I wanted to ask for advice on running high performance computing workloads off-grid while relying on a UPS or portable power system. Since HPC tasks—like simulations, data analysis, or GPU-heavy workloads—consume a lot of power, I’m trying to figure out the best ways to maximize uptime and efficiency.
Some areas I’m particularly curious about:
• How to balance workload intensity with available battery capacity.
• Whether it’s better to run smaller jobs continuously or larger jobs in short bursts.
• Effective ways to integrate solar or other charging sources to extend runtime.
• Tips for avoiding sudden shutdowns or power drops during long compute sessions.
If anyone has real-world experience with this, I’d really appreciate your insights. What strategies or setups have worked best for you to keep HPC workloads stable while off-grid?
Hi @leoarthur This is one of those questions “How long is a piece of string” lol. That said, I managed a high end design network, the workstations were not UPS protected, but the servers were. I also had the software used configred to do an Auto backup of active files every 30 minutes to the server.to minimise loss.
The firs question I would ask myself is; Where I am located, how often does the grid fail and on average for how long? This will advise you of an average duration.
,<br>You then need to put a power meter on your devices (one meter on a power board will do multiple devices). This will give you a Watts load and from that a Watt hour usage. That will then allow you to determine the battery capacity of your UPS.
A;though not computing, I use “smallish” Bluettis for home backup. I’ll note my process in the next post as it may serve yor needs.
I have 3 x AC180’s 1152Wh and 1,800W inverter. 2 x AC70s 768Wh and 1,000W inverter. 1 x AC200P 2,000Wh and 2,000W inverter.
I have 1 x AC70 permanently in UPS on my internet WiFi Router, plugged into the grid socket. it draws 25W on average. I have an indoor generator tranfer switch on my 4 power circuits (GPO outlets in the house). My average load for the home fridge, TV, laptop and phone charging is approx 500W.
My process is to "piggy back 2 x AC180s, their inverter will handle my load. AC180-1’s outlet feeds the house. Its AC charging cable is plugged into the outlet of AC180-2.
Therefore AC180 is full as AC180-2 is acting like an UPS for it. when AC180-2 is near empty, I change it out for another power station to continue feeding AC180-1. AC180-2 is then taken outside and recharged from either a petrol generator, solar or even my vehicle with Charger 1. And so on with the feeding power station, which means as long as I have petrol, sunshine or a usable vehicle, I can last ad infinitum. Lol.
My point is - Yes you need some equipment, but process is also vitally important. Hop this helps.
I forgot to mention, that as the AC70 powering the WiFi is plugged into a power socket, the AC180-1 continues to run it as long as everything else lasts.
Airconditioning, electric oven and other high power consumption devices are not used. However, I do have a Gas stove top and hot water system for cooking and showering. You don’t need a big battery, just 2 or 3 smaller ones with reasonable capacity. Leaving one permanently connected as UPS and the others acting as UPS to it, to rotate out and charge.
