In the month of November, Site-Four, a CUSO data center located in Yankton, South Dakota, successfully completed an extended run-test over a 48-hour timeframe running 100% on its backup generator. The test was designed to simulate full normal utility power loss from Northwestern Energy. During that timeframe, the CUSO experienced a variety of adverse weather conditions, including an extended stretch of below freezing temps. Incremental measure of power and fuel consumption was monitored and recorded.

“One reason why Site-Four performs these tests is to see how our equipment operates under actual disaster conditions,” said Alan Rogers, Site-Four CEO. “In this case, we shortened the test from 72 hours to 48 hours as part of our anomalous network communication troubleshooting. The test results were positive even with the network troubleshooting. After 48 hours of continuous runtime under load, we still had 36% of our fuel remaining.”

Earlier in 2016, Site-Four considerably expanded its UPS power capacity and additional colocation equipment was brought online within the datacenter. The 150KW, 336 gallon, diesel-fueled, 3-phase generator carried the full load of the power consumption demands with no issues.

Site-Four has been doing this test jointly with Services Center FCU since Site-Four was built. Rogers added: “It is valuable to know exactly what our capabilities are in case of an emergency. As a data center, you have to earn your clients’ trust through reliability and demonstrating a constant process of testing and improvement.”