Empirically validated availability model of information and communication technologies facilities under hurricane conditions

This paper presents case studies of information and communications technology facilities performance under hurricane conditions supported by empirical data. The paper uses availability models along with outage data and field damage assessments to evaluate ICT site power supply availability. The study use hurricanes Katrina (2005), Ike (2008) and Sandy (2012) as case studies. The analysis focuses on first refueling cycle for the diesel genset for various impacted regions for various refueling time characteristics. Additionally, battery backup times are also considered. It is found that the expected availability of ICT sites standby supply systems during these hurricanes was below accepted standards in the telecom industry. The effects of cooling infrastructure and energy storage on ICT site availability are also discussed.