A power distribution unit (PDU) is a device data centres use to control the electrical power it utilises. Essentially, it takes a single power source and distributes it to multiple devices through various outlets. They’re essential to data centres as they can help organise cabling, as well as being able to monitor power usage of servers and other infrastructure.
If you’re new to the world of data centres, and wondering about the meaning of PDUs, we aim to answer that and more in our blog below. Read on to see what PDU means, the different types of PDUs, and their benefits.
If you’d like to find out more about M247’s data centres and managed colocation services, we’ll be happy to help – just make your enquiry here.
What is the meaning of PDU?
PDUs are devices data centres use to supply multiple pieces of electrical equipment within a rack mount. They contain multiple power outlets and can handle large amounts of power, making them perfect for data centre usage.
The most basic rack PDUs look like large power strips and have no monitoring or remote access capabilities. This means you aren’t able to see and control the power provided through each outlet, nor can you do it remotely. More advanced PDUs do provide these capabilities, however.
What are the key features of a PDU?
PDUs have several features that data centres can benefit from. Basic PDUs will only have some of the following features, not all – so it does depend on the type of PDU purchased:
Better cable management:
PDUs offer data centres the chance to better control their cable management because they can connect multiple pieces of equipment to a single PDU – in easy-to-use cables. Wires that are mismanaged and run all over the place can cause workplace hazards and result in inefficiencies – so a PDU can mitigate this.
For example, if you need to repair an outlet a wire is running from, it can be difficult to locate the outlet because of mismanaged wires that obstruct your access.
Consistent performance:
More advanced PDUs provide a consistent power performance for data centres. They can detect problems within the connected equipment and even have surge protection devices. This is so they can protect infrastructure from surges or spikes that have more power than they can handle.
This provides data centres with a consistent power performance as issues are identified and resolved before they cause serious problems – such as downtime for the businesses operating in the data centre.
Active monitoring capabilities:
As previously mentioned, advanced PDUs have monitoring features that allow users to oversee real-time power usage and control individual outlets. Some PDUs can even monitor factors related to the environment in a data centre, such as temperature and humidity.
This helps provide valuable information to managers within a data centre, as they can accurately assess what outlets need controlling to prevent overheating or excessive energy usage.
What are the different types of intelligent rack PDUs?
PDUs come in a variety of types, including the advanced models. Let’s explore what this means in more detail below:
Monitored PDUs
These types of PDUs display real-time electrical information. They measure voltage and frequency, as well as energy consumption levels (in kWh).
Overall, monitored PDUs offer quick access to valuable information, so data centre managers can fairly assess power usage effectiveness (PUE). They’re a popular choice with data centres looking to improve energy efficiency.
Monitored PDUs are also popular within the medical industry within a hospital environment. This way, medical professionals can understand their energy input within different areas of a hospital, such as operating theatres, hospital wards, and laboratories.
Switched PDUs
A switched PDU is an advanced type and gives better control over power to the user. This is because when using them, you can turn individual outlets on and off.
What’s more, these PDUs can also be controlled remotely and can operate via delayed power sequences. This means that the equipment doesn’t experience surges of power that it cannot handle – so can prevent faults from occurring.
Switched PDUs have applications across various industries. For example, in the financial industry they are used to enhance reliability and efficiency in the data centres they use.
Metred PDUs
There are two different types of metred PDUs: inlet and outlet. Inlet PDUs provide power data and monitoring capabilities, so are able to determine how much power is used and the available circuit capacity. This helps users avoid overpowering the circuits.
Meanwhile, outlet PDUs provide data for each individual outlet located on the PDU. This helps users understand the actual power consumption at the device or server level.
Metred PDUs are used in the manufacturing industry to identify issues and maximise power distribution.
What are the benefits of PDUs?
PDUs are popular with data centres because they offer so many benefits, such as:
Better data centre power management
PDUs offer the chance to improve overall data centre management. Some PDUs even offer remote control, so no matter where you are in the world, you can disconnect non-essential loads, restart, or even shut down dedicated servers. As they take up less space than other power generators, you can easily access the outlets without having to battle against mismanaged wires.
Increased energy efficiency
As PDUs offer real-time power monitoring, you can even benefit from increased energy efficiency. On average, electrical distribution system losses can account for 10-12% of the total energy consumed by a data centre. This monitoring allows you to identify locations where you have spare capacity, or even schedule outlets to turn on or off at certain times of day – so you can save unused energy.
Improved uptime and productivity
PDUs allow users to identify issues before they become severe. For example, some PDUs can alert users when certain thresholds have been reached. Or, it can even alert users when a device is down – so they can resolve the issue and prevent long-term downtime from happening.
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