A Selection Guide for Data Center Power Metering: From Power Distribution Cabinets to End-User Circuits

With the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, data centers are evolving toward higher density and greater efficiency. This evolution places higher demands on the stable operation of power distribution systems and the precision management of energy.

Within the data center—spanning everything from main power distribution cabinets to server-level end circuits—precise power metering equipment is essential for collecting electricity usage data, monitoring operational status, and conducting detailed energy analysis.

Given practical requirements such as multi-circuit configurations, high-density deployments, and limited installation space, selecting the right power metering solution is a critical step in enhancing energy management capabilities.

To address the needs of various power distribution levels, Eastron Electronic Co., Ltd. has launched the MCS multi-circuit metering solution, the SDM630MCT-ML multi-circuit energy meter, and the SDM630-TCP series of smart meters. These products cover a wide range of metering scenarios within the data center, extending from end-user circuits to the entire power distribution system.

Multi-circuit Centralized Monitoring
MCS Multi-circuit Measurement Solution

Application Scenarios
High-density multi-circuit monitoring scenarios, such as data center PDUs, end-of-row cabinets, and intelligent power distribution cabinets.

Data centers typically contain a large number of server power supply branches; achieving centralized monitoring of multiple circuits within limited space presents a significant challenge in energy metering.

The MCS multi-circuit metering solution features a modular design—comprising display, current metering, voltage metering, and functional modules—that allows for flexible configuration based on project requirements, enabling high-density, centralized metering across multiple circuits.

Product Advantages
01
High-density design for optimized space utilization

Supports monitoring of up to 32 three-phase circuits or 96 single-phase circuits, making it ideal for centralized multi-branch monitoring in data centers.

02
Modular configuration for flexible deployment

Features a modular architecture that allows for the selection of specific functional modules based on application needs, facilitating future expansion and adjustments.

03
Plug-in installation to simplify the deployment process

Utilizes plug-in installation technology to effectively minimize wiring errors, reduce installation complexity, and improve efficiency.

04
Intelligent management for rapid anomaly response

Supports automatic module detection and communication address assignment on the MCS-Bus. It issues timely alerts for anomalies such as overvoltage, overcurrent, or addressing conflicts, enabling O&M personnel to quickly pinpoint issues.

06
High-precision metering ensuring data reliability

With metering accuracy of up to Class 0.5S, the MCS solution provides a reliable data foundation for energy analysis and refined management in data centers.

Granular Branch Circuit Metering
SDM630MCT-ML Series Multi-Circuit Energy Meter

Application Scenarios
Zonal metering for power distribution cabinets, server branch circuits, Power Distribution Units (PDUs), etc.

In data centers, beyond overall energy monitoring, independent metering of individual branch circuits helps track power consumption across different zones, enabling granular energy analysis.

The SDM630MCT-ML multi-circuit energy meter addresses the need for multi-branch metering by providing an efficient and flexible monitoring solution.

Product Advantages
01
Multi-circuit metering in one unit; saves space

A single device supports metering for 4 three-phase circuits or 12 single-phase circuits, making it ideal for centralized monitoring of multiple branches.

02
Flexible communication; easy system integration

Supports RS485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet Modbus TCP/IP communication; integrates with data center energy management platforms for centralized data collection.

03
Independent CT settings; adaptable to various loads

CT ratios for each circuit can be set independently, allowing for flexible configuration based on equipment capacity.

04
Plug-and-play connections; simplified installation

Uses RJ12 plug-in CT connections to minimize traditional wiring tasks and enhance installation reliability.

05
True RMS measurement; improved data accuracy

Supports True RMS measurement, ensuring stable data acquisition even in environments with complex load characteristics.

Main and Sub-distribution System Monitoring
SDM630-TCP Series Smart Meters

Application Scenarios
Data center incoming feeder cabinets, power distribution cabinets, and energy management system nodes.

Data center energy management requires monitoring not only end-device power consumption but also the operational status of the entire power distribution system. The SDM630-TCP series smart meters are designed for use in main power distribution units and at critical nodes within data centers, enabling energy data acquisition and operational status monitoring.

Product Advantages
01
Flexible wiring options to suit various power distribution systems

Supports direct connection (up to 100A) or connection via 1A/5A current transformers (CTs), making it suitable for power distribution systems of various capacity ratings.

02
Comprehensive parameter monitoring for full operational visibility

Features multifunctional electrical parameter measurement capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of key data such as voltage, current, power, and energy consumption to support energy analysis.

03
Supports bidirectional metering for renewable energy applications

Supports bidirectional energy metering, making it ideal for data center scenarios that integrate renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage systems.

04
Ethernet communication for rapid integration with management platforms

Supports Ethernet Modbus TCP/IP communication, enabling remote data acquisition and centralized management.