2 ms·
AFAIK google doesn't use hardware-based arrays in their servers. I think the reference to batteries would more likely be in reference to a DRUPS (Diesel Rotary
by darkr 11y ago
AFAIK google doesn't use hardware-based arrays in their servers.
I think the reference to batteries would more likely be in reference to a DRUPS (Diesel Rotary UPS) which most datacenters run, sometimes with some form of battery in combination with the flywheel. Typically the combination of kinetic energy in the flywheel (and potentially batteries) only hold enough power to last for 30 seconds or so (often as low as 10 seconds), which gives the diesel power generators enough time to come online and take over from there.
What I guess is that might have happened is that grid power was lost, they switched over to UPS fine the first time, grid power came back so they swapped back, repeat a few times and on one of those times the batteries didn't have enough charge to keep things going for the generator swap-over.
- thrownaway2424 11y agoNope. http://www.buildablade.com/images/Google_data_centers-1.jpg http://www.buildablade.com/images/Google_data_centers-1.jpg
- dekhn 11y agoFrom http://www.cnet.com/news/google-uncloaks-once-secret-server-10209580/ http://www.cnet.com/news/google-uncloaks-once-secret-server-... "Google's big surprise: each server has its own 12-volt battery to supply power if there's a problem with the main source of electricity"
- walshemj 11y agoA so UPS on the cheap a real UPS is always running of the battery Telco style and you are testing your gensets at least weakly and checking the tanks every month or so. At BT they where tested every day for the really sensitive systems.