Finding efficient methods of deploying redundancy is paramount especially in multi-tenant and colocation data centers. Here we cover the importance of a design that allows for uptime and the ability to cost-effectively "grow as you go".

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Saving money with smart data center design

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Finding efficient methods of deploying
redundancy is paramount—especially in
multi-tenant and colocation data centers.
For sound infrastructure development,
consider a design that allows uptime and
the ability to cost-effectively “grow as you
go”.

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One way to save money with your data
center design is through the use of a UPS
catcher system.
It provides great levels of redundancy
without the costs that come with a 2N
system.

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What is a smart catcher system?
• Includes an unloaded UPS in reserve that feeds the
bypass of a primary UPS or series of UPSs
• Traditionally has a fixed ratio of primary UPSs to
catcher UPS not usually exceeding 3:1 due to fixed
controls not allowing for intelligent operation

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Traditional design: Isolated redundant
• A single redundant system (the
catcher UPS) backs multiple
primary systems (UPSs 1-3)
• Operates off a single bypass feed
• Affordable, but with the potential for
stranded redundancy
• Requires SCADA/PLC control or
expensive down-stream static
switches for proper system
operation
Catcher
UPS
Utility
UPS 1 UPS 2 UPS 3
The traditional catcher
system operates with a
3:1 ratio. If the utility feed
fails, it kicks into bypass
mode, transitioning UPSs
1-3 to the catcher UPS.

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An improvement to the traditional system
• A built-in control system (the catcher’s brain)
can allow catchers to achieve ratios in excess of
10:1 and use unlike-sized primary UPSs
• Using this “brain,” the catcher evaluates power
consumption of the primary units and calculates
which loads can be supported
• This adds logic and redundancy decision
making to the bypass switchover

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Logic and redundancy decision making
Example
• Catcher UPS is a 500 kVA unit
• UPSs 1 and 2 are loaded with
200 kVA each
• UPSs 3 and 4 are loaded with
400 kVA each
• UPS 1 fails and its 200 kVA
load is now supported by the
catcher UPS
BIB – Bypass input breaker
CIB – Catcher input breaker
UPS 1 UPS 2 UPS 3 UPS 4
Catcher
UPS
500 kVA
400 kVA400 kVA200 kVA200 kVA
Utility
X
BIB CIB BIB CIB BIB CIB BIB CIB

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Logic and redundancy decision making
• UPSs 3 and 4 transfer their sources
from CIB to BIB, phase locking with
their utility sources
• CIB to BIB state change happens
automatically because the loads
from either UPS 3 or 4, in addition to
the 200 kVA already supported, will
overload the catcher UPS
• UPS 2 maintains its support from the
catcher UPS—this reserve unit has
available capacity to support the load
from UPS 2 in addition to the load it
is already supporting
BIB – Bypass input breaker
CIB – Catcher input breaker
UPS 1 UPS 2 UPS 3 UPS 4
400 kVA400 kVA200 kVA200 kVA
Utility
X
CIB BIB CIB BIB CIB
Catcher
UPS
500 kVA
BIB CIB BIB

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Benefits of smart catcher
• Can use a graphical user interface to depict
system status and operation, allowing for manual
control during maintenance or repair
• Supports data center expansion over time by
deferring capital and limiting maintenance costs to
just what’s needed
• Provides maximum operational flexibility since
none of the UPSs need to be the same capacity
or fed from the same source
• Eliminates the need for downstream dual source
static transfer switches, saving money on
equipment cost, real estate and maintenance

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Eaton’s catcher systems are highly reliable thanks to:
• The Power Xpert 9395 UPS’s built-in redundancy
• A redundant controller for determining primary
UPS operations
• If the controller goes out, UPSs close their
bypass input breakers and open their catcher
input breakers
• This makes them independent of system
control and the other UPSs

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A smart catcher with logic decision making can
go a long way in providing a flexible, reliable
and expandable system that can deliver the
highest availability in the market.
For other smart data center designs that can
help save money, check out our prefabricated
power solutions.