[ale] [OT]Random wonderings

[Tom Freeman]

I'm not an expert on data centers - by a looong shot. I got the impression 
that DC powered centers was coming along a year and a half ago from some 
random reading (long since lost). Obviously, I could have it all balled 
up.

OTOH, I wasn't thinking of a data center application, but 
desktop/deskside. Weight is a sometimes consideration, housekeeping is.

On Sun, 10 Apr 2011, Lightner, Jeff wrote:

> Back when I first started doing systems it was common for every rack to
> have a UPS in it and all the systems in the rack plugged into that.
>
> Over time however, most data centers have UPS that covers the entire
> room and a generator.   The idea is if you lose power from the grid then
> you run on generator.   Everything runs off the data center UPS to avoid
> surges etc... (especially when switching from grid to generator).  If
> for some reason the generator doesn't work the data center UPS will also
> allow you time to power down things in an ordered fashion.
>
> Weight is definitely a consideration, so is space - having just a UPS in
> every rack took up valuable rack space.   If every server had to
> accommodate room for a UPS built in they would take up even more space
> in the rack.
>
> It is news to me that all data centers are moving to DC power.   I'd
> think that would be the exception rather than the rule.   One would have
> to buy systems that allowed for DC input rather than AC.   Not a
> technological challenge since internally most systems convert to DC but
> I haven't seen a lot of systems that allow for DC input.   But then
> again I haven't really looked into it.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of Tom
> Freeman
> Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: ale at ale.org
> Subject: [ale] [OT]Random wonderings
>
>
> I needed to bring a machine back up and recommission it yesterday. A few
>
> random thoughts occured to me which I thought I'd toss out. Nothing
> really
> commercial, but a DIY might blaze a trail.
>
> Big thing was, why do we put up with a separate UPS  for a desktop style
>
> computer? Although not cheaper, moving the UPS components into the
> system
> case could eliminate a cord or two, help with the housekeeping by
> reducing
> the exposed "thing" count, and encourage better power for the equipment.
>
> Of course, I've never seen such a thing offered commercially, and I'm
> sure
> I'm overlooking something important. I do know that thermal management
> is
> a potiential headache. Simple overall weight is another. How big those
> two
> issues are I just don't know.
>
> Of course, there could also be advantages to such a scheme. Aren't some
> data centers switching to DC power, which is little more than battery
> power. Such a change might (maybe?) improve the power efficiency just a
> mite also although the improvement would be pretty minor.
>
> Another idea, probably born of ignorance, is why are consumer UPS's
> setup
> with just one battery? OK, the UPS can be built for a pretty hefty
> battery, but still. Why cann't the end user drop in another battery to
> extend run times? Are the circuits that much different? I am assuming
> maintaining the same peak current draw here.
>
> In fact, are we actually limited to just batteries in our UPS's? Both
> graphite flywheels and super capacitors appear to have longer lifetimes
> with similar levels of care as the modern lead acid battery. Plus less
> hazardous disposal procedures.
>
> Last psychotic thought. Is there a nonX-86 derived motherboard out there
>
> suitable for desktop/server use? One with the power levels of some of
> the
> embeded chips, but with memory expansion and access to the bus and
> periferal (sp?) boards? I cann't remember such since about 1996 and the
> Rebel line of servers.
>
> I'm probably missing something important at each point here. Education
> will be welcomed.
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