Semi-Potted Switching Power Supplies Keep Their Cool in the Data Center

Whether your data center infrastructure supports industrial automation, networking, AI processing, machine learning or edge computing, reliable power protection is essential. Power disruptions can result in costly downtime, equipment damage and data loss — outcomes that are simply unacceptable. Keeping critical data center equipment and their internal components performing at their best requires reliable power supplies to deliver stable and efficient DC power. That means selecting AC/DC power supplies with energy efficiency and thermal management in mind. This blog post will summarize the considerations designers of data center equipment must keep in mind when selecting AC/DC power supplies, and it will introduce you to a line of switching supplies that addresses these factors.

The Problem With Fans

Many AC/DC switching power supplies rely on fans to remove heat during the conversion process. While fans keep internal components cool, they come with their own environmental challenges that include dust generation, vibrations that cause fans to fail, moisture, humidity and high temperatures inside the cabinet due to wasted heat and EMI from the fan motor. Taken together, the fan is often the least reliable component of the power supply. In addition, AC/DC switch mode power supplies also present these challenges:

• Electromagnetic interference (EMI). High-frequency switching and magnetic fields from the power supply fan's motor typically causes EMI that hinders the operation and reliability of nearby components or equipment.
• Compliance. In addition to minimizing EMI, power supplies must meet global safety standards for audio/video, information and communication technology equipment.
• Bulk. Space inside data center equipment is often at a premium. Bulky power supplies can cause thermal issues for already densely packed components.
• Harsh conditions. In addition to thermal extremes, power supplies in data center equipment must stand up to harsh conditions such as vibrations, moisture and humidity.

A More Reliable Way To Keep Things Cool

One cooling method that eliminates the problems associated with fans is to encapsulate the power supply's heat-generating components with a special gel compound. The P81 Series of AC/DC switchers from the Polytron Devices division of Daburn Electronics is one such power supply. Featuring a semi-potted design in which the gel compound transfers heat away from heat-sensitive components, the unsealed portion of the unit resists vibrations, dust and other threatening conditions. And, the noise and added weight of a fan are eliminated. These semi-potted power supplies also allow flexible thermal management with support for forced-air, convection and conduction. The result: optimized thermal management for every environment, from fanless designs to high-power applications. Additional features and benefits of the P81 Series include:

• Compact size: Up to 65% smaller than conventional power supplies.
• High efficiency: Up to 94%.
• Wide operating temperature range: -30 to +80C.
• EMI for both Class I (with PE) and Class II (without PE) configurations.
• Meets IEC/EN/UL 62368-1 safety standards: for industrial, communications and IT applications.
• OVC II designs: OVC III designs for select units.
• Built-in protections: Overvoltage, overpower, overtemperature and short circuit.
• Exceptional EMC performance: Complies with EN 550-32 Class B EMC standard.
• High altitude operation: Up to 5,000m.
• Other: Low noise, simple integration, enhances system stability and reliability.

In addition to data center equipment, Polytron's P81 AC/DC switching power supplies are also well-suited for industrial automation, EV charging and battery systems, communications and outdoor systems. The units are available in 130, 240, 500 and 1,300-watt versions.

For more information about Daburn Electronics' Polytron AC/DC switch mode power supplies, please visit our product page.