In an effort to simplify key elements of data center infrastructure, Raritan, a provider of data center infrastructure management (DCIM) and rack power distribution solutions, has unveiled newer versions and configurations of its three-phase intelligent rack power distribution units (iPDUs).
The new version of iPDUs, which also includes 22 new three-phase rack PDUs, will support data center equipment with multiple power supplies, such as blade and 1unit (U) servers, large network switches and routers, and storage devices.
Consequently, this set-up will meet the needs of diverse IT environments in a simple and smarter way, says Raritan (News - Alert).
Some of the PDUs available in Raritan's rack iPDU portfolio include single-phase, three-phase, high power (400V), outlet-metered, outlet-switched, and un-switched rack PDUs and inline power meters.
Apart from featuring Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking (optional), all the iPDUs from Raritan are built with intelligence that provides IT personnel with real-time, outlet-level monitoring of data center energy and loads, as well as monitoring of environmental conditions, when using optional plug-and-play sensors.
The intelligence built into Raritan's iPDUs is the company’s energy management software, Power IQ.
The Power IQ software facilitates for monitoring and management of the devices, thereby enabling data center professionals to know which devices are consuming the most energy, whether power conservation efforts are working, and if there are hot spots or over-cooled areas.
In addition, the Power IQ can analyze or calculate and chart active power, energy consumption, cost and carbon footprint for servers and other IT devices by collecting data from Raritan's PDUs, third-party rack PDUs, and in-line meters.
"It's a simple idea that makes it easier to plug devices in, while also balancing the load across phases on a single PDU," said David Wood (News - Alert), director of power management solutions at Raritan, in a statement. "We do the complex wiring inside the rack PDU to enable simpler wiring outside the rack PDU -- making for easier server power cable routing and a cleaner installation. Plus, our iPDUs provide an intelligent platform for reliable power delivery and smart monitoring of power, energy, temperature, humidity, airflow, and pressure -- all with an easy-to-use Web interface."
The V2 models of Raritan's three-phase PX iPDU also feature neatly laid-out circuits, wherein each of the three circuits are laid-out both on the top as well as on bottom half of the unit.
With neatly laid-out circuits, data center professionals will have more flexibility to plug in their high-density devices and streamline cabling in equipment racks.
In addition, the iPDUs are available in ten vibrant colors. This availability saves data center professionals time in identifying and locating power distribution pathways and to differentiate between multiple PDUs in a rack.
For illustration, balancing the electricity load across all three circuits using a traditional three-phase PDU requires some power cords from devices high in the rack to be plugged into outlets at the bottom of the PDU, and devices at the bottom of the rack to be plugged into outlets at the top of the PDU. This creates complicated wiring.
So, availability of different colors for the iPDU saves time in identifying pathways easily.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson