Scalable data center architecture for on-demand power infrastructure

The present design of the power infrastructure of the typical data center in use today is hopelessly outdated. Because knowledge of the ultimate power demand is not known when the design is done, a lot of assumptions are made, and most systems are oversized. The result is waste of capital investment because of over sizing, waste of space, increased building time, lower reliability, lower electrical efficiency (typical installation is only 35% loaded), high engineering costs because every system is unique, and complex systems which are hard to repair. Methods and requirements for providing electrical power to rack enclosures for information technology equipment are described. The need for the rack power system to adapt to changing requirements is identified and quantified. The requirements for a rack power system that can adapt to changing needs are defined.