Abstract
As server densities per rack increase, the power densities for those racks increase as well. This paper
identifies critical factors that infrastructure designers and system administrators must consider to plan
safe and efficient power distribution systems for high-density racks.
Introduction
Power distribution in the data center is changing with the continued increase in server density per
rack. The processing power housed in a row of racks a few years ago has been compressed into the
space of one rack or less. While the space needed for a given amount of processing has been
reduced, the power requirements have been consolidated—and they are growing.
Early methods of distributing power within a rack (intra-rack power) are simply inadequate for
meeting the increasing power requirements for racks of high-density equipment. Intra-rack power
distribution technology is evolving to provide the levels of power required by racks of high-density
servers.
Accurately determining the power distribution needs for a rack of high-density servers requires
considering the following factors:
• Voltage level provided by the facility
• Type of power connectors to be used
• Estimated power consumption
• Power redundancy
• System expansion
• Serviceability
Failure to account for these factors can result in unscheduled downtime from equipment damage or
overloads, increased costs, and safety issues. This paper explains the significance of these and other
factors in planning for high-density computing.
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