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8 mins read

Socomec’s Cutting-Edge UPS Systems and Innovations Propel Data Center Efficiency and Reliability

  1. IT Voice- Can you provide an overview of the range of UPS systems offered by Socomec along with key features? 

Deepak Singh Thakur- Socomec provides a comprehensive suite of products, solutions, and connected services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers and also to meet the dynamic demands of the market. In addition to our extensive lineup of Modular / Monolithic UPS, Single-phase / three-phase UPS, static transfer system, industrial and transformer-based UPS, we have also Customer Engineered UPS solutions for critical applications.

As the industry leader, Socomec offers three levels of protection according to criticality and serves the market with a wide range of UPS systems ranging from 1 to 4800 KVA UPS. We have categorized them as Ultimate, Superior and Prime. While ultimate ensures fault-tolerant power without compromise, featuring a fully redundant architecture for maximum availability, minimum Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), and risk-free maintenance, Superior gives unrivaled power performance, offering best-in-class and certified performance to optimize usage and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Prime delivers trustworthy power, providing reliable and cost-effective protection to ensure operational continuity.

2. IT Voice- How does Socomec ensure the reliability and efficiency of its UPS solutions to meet varying power requirements?

Deepak Singh Thakur- Socomec’s manufacturing process adheres to stringent quality standards, ensuring that the product meets the highest industry benchmarks. The right component selection, ROHS Compliant is highly critical for us to ensure the reliability and efficiency of our UPS solutions. Further, the UPS systems are designed with built-in redundancy and fault tolerance mechanisms. The UPS solutions comply with relevant industry standards and regulations governing reliability, efficiency, and safety.

We invest an average 8% of our revenue on R & D every year and this helps us to consistently improve our design and enhance engineering technology to enhance reliability and efficiency. We are committed to consistently investing in innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

3. IT Voice- What industries or applications do you primarily target with your UPS solutions and how you address the growing demand for energy efficiency in UPS technology?

Deepak Singh Thakur- Our UPS solutions cater to all critical applications, with six focus key market segments, namely Data Centre, Healthcare, Industry, Infrastructure, Commercial Building, and Renewable Energy.

We ensure the growing demand for high-efficiency UPS systems through innovative technology, modular and scalable designs, and high-efficiency architectures like transformerless designs. Our UPS solutions feature advanced power conversion, Energy Saver features, Eco Mode operation, and real-time digital monitoring for optimized performance. Socomec aligns with global efficiency standards, providing comprehensive support services, including energy audits and customized solutions. 

Additionally, our focus on lifecycle management, from design to end-of-life recycling, guarantees sustained efficiency and reliability. This holistic approach helps our customers achieve maximum efficiency while supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance.

4. IT Voice- Can you discuss any recent innovations or developments in your UPS technology?

Deepak Singh Thakur- Socomec’s Delphys XL UPS series 1/1.2MW, known for its 99.1% efficiency via Smart Conversion Mode, embodies our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. Its compact design optimizes energy use, while cold-extractible power bricks reduce MTTR (Mean Time Between Failures), crucial for minimizing downtime in modern data centres. Advanced features ensure Genset stability during load variations, showcasing reliability. With fault-tolerant design offering double conversion mode redundancy up to 80% of the rated power, it’s a critical asset for Tier III & IV data centres, ensuring continuous power supply and mitigates disruptions.

Introducing MODULYS XM, our latest new medium power model sets industry standards with 50 kW modules and scalable power up to 600 kW, within the same footprint. Boasting proven ultimate reliability, MODULYS XM features hot-swappable modules for seamless maintenance, adding modules in just 2 minutes. Socomec’s continuous investment in cutting-edge technology ensures unmatched UPS longevity, empowering our customers to meet sustainability goals and contributes to a greener future.

MODULYS XM comprises of a 50 KW power module and a optimised set of fully equipped systems – MODULYS XM, for 250 kW + 50 kW redundancy and MODULYS XM, for 600 kW + 50 kW redundancy.  MODULYS XM’s 50 kW power modules have proven reliability of more than 1,000,000 hours MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), as certified by a third party based on robust data – which is at least 4 times longer than the best market standards.

Socomec’s free mobile App, SoLive, automatically reports the current status of the UPS, providing instant notification of any event. Alternatively, Socomec experts also provide 24/7 monitoring and send a technician to location if necessary for ensuring customer’s peace of mind.

5. IT Voice- In the ever-evolving landscape of data centers and critical facilities, what trends is Socomec witnessing in terms of power management requirements and challenges?

Deepak Singh Thakur- In the realm of data centers and critical facilities, power management requirements and challenges are particularly intricate due to high energy demands and continuous operation which is necessary for these environments. The need for good quality power versus the growing environmental and running cost concerns has encouraged facility managers and consultants to select equipment that provides the right service level while reducing operational costs.  As the power demand of the facility increases, there’s a concurrent need to scale up distribution, metering, and monitoring systems to enable comprehensive real-time monitoring of the installation without additional wiring. MW capacity UPS demand will see rise and more innovative design redundancy Architectures will see the adoption of STS to meet Data Center reliability, MTTR and MTBF targets.

Power management solutions for such critical applications must be scalable, efficient, and resilient to ensure uninterrupted operation that are safe and uncomplicated. The provision to upgrade quickly is a must.  This has driven UPS manufacturers to innovate and provide unique and efficient solutions without compromising on power quality. 

Further, the development of a proactive and safe preventive local and remote maintenance programme is vital to ensure the availability of today’s critical infrastructure – and to guarantee business continuity during the entire lifecycle.

6. IT Voice- Could you elaborate on Socomec’s approach to addressing the growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability in data center operations through its power management solutions?

