Читать книгу Maintaining Mission Critical Systems in a 24/7 Environment - Peter M. Curtis - Страница 62

Solar power is the most common renewable resource that can be used for the on‐site generation of electrical power for a data center. Since photovoltaic (PV) arrays produce DC electricity, it is easily integrated with a DC distribution system. Only a voltage regulator is required, or a charge controller if the PV array is used to charge battery storage.

Wind power is another option. Inverter‐based wind turbines already produce AC power. The power conversion that would normally be needed to convert the DC to AC is not required, eliminating the inverter and any need for synchronization.

Although technically not a renewable energy source, fuel cells are being used to convert natural gas to electrical power locally at data centers and other sites. The output power is synchronized with the utility service and feeds the data center loads through the same distribution. Multiple units can be paralleled to feed a building. Some advantages are that fuel cells are very efficient and will continue providing base power at night when solar panels cannot, or winds die down, and wind power is not fruitful. Another advantage is that excess heat is produced in the conversion cycle that can be used for heating or hot water in the building or used to feed an absorption chiller. Several cons include a natural gas service of sufficient size is required at the site or a tank farm with liquid propane, or other hydrogen‐rich fuel is needed, they are relatively heavy and need to be located outdoors or in a remote structure.