Power for new Data Center

[tranceport]

Data Center is in USA. Avg cost for a kWh is ~14 cents.
%95 of the gear will auto sense 100v-240v.

Please discuss running 208v 3phase to the equipment versus 110v single phase.

Some starter questions:
Which is cheaper to the outlet?
Which is more efficient?
Which is safer?
Which is more common?
Which is easier to cool?


Continue in any direction, all comments welcome and appreciated.

 

[Cogman]

Cheaper? 208V Higher voltage = less energy lost due to resistance.

More Efficient? See Cheaper

Safer? Meh, either will kill you if you're not careful. This is a Moot point IMO (What I mean to say is that I don't believe the 208V to be significantly more dangerous then the 110V. The max size of an arc length isn't THAT much longer)

Most common? I don't know for data-centers, but for households is 110.

Easiest to cool? Umm.. Well, 208v would be easiest to cool, however, it is a moot point, I don't see there being THAT much more energy loss from the 208 vs 110v. However, any benefit cooling benefit will have to go to the higher voltage.

Now, that is all assuming you are using the same gauge of wire for the 110V and the 208V. If the gauge varies then everything I just said could be wrong. A large cable will provide more efficient energy transfers. (though, I honestly couldn't see them running a 208V on a lower gauged cable then a 110v source).

 

[Rubycon]

At 40kVA I don't see single phase 120VAC being an option. It will INPUT the same and have single phase 120VAC outputs to equipment.

PSUs will run with slightly higher efficiency at 208V.

I have both 120V and 230V single phase power available and I run everything on 230V for that reason. Also with 13A per circuit I can pull a lot more watts on the same wiring vs. 120VAC.

 

[tranceport]

Ruby the 40kva has an input of 440 and output of 208 3phase.

I am thinking about running my gear on 208 single phase.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: tranceport

I am thinking about running my gear on 208 single phase.

Should be fine