Deepak Singh Thakur- Socomec is committed to meet the evolving energy needs in the Asia-Pacific region by manufacturing sustainable products in India and that will continue. We have recently launched our products in the Asia-Pacific region to meet the rising demand of data centres with power backup. 

 The manufacturing of our Delphys XL UPS 1/ 1.2MW solutions in our newly opened Gurgaon factory underlines our commitment to leverage local talent and resources to deliver superior power solutions tailored for the Data Centre industry. 

Additionally, we have a structured growth plan for the years ahead. We have established robust manufacturing capabilities in India through continuous investments. This dedication fosters progress, sustainability and technological advancements, strengthening the manufacturing ecosystems and delivering optimum solutions across diverse industries.  

As every facility manager is now focused on efficiency and power usage to reduce operational costs and environmental impact through CO2 emissions, Socomec remains steadfast in its commitment to meet the evolving energy needs in data center operations by manufacturing sustainable products in India.  

Our steadfast dedication fuels progress, sustainability and technological advancement, strengthening manufacturing ecosystems and delivering suitable solutions across diverse industries. We are marching ahead with our vision of providing innovative and eco-friendly solutions to address the growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability in data center operations. 

7. IT Voice- With the rise of edge computing and distributed IT environments, how is Socomec adapting its power management solutions to meet the unique needs of these decentralized infrastructures?

Deepak Singh Thakur- Socomec has tailored its power management solutions to meet the unique needs of decentralized infrastructures, particularly with the rise of edge computing and distributed IT environments. We offer compact, modular UPS systems designed specifically for limited spaces and scalable requirements. For instance, the MODULYS XS (2.5 to 20 kVA) and MASTERYS GP4 RK (10 to 40 kVA) are crafted to address these challenges head-on. Additionally, our range includes modular rack-mounted options such as MODULYS RM GP (25 to 75 kVA) and MODULYS GP (25 to 200 kVA), ensuring both scalability and reliability. These UPS systems are equipped with hot-swappable components and advanced battery management features, boosting resilience and minimizing downtime in decentralized environments. 

In addition to UPS solutions, we offer the DIRIS Digiware BCM system, which provides cost-effective and flexible multi-circuit power monitoring across the entire installation. This ensures efficient energy usage and operation within distributed IT environments.

Furthermore, Socomec’s STS solutions play a crucial role in enhancing maintenance operations in decentralized infrastructures. By isolating faults and facilitating transparent maintenance procedures, these solutions enable remote monitoring by specialized teams. This proactive approach ensures maximum system availability and optimized site interventions for critical systems, aligning with the demands of edge computing and distributed IT environments.

8. IT Voice- Can you discuss any recent innovations or developments in Socomec’s power management technology specifically tailored for enhancing the efficiency, flexibility, or security of data center operations?

Deepak Singh Thakur- One significant development is the introduction of the new Delphys XL UPS series, which boasts an impressive 99.1% efficiency through Smart Conversion Mode. This mode optimizes energy usage, resulting in reduced operational costs for data centers.

Socomec has introduced the Ultimate Modular UPS, ranging from 2.5 kW to 4800 kW, designed specifically for data center operations. This UPS system sets a gold standard in power scalability and maintenance, offering a truly online modular format that ensures uninterrupted power supply.

In terms of flexibility, the MODULYS XM can be tailored to various customer needs., featuring over 25 standardized components, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of different data center setups. It supports hot-swappable modules for quick maintenance, with module additions taking just two minutes. Adding an extra bypass module enhances short-circuit current withstanding capacity.

Socomec prioritizes data security by obtaining ISO/IEC 27001 certification for its connected products and services. This certification guarantees customers the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of their data, essential for maintaining the security of data center operations.

To address cybersecurity concerns, Socomec has incorporated advanced features into its communication gateways, such as the DIRIS Digiware M-50 and M-70. These gateways follow the IEC 62443 standard, ensuring secure transmission of data and mitigating the risk of cyber-attacks, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of data center operations.

9. IT Voice- Looking ahead, what do you see as the future direction of power management for data centers and critical facilities, and how is Socomec positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of this industry?

Deepak Singh Thakur- Looking forward, the future of power management for data centers and critical facilities is set for significant evolution, spurred by the rapid digital transformation and escalating data demands. 

Recent findings from CareEdge Ratings underscore the substantial under-penetration of data center capacity, paving the way for ambitious expansion plans. The industry has already witnessed substantial growth, with an annual addition of 100 to 150 MW between 2020 and 2023, culminating in a capacity close to 900 MW within three years. This growth trajectory indicates a doubling of capacity to approximately 2000 MW by 2026, accompanied by significant investment of Rs. 50,000 crores over the next three years.

As emerging technologies such as AI drive the need for increased computational power, data centers are expected to experience further rises in power consumption. This heightened demand necessitates higher power density UPS solutions to cater to upcoming requirements, particularly in regions like India.

In response to industry trends, Socomec strategically positions itself to meet evolving needs through innovative, tailored solutions for power management in data centers and critical facilities. We are investing in the development of large power UPS systems to reduce lead times and meet customer demands efficiently. This encompasses standalone and modular UPS solutions, with a particular focus on lithium-ion compatibility to align with current preferences.

Furthermore, as sustainability and energy efficiency become increasingly important in data center operations, Socomec is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions. Our products are designed with smaller footprints, modular designs, and scalability to accommodate varying load requirements across different edge environments.

By leveraging real-time monitoring solutions like Diris Digiware BCM, we empower businesses to proactively diagnose and resolve issues remotely, minimizing downtime and optimizing system performance. This proactive approach not only ensures customer satisfaction but also enhances operational efficiency by reducing disruptions and associated costs.

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