Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) indispensable for data centres / “Live Swap” certification by TÜV Rheinland confirms simple and safe maintenance of energy storage modules during operation

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is elementary for data centres: it is the only way to ensure the centre’s power supply in the event of a power failure. Among other things, data centre operators rely on modular energy storage systems for a reliable UPS. As part of its newly developed “Live Swap” certification, TÜV Rheinland is now testing whether such modular energy storage systems can be easily and safely maintained – while the data centre is in operation.

Comprehensive fault analyses based on internationally valid standards
The test catalogue for the “Live Swap” certification, developed on the basis of globally valid standards, defines minimum safety requirements that an energy storage system for use in data centres must fulfil. Among other things, this involves how certain factors can reduce the risk of voltage flashovers or so-called “arcing” and the resulting danger for maintenance workers. For the live swap certification, the experts from TÜV Rheinland carry out fault analyses and integrity tests on the product design, the structure and the hardware and software. Background: Potential hardware faults in the energy storage devices or the system must not pose a danger to operators. In addition, the safe and reliable operation of the modular UPS products must be guaranteed.

With its new “Live Swap” certification, TÜV Rheinland goes beyond the basic IEC 62040-1 safety standard that applies to UPS systems. The first products successfully tested along the new certification standard are the “Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular Series” from the French electrical engineering group Schneider Electric.