• Award-winning Master+ UPS solution integrates data centres into the energy transition 

RWE Supply & Trading and Riello Power Systems received the first prize in the Datacenter Infrastructure category of this year’s eco://award. The prize was awarded yesterday evening in Cologne by eco-Verband der Internetwirtschaft e.V. , Europe´s largest Internet industry association in Europe with more than 1,100 international member companies.

Leading heads of the Internet industry met at the accompanying congress to present and discuss the latest developments and the most important future topics of digitisation. The two companies were recognised for their recently developed Master+ UPS system (UPS = Uninterrupted Power Supply).

Data centres play a fundamental role in the modern digital society. They store and process huge amounts of data, thus forming the backbone of a hyper-networked and automated world. They will also assume a key role in the energy transition, not only by using the grid to meet their electricity needs, but also by providing important services to the grid, as these smart consumers help to stabilise the grid.

Master+ provides such a solution: Customers receive an innovative UPS system including a premium battery with enhanced storage capacity. This additional capacity is used to offset fluctuating feed-ins of renewable energy. Controllable distributed units such as UPS batteries can work in parallel to large-scale power stations to stabilise both transmission and distribution networks.

This pays off for the customers in several ways: “They receive a premium battery with significant storage capacity and an integrated battery monitoring system. Furthermore, the cost to data centres are lower than a conventional UPS system as RWE covers part of the investment and operating costs,” explains Dr. Hans-Günter Schwarz, who is responsible for new business opportunities at RWE Supply & Trading. 

More advantages: The customers’ security of supply increases as the batteries are constantly remotely monitored. Moreover, thanks to its enhanced storage capacity, Master+ usually provides backup power for longer periods of time during outages. Last but not least, customers receive an extended warranty on the UPS system and battery.