Singapore – October 2024 – A major Singaporean data center operator has reported zero backup power failures since installing the ABB GFD233A103 3BHE022294R0103 power module in its critical UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system. The upgrade, completed in August 2024, resolved recurring issues with the center’s old modules that caused 4–5 backup power disruptions annually—each costing up to S$120,000 in downtime and data recovery fees.
The Challenge: Unreliable Backup Power Threatened Operations
Prior to adopting the GFD233A103, the data center (which serves 200+ enterprise clients, including fintech and healthcare firms) relied on outdated power modules in its UPS system. These modules posed two critical risks:
- Slow Transfer to Backup: During grid outages, the old modules took 200–300 milliseconds to switch the UPS from grid power to battery backup. This delay caused momentary outages for sensitive servers, corrupting data and triggering client service level agreement (SLA) breaches.
- Battery Overcharging: The modules lacked precise voltage regulation, overcharging UPS batteries by 8–10%. This reduced battery lifespan from 5 years to 3 years, forcing the center to replace 120+ batteries annually at a cost of S$60,000.
With Singapore’s grid facing occasional outages due to tropical storms, the unreliable backup system was a growing concern. “Our clients trust us to keep their data online 24/7—even during grid failures,” said Tan Wei Ling, the data center’s operations manager. “Every delay or battery failure put that trust at risk, and the costs of SLA breaches were becoming unsustainable.”
After evaluating three UPS-compatible power modules, the data center selected the ABB GFD233A103 for its speed, precision, and compatibility with existing ABB UPS hardware:
- Sub-50ms Transfer Speed: The GFD233A103 uses ultra-fast switching technology to transfer the UPS from grid to battery power in under 50 milliseconds—well below the 100ms threshold for server stability. This eliminates momentary outages entirely.
- Precision Voltage Regulation: The module’s Advanced Battery Management (ABM) feature maintains battery voltage within ±0.5% of the optimal level, preventing overcharging. It also monitors battery health in real time, alerting technicians to weak cells before they fail.
- Compact Design: At 180mm x 120mm x 80mm, the GFD233A103 fits in the data center’s existing UPS cabinets—no costly cabinet modifications needed. Its low noise operation (45dB) is ideal for the center’s quiet server rooms.
- Remote Monitoring: The module connects to the data center’s BMS (Building Management System) via Modbus TCP/IP, allowing technicians to monitor power output, battery status, and module health from a central dashboard.
Results: Zero Downtime and Extended Battery Life
Two months post-upgrade, the data center’s metrics show dramatic improvements:
- Zero backup failures: The GFD233A103 has handled 3 grid outages without any server disruptions, meeting 100% of client SLAs.
- Battery lifespan extended: Voltage regulation has reduced battery charging stress, with tests showing batteries will now last the full 5-year expected lifespan—saving S$40,000 annually in replacement costs.
- Technician efficiency up 30%: Remote monitoring eliminated 8 hours of weekly on-site checks, freeing technicians to focus on other critical tasks.
“The GFD233A103 transformed our backup power system from a liability to a strength,” Tan said. “Our clients no longer worry about outages, and we’ve cut two major costs—SLA breaches and battery replacements. It’s been one of our best technology investments this year.”
Rajiv Menon, ABB’s APAC product specialist for critical power solutions, noted the GFD233A103’s role in data center resilience. “Data centers can’t afford to compromise on backup power—every millisecond matters,” he said. “The GFD233A103 3BHE022294R0103 is built to deliver the speed and precision that critical infrastructure demands.”
The data center operator plans to install the GFD233A103 in two more Singaporean facilities by Q2 2025, with the goal of standardizing on ABB power modules across its entire Asia-Pacific portfolio.
