Why Stable Power Supply Is Critical for Security and Monitoring Systems

In the fast-paced world of data centers and power-dependent facilities, where uninterrupted power is the lifeblood of operations, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of electricity is paramount. As such, maintaining an uninterrupted power supply is essential. Any downtime can result in significant financial losses. To prevent this, data centers implement robust redundancy and power availability measures. Let’s look at the network of power assets charged with maintaining data center uptime.

Network Operations Center (NOC)

The NOC monitors and manages the data center’s network and infrastructure, including power supply systems. It provides oversight and control, enabling quick response to any power-related issues.

NOC personnel provided with real-time power redundancy monitoring data ensures they can promptly identify and address power issues. Access to monitoring data allows them to proactively manage and optimize power systems, enhancing the overall reliability and efficiency of the data center.

Diesel Generator Systems

While diesel generators provide long-term backup power during extended power outages, their batteries provide the initial power to start the engine, supply power to control systems and electronics, and ensure the generator’s readiness for immediate operation.

 Generator batteries must be tested to ensure they can reliably start the generator and power essential control systems when needed. Compliance with standards such as the NFPA 110 mandates regular testing and maintenance of these batteries to verify their capacity, condition, and readiness.

Diesel Fuel Systems

The fuel system stores and supplies diesel fuel to the generators. It ensures that the generators have a sufficient and continuous supply of fuel to operate during prolonged power outages.

Fuel level monitoring ensures there is sufficient fuel for generator operation. Automatic fuel circulation maintains the fuel’s condition by preventing sediment build-up and ensuring even temperature distribution, which is essential for optimal generator performance.

Distribution Transformers

Distribution transformers step down the voltage from the substation to levels required by the various systems within the data center.

Continuous monitoring of distribution transformers ensures that power is efficiently and safely stepped down to usable levels, avoiding potential voltage irregularities that could damage sensitive equipment.

Substation Energy Assets

For large data centers, a dedicated substation connects the data center to the external power grid. It steps down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltages. It ensures a stable and reliable supply of power from the grid, which is essential for continuous data center operations.

Monitoring substation assets is crucial to ensuring a stable and reliable connection to the external power grid and helping to identify potential outages before they occur.

Battery UPS Systems

A battery-powered UPS system provides immediate backup power in the event of a power outage, bridging the gap until the diesel generators kick in. It ensures that there is no interruption in power, preventing data loss and equipment damage by providing a seamless transition during power failures.

Monitoring the health of batteries is essential to guarantee immediate backup power during outages, ensuring there is no interruption in power supply and protecting against data loss and equipment damage.

Digitalisation and cyber threats

As the power sector becomes more digitalised, the threats it faces are also becoming more sophisticated. Examples such as the Chinese Volt Typhoon illustrate just how dangerous such threats can be. This hacker group, known to target critical infrastructure in the United States, shows how cyberattacks can destabilise national power grids. Volt Typhoon uses advanced techniques such as ‘living off the land’ (LotL), where they leverage the systems’ own tools in order to hide their tracks and attack power networks. These types of attacks can lead to widespread power outages and serious economic and societal consequences.

To address such threats, the power industry must focus on strengthening security in both IT and OT environments. In the past, OT and IT have been strictly separated, but this boundary is gradually becoming more porous as the demand for real-time information increases. This creates a new risk landscape where the operational systems managing the power grid can be exposed to internet-based cyber threats.

AMS is an example of how IoT devices have made their way into the industry. While AMS is well regulated, other IoT devices can increase the risk of unwanted access to power systems. Having strict security requirements for all devices connected to the internet is crucial, as a weak point can open the door to potential attacks.

Threats from weather-related events

Climate change is causing an increase in extreme weather that poses significant risks to the power supply. Storms, flooding and extreme cold can damage critical infrastructure and lead to extensive power outages. Using advanced monitoring systems and predictive analytics, the industry can predict and prepare for such events. Power companies that have already integrated weather data into their monitoring systems can quickly respond to weather-related challenges, thus ensuring a stable power supply even in extreme conditions.

Emergency preparedness

Emergency preparedness is about being ready for the unexpected. This requires detailed planning and implementation of regular emergency exercises. Technological advances, such as real-time monitoring and automation, are key elements in strengthening preparedness. Advanced decision support systems can help streamline response during emergencies, but it is also important to be aware of the risks associated with these systems. Although the analysis tools do not directly control the power grid, the information they provide can be crucial for decisions regarding grid management. This indirect impact must also be considered a potential risk in future emergency preparedness plans.

Strengthening security

Another important aspect is the protection of sensitive data. Although the GDPR has been a focus for ensuring data protection, the industry must also consider how consumption data and other IoT data from facilities and industrial parks can be exploited by foreign powers. Such data can provide insight into both the effectiveness and vulnerability of Norwegian society. This is particularly relevant in light of increased Chinese interest in industrial espionage. Examples such as Statnett’s exchange points and electricity metres in major industries such as Equinor show how critical safeguarding this data from unwanted access is.

Where next?

To ensure robust operations, the industry must combine technological innovation with thorough planning. Embriq delivers solutions that offer real-time insights and automated responses, protecting against cyber threats like Volt Typhoon as well as natural challenges such as extreme weather. By focusing on security, digitalisation and continuous monitoring, we help power companies maintain stable power supplies, regardless of the threats that may arise.

To protect the power supply from future threats, it is necessary to think holistically. By combining advanced technological solutions with robust emergency preparedness, the industry can better meet challenges such as cyberattacks, extreme weather and espionage. Digitalisation, monitoring and data protection will be key to ensuring the continuous and safe operation of the power systems of the future. Embriq is here to help you on your way to a safer future.