How to implement load-shedding with switched PDUs and DCE?

ElectricAvenue · ‎2024-09-26

Hello,

We're upgrading our power setup to a larger Symmetra, and need to implement load-shedding. With many small Smart-UPS units, tier 2/3 loads inherently had less runtime by design, now we need to implement it differently.

This is a necessary part of our operations; we have many Macs and other equipment that is not suitable for PCNS, and we want to guarantee certain, lower-priority racks are shut down based on time-passed or remaining-runtime. In the mean time critical servers and storage would get all the runtime they can get.

When we presented this to our Schneider Electric rep, he stated that with DCE and switched PDUs, "they can be configured this way". Now we have those and I'm running tests, and I don't see anywhere in DCE to programmatically control outlets — scripts, macros, rules, etc. I only see manual outlet control, and reporting rules (email/SNMP). What am I missing?

Cory_McDonald · ‎2024-09-27

Hello @ElectricAvenue,

I have reached out to a Sales Engineer to see if they can reach out to you to discuss your setup and what was purchased to discuss any viable options. Data Center Expert is only a monitoring tool, and does not have any power control functionality that will automatically perform tasks. It only has the capability of manually controlling outlets on/off as you have already seen.

PowerChute Network Shutdown does have an option to run scripts, which may be of use here. You can read about using "Shutdown Command Files" in the PowerChute Network Shutdown Standard User Guide: https://www.apc.com/us/en/product-range/61933-powerchute-network-shutdown/#documents

Kind Regards,

Cory

ElectricAvenue · ‎2024-10-01

Hi Cory,

This is a serious issue. I haven't seen other updates here/in private, what did you hear from the sales engineers?

As said, PowerChute Network Shutdown is fully irrelevant since it doesn't support macOS. We also want a solution that controls the outlets, not (just) the operating system, to ensure/force a shutdown. We already invested in the PDUs for this exact reason.

Cory_McDonald · ‎2024-10-03

Hello @ElectricAvenue,

Your sales channel partner should have reached out to you or be reaching out to you to discuss further. If you haven't heard from them, I would recommend reaching out.

Kind Regards,

Cory