input power is restored while the shutdown process already started (PowerChute 4.1)

[BillP]

Hello,

We have single Site setup: VMware HA Cluster protected by Single UPS configuration (Both vCenter Server and PowerChute are running on VMs). We use PowerChute 4.1 (VMware Appliance) with shutdown on event (UPS On Battery - 300 sec).

I know the shutdown sequence for this setup, it is in Application Note 180 (page 4) but i didn`t find any information about a case when the power returns during the shutdown process. What happens if the input power is restored while the shutdown process already started and PowerChute VM is not turned off yet?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The shutdown process will run until completed and then any power on delays will be honored prior to a restart. The UPS and the servers BIOS must be configured to power on when AC is restored for the restart to happen automatically (no user intervention). 

[BillP]

I not fully understand your reply regards to "and then any power on delays will be honored prior to a restart". Can you explain this in more detail?

[BillP]

Hi,

What model UPS?

What is the model network management card?

What firmware is running on the network management card?

Depending on the UPS and NMC there are available delays for power restore state. 

[BillP]

UPS Model: Symmetra RM 6000

NMC Model: AP9631

NMC Firmware: v6.4.0

[BillP]

Hi,

Go to configure - Shutdown and you will find the start up delays. There are 2 delays Minimum Battery Capacity and Return Delay.

Minimum Battery Capacity:

The minimum battery capacity, as a percentage of full capacity, required in order for the UPS to end its sleep time (or turn back on when rebooted) and resume providing output power.

Return Delay:

Defines how long the UPS waits before it turns on after a shutdown that was caused by a power failure, after a scheduled shutdown, or after a shutdown initiated by a Control command. If the battery is depleted below the percentage configured as "Minimum Battery Capacity", the UPS first waits until the battery is recharged to that minimum capacity.

Also, you need to set the On-Battery Shutdown Behavior to "Restart when power is restored"

On-Battery Shutdown Behavior:

After the PowerChute clients shut down their computer systems, this parameter determines whether the UPS turns on automatically, must be turned on manually when input power is restored, or does not shut down the UPS at all when commanded to by PowerChute. 

[BillP]

Thank you Bill for your answers.

It will be good if in the documentation for the current or future versions of the PowerChute will be added the description for of this case.