Case Study: Keele University achieves ultra-efficient, low‑carbon data centre power protection with Vertiv

Keele University Deploys Ultra Efficient Data Centre Power Protection that Supports Its Sustainability Goals

Keele University, a sustainability-focused campus in Staffordshire with more than 10,000 students, needed to reduce energy consumption from its two on-site data centres (nearly 300 kW combined) while modernising ageing power protection and saving space for a new Innovation Centre (IC7). To meet these goals the university engaged long-time partner Vertiv and sought more efficient, scalable UPS and battery solutions.

Vertiv implemented Vertiv™ Liebert® APM 600 modular UPS systems (400 kVA, N+1) and modern rack-based, hot‑swappable battery modules, delivering a transformer‑free double-conversion design with 96% efficiency (up to 99% in ECO Mode), a smaller footprint, and online‑replaceable batteries to minimise downtime. The Vertiv solution produced measurable results — up to 99% system efficiency, significant space savings, improved uptime and redundancy, and integration with the campus renewable energy program (including a 5.5 MW site expected to supply up to 50% of campus power and support a data centre powered by 100% local renewables).

Keele University

Alex Goffe

Associate Director, Operations & Infrastructure