner for the UPS section, which you can read from page 97.