Echola Introduces 380Vdc Smart Power Distribution Units for Energy-Efficient Data Centers

Echola Systems, Inc. has extended its line of smart power distribution products with a new 380Vdc smart-switched Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for green data centers. Echola Systems' DC series, SPDU-D3xx, PDU leverages its patent pending shared hybrid relay switching technology to switch high-voltage dc power safely. It also facilitates safe installation of equipment by switching outlets to off at the time of installation, thus preventing contact-arcing issues. Like other Echola Systems' ac PDUs, dc PDUs also support energy monitoring through Web, SNMP and Telnet/SSH interfaces.

According to Echola, dc power distribution is making a comeback, thanks to major advances in power electronics since Edison and Tesla made power distribution practical in late nineteenth century. And today, 380Vdc power distribution has a lower total cost of ownership compared to a 3-phase ac power distribution because dc distribution is more efficient, more reliable, and requires less space, less cooling, less copper, no load balancing, and lower equipment cost. It's time to rethink the power distribution strategy in data centers, as 380Vdc power distribution is already gaining momentum.

The SPDU-D3xx series PDU production will start in Q4 this year, but SPDU-D308, the 8 outlet 1U model, is available now for demo. The DC PDU will be available in vertical (Zero U) as well as horizontal (1U) rackmount form factors, with ratings ranging from 7.6 kW to 22.8 kW.