intelligent power management (IPM)

Intelligent Power Management (IPM) is a combination of hardware and software that optimizes the distribution and use of electrical power in computer systems and data centers. While the installation of IPM involves up-front cost and ongoing maintenance, the technology can save money in the long term as a result of reduced electric bills, reduced downtime and prolonged hardware life.

The features of IPM vary from product to product. All IPM solutions incorporate:

• Temperature monitoring and regulation
• Voltage regulation
• Current limiting
• Load distribution

Advanced IPM technology can include some or all of the following functions.

• Branch circuit protection, in which each group of outlets has its own breaker or fuse.
• Centralized, integrated management, which allows administrators to monitor all data center hardware, isolating problems and resolving them quickly when they occur.
• Smart load shedding, which allows graceful shutdown of non-essential devices under specified conditions.
• Use of three-phase power to balance power loads and maximize the available current for each load.
• Use of zoned cooling to prevent isolated overheating incidents with a minimum of wasted energy.
• System redundancy to ensure uninterrupted operation in case of localized hardware or software failure.
• Coordinated management of power-supply hardware from multiple vendors.

Learn more about Data center power consumption and savings

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More resources from around the web: - RTC group describes the basics of IPM. - 42U provides an overview of innovations in IPM for data centers. - National Semiconductor outlines trends and methods in IPM.

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