Transcript
When Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better
Power :: Space-Saving, Versatile Load Center DC Power Distribution Alternatives Today’s network topologies push power farther from the central office, creating the need for advanced power distribution and management capabilities in new locations. High amperage power feeds are being delivered out from the central office or battery center, extending power to active equipment that is no longer isolated to the central office.
Essentially, this type of “load center panel” provides the capabilities and flexibility for both primary and secondary distribution. With this multifunctional design, the user can address the changing requirements of today’s networks with a single solution. In effect, the load center panel provides the capacity of a battery distribution frame in a footprint approximately the size of a circuit breaker panel, addressing amperage capacity requirements while also complying with space limitations.
Generally, in these types of applications, traditional solutions such as battery distribution frames are not always an ideal solution for distributing power loads, given their bulk and limited flexibility.
When selecting a load center distribution solution, consider several factors:
The Challenges of the Application
Address the Need for More Power
Today, network planners are faced with continued growth in data speed and capacity on networks, including an increased number of routers with higher power requirements. It’s not unrealistic for a router to require an 80-amp breaker for power protection.
The panel must meet basic requirements in terms of input amperage to be well suited for primary distribution. Typically, a panel with a 600A input rating will likely meet most requirements.
When router access is located outside the central office (closer to data endpoints), a full-sized battery distribution frame (typically at least 10 RU) is not always a realistic solution due to space constraints. However, space is also an issue with standard circuit breaker panels, since with a lower input capacity, the application will require more panels to protect a group of routers.
Minimize the Impact on Rack Space Space is a premium in all communications network applications, but nowhere more so than remote sites where primary distribution is becoming more common. Load center panels can be as small as four standard EIA rack units (7 inches) in height – essentially the size of a high-current circuit breaker panel used for secondary distribution.
The Solution: High-density Load Center Panels Combining the feature set of smaller power distribution panels with the amperage capacity of larger distribution frame units creates an ideal solution for many of these applications. Today, panels are available that feature the 600A input of many standard battery distribution frames, while also incorporating circuit breakers and low-current fuses for versatile distribution – all in a footprint as compact as four vertical rack units.
Get the Flexibility to Handle More Power Circuit breakers typically will be used to distribute high current from the load center panel. A panel that can be fitted with multi-pole breakers increases capabilities, with individual distribution positions upwards of 200 amps.
Figure 1: Sample load center distribution panel, using the smaller form factor of a circuit breaker panel.
© Telect, Inc., All Rights Reserved, 1.19.12/rev.4 1.509.926.6000 :: telect.com
Figure 2: Rear view of a load center power distribution and protection panel.
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When Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better
Power :: Space-Saving, Versatile Load Center DC Power Distribution Alternatives Choose a System-Independent Design
Look for Standards and Certifications
Frequently, load center distribution panels are engineered into rack-based systems as part of the system itself. By standardizing on a standalone unit for this purpose, users can streamline overall system deployment. Rather than spending resources developing individualized load center distribution panels on a case-by-case basis, standardized panels can be plugged into a variety of applications. The panel, however must be versatile enough to handle a range of applications.
In many applications, users cannot stray from equipment that meets key industry standards. NEBS and UL are just two worth noting.
The Bottom Line All of these factors can contribute to a lower overall cost of service. However, when dealing with network power, lowering the cost of equipment simply cannot compromise performance and reliability. So rather than seeking a “bare bones” approach, make sure to select products by reliable manufacturers, and systems that ensure ongoing network performance instead of simply engineering out costs.
Opt for a Versatile Solution Few applications are simple. That’s why a panel with multiple fuse or breaker types can be beneficial. A load center panel with circuit breakers and GMT fuses can deliver high-current power to active equipment while distributing power to low-current elements at the same time – again, in a single panel that occupies minimal rack space.
As with all power distribution applications, the primary objectives are safety and reliability. In a load center application, if solutions are available that can accomplish this while helping to maximize real estate, budget dollars and versatility, the end result is nothing but positive.
Simplicity and Usability are Key All the features in the world are useless if the panel is difficult to install, use and maintain on a day-to-day basis. Look for key features that simplify usage, such as breaker holders that prevent inadvertent trips, or field-configurable breakers that enable simple in-field installation.
Figure 3: Sample application for a load center power distribution panel. In this case, with the high-amperage load center panel closer to the routers, shorter and smaller end load cables are required for each router, helping to decrease the overall cost of deployment.
© Telect, Inc., All Rights Reserved, 1.19.12/rev.4 1.509.926.6000 :: telect.com
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