In today's digitally connected world, data centers are the critical infrastructure of our time. They ensure the availability and integrity of data and represent a central IT platform for companies of all sizes. The highest standards for power supply, cooling, security, and monitoring are essential. Ritter Technologie GmbH, based in Oberhausen, has not only accepted this challenge but also used it as an opportunity for a quality offensive – with innovative measurement technology from PQ Plus. The result: maximum availability with minimal risk.
Ronald Heinze
Data centers in Germany play a central role in the secure processing of sensitive data from critical infrastructure companies. They are subject to strict legal requirements and guarantee high standards of data protection, reliability, and IT security. They thus contribute significantly to the stability and sovereignty of the digital infrastructure in security-relevant areas such as energy. "To ensure high stability, the four data center areas must operate with 100% security," emphasizes Ralf Taegener, Managing Director of Ritter Technologie GmbH. Ritter Technologie's data center has a total capacity of 31,844 U. The data center space houses several server room groups and is divided into various fire compartments. "There are still expansion options available for future expansion," emphasizes R. Taegener.
The center is redundantly integrated with its transfer station to the energy supplier's 10 kV ring. The company's own ring contains three 10 kV stations, one of which has a double transformer. In addition to its data center activities, the company offers many other complementary services. This also includes the creation of IT concepts, the creation of software for system monitoring and the support of critical infrastructure companies in complying with NIS-2 requirements.
Images: Ritter Technologie
Ensuring operational readiness at all levels
Ritter Technologie's data center is certified according to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and meets the requirements of the Tier III standard. The physical infrastructure is based on a highly secure building concept: divided into different fire compartments, equipped with redundant air conditioning units and a UPS supply in n+1 mode, based on two 80 kVA UPSs with 200 batteries. In addition, there is a 600 kVA emergency power supply in case of a prolonged power outage. "The power must flow," emphasizes the Managing Director. "Energy supply, in particular, requires significantly more attention today than in previous years. The events of April 2025 in Spain have shown that electricity does not simply come from the socket." The company therefore pays particular attention to comprehensive redundancy, both in the power supply and in the air conditioning and data connection.
Independent cooling systems from different manufacturers are planned for the server rooms. The cooling capacities reach at least 1,850 W/m³. All data center rooms were designed as separate fire compartments. The loss of one room does not lead to a service outage. "Physical access security must also be guaranteed at all times," explains R. Taegener.
All this is supported by a modern "smart building" building management system with remote access. "The relevant parameters of the building management system are monitored highly efficiently and automatically," adds R. Taegener. "For example, the temperature and humidity in the server rooms must be kept strictly within the agreed limits." Alarms are sent to those responsible via email and SMS. "Stable internet connections with adequate bandwidth are also an essential requirement," he continues. Therefore, four node- and edge-disjoint fiber optic and two separate copper feeds are available for data connectivity.
Focus on Power Quality: Why Power Quality is Crucial
Yet despite all precautions – or perhaps precisely because of them – continuous monitoring of power quality plays a key role. "Similar to the chemical analysis of drinking water, continuous analysis of electrical energy is essential for data centers today," emphasizes R. Taegener. "The reliable operation of all systems ultimately depends on the quality of the electrical supply." Grid disturbances, harmonics, or sudden load peaks can, in the worst case, endanger sensitive hardware or disrupt operations. "Power must also be available at a consistently high quality," reports the Managing Director.
To meet this challenge, Ritter Technologie has invested in a new generation of analysis and monitoring tools. After intensive market research, the company chose the UMD 98Flex LB measuring devices from PQ Plus – a decision that is fully convincing from both a technical and a partnership perspective.
The center is redundantly connected to the energy supplier's 10 kV ring via its transfer station.
Choosing Quality and Support
"I was immediately impressed by the PQ Plus devices – they perfectly match our requirements," says Ralf Taegener, technical contact at Ritter Technologie. "Above all, the close collaboration with PQ Plus was a decisive factor. The support was consistently competent and solution-oriented."
The UMD 98 series measuring devices offer comprehensive power quality analysis capabilities according to DIN EN 50160 and also support residual current measurement. DIN EN 50160 defines and specifies the essential characteristics of the grid voltage at the grid connection point under normal operating conditions. In addition to visualizing current flows and load profiles, integration into the in-house DEMAS monitoring system enables intelligent real-time evaluation – including notification and alarm functions.
Integration into the data center: Monitoring meets practice
The UMD 98Flex LB was seamlessly integrated into the existing building management system. This not only allows for centralized monitoring but also for automated response to limit violations – for example, through targeted load shifting or escalation to the technical team. The devices were installed at critical measuring points, including:
- Infeed of the 10 kV supply,
- Output of the UPS systems (2 × 80 kVA with 200 batteries each),
- Emergency diesel generator (600 kVA),
- Main distribution boards to the server rooms, and
- Residual current measurement at selected feeders.
This well-thought-out placement ensures seamless monitoring of both the overall load and individual consumer groups. Faults can not only be traced but also predicted – in keeping with the spirit of proactive IT operations.
The UMD 98 series measuring instruments from PQ Plus in use at Ritter Technologie.
Residual current measurement: Early warning system for potential faults
A key feature of the UMD 98 series is its ability to measure residual currents. This method enables the early detection of fault currents that indicate insulation problems or insidious defects. In the sensitive environment of a data center, where even the smallest faults can have far-reaching consequences, this represents a decisive safety benefit. The measuring devices provide high-resolution values that are integrated into the internal alarm system. The combination of power quality analysis and residual current monitoring thus not only protects against unplanned outages but also serves as a basis for preventive maintenance.
Since the introduction of the PQ Plus measuring devices, the transparency of the data center's energy management has improved significantly. "We have not only optimized our processes but also reduced the probability of failure," summarizes R. Taegener. "Faults can now be identified and remedied at an early stage – this brings us a significant step closer to our goal: 100% availability." The PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) value is also remarkably low at 1.5, which indicates the high efficiency of the overall system.
Conclusion: Intelligent measurement technology as a strategic success factor
The use of the UMD 98Flex LB measuring devices in Ritter Technologie's data center exemplifies how modern measurement technology not only ensures security but also enables strategic energy management. In an age where power availability and quality can no longer be taken for granted, innovative companies rely on precise monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and strong partnerships.
With PQ Plus, Ritter Technologie has found a reliable partner that delivers both technological excellence and practical support – for IT operations that deliver on their promises.
Ralf Taegener is Managing Director of Ritter Technologie GmbH
