Minkels' VariconPower product portfolio comprises a complete line of power distribution solutions for data centers. The product line ranges from basic rack PDUs and rack metering PDUs to remotely monitored rack PDUs and remotely switched rack PDUs. Minkels can also provide custom-built VariconPower rack PDUs for customers with specific requirements. Available options include 16A or 32A, single-phase or three-phase, and PDUs with or without tap changers. Furthermore, the rack PDU can be delivered as fully integrated, pre-assembled solutions in conjunction with other Minkels data center and server room solutions.
“Rack PDUs are not new products for us,” says Jeroen Hol, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Minkels. “Although we already offer rack PDUs, they weren’t treated as part of a specific product group. Recently, we’ve seen a significant increase in the importance of power distribution within our data center product portfolio. This is reflected, in particular, by a dramatic increase in demand for smart PDUs, which enable the management (including remote management) of power consumption in data center racks. With the launch of a new product group, we can position rack PDUs more prominently among Minkels’ other solutions.”.
Increased market demand for smart PDUs is a logical consequence of greater attention to energy efficiency in server rooms. Hol comments: “Smart rack PDUs offer more functionality than traditional PDUs. The engineering technology in these rack PDUs allows for greater detail in data centers, making it possible to measure even power consumption per outlet, i.e., at the server level. Such a smart product provides tools for direct power consumption management, for example, by collecting information through smart PUE modules, or by remotely reading the PDU and switching the server on or off via a software connection.”.
The demand for smart rack PDUs is driven not only by the need for energy efficiency in server rooms. Hol says, “Security considerations and general server room management are increasingly driving customers to choose a smart power distribution solution. With a smart PDU, you can, for example, measure the power load on server racks, estimate the maximum allowable power load, and improve load management and power distribution in a server room.”.
