🔌 From Prompt to Power: Introducing PDU Simulator v2.0 – A Data Center Tool Built with LLM Magic
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog!
https://pdu.dcops.info
My journey in the **data centre industry** has always been about managing complex systems, especially when it comes to the lifeline of any operation: **power**. I’ve recently been diving deep into the world of **Large Language Models (LLMs)** like Claude Code and ChatGPT, using them not just for writing, but for **actual application development**. It’s been a truly transformative experience, blending my data center expertise with the cutting-edge capabilities of AI-assisted coding.
The result? A new tool that I’m thrilled to share with you all: **PDU Simulator v2.0**.
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## ⚡ Why a PDU Simulator?
Anyone who manages a rack knows the tension of plugging in that last server. Is the circuit breaker going to hold? Are the loads balanced across the PDUs?
A **Power Distribution Unit (PDU)** is the unsung hero of the rack, and simulating its behavior is crucial for capacity planning and preventing downtime. This application was born out of my own need to visualize, test, and safely plan complex power layouts, and I hope it becomes an indispensable tool in your own data center journey.
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## ✨ PDU Simulator v2.0: Core Features at a Glance
This latest version is a complete overhaul, focusing on realism, reliability, and an outstanding user experience.
### 🧠 Core Functionality & Persistence
* **Multi-PDU Support**: Test setups with **2-4 PDUs** and observe intelligent **load balancing** in action.
* **Realistic Phase Simulation**: Supports **Single-phase (AP8853), Horizontal (AP7822B), and Three-phase (AP8886)** configurations to accurately model diverse environments.
* **Template Management**: Thanks to a **RESTful API** and **SQLite database** backend, you can **create, save, and delete custom device templates**. No more configuring the same server loads repeatedly!
* **Failure Simulation**: Safely test worst-case scenarios, like **PDU failures**, and see how the remaining PDUs handle the load redistribution.
### 🚨 Enhanced Visual System for Critical Alerts
We all know the importance of immediate, clear feedback. Version 2.0 features a completely revamped warning system:
* **Animated Warnings**: **Pulse effects** and **color-coded alerts** instantly draw your eye to critical conditions.
* **Breaker Trip Alerts**: Get **real-time warnings** when the load exceeds a circuit’s capacity, showing you exactly when a breaker *would* trip.
* **Interactive Charts**: Powered by **Chart.js**, dynamic visualizations give you a clear, immediate understanding of load distribution across banks and outlets.
### 🖼️ Realistic Socket Visualization
This is one of my favorite additions. It’s not enough to just see a number—you need to see the physical constraints:
* **Clear Outlet Distinction**: Visual difference between **C13 outlets** (for standard servers) and the larger **C19 outlets** (often for high-power devices or switches).
* **Interactive Drag-and-Drop**: Simply drag your custom device templates onto the realistic **CSS-rendered sockets** to place them and watch the load calculations update instantly.
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## 🛠️ The Power of LLM-Assisted Development
The speed and complexity of PDU Simulator v2.0 would have taken me significantly longer without the help of modern LLMs. They were instrumental in:
1. **Backend Scaffolding**: Quickly generating the boilerplate for the **Node.js/Express** API and setting up the **SQLite** persistence layer.
2. **Complex Logic**: Assisting with the **real-time load calculation algorithms** for the various phase configurations (Single, Horizontal, Three-phase).
3. **UI/UX Refinements**: Providing clean **Tailwind CSS** components and assisting with the logic for the **Dark Mode** toggle and responsive design.
The technology stack is modern and robust: **React 18 with Vite** on the frontend, and a **Dockerized** architecture for easy deployment and persistence.
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## 🚀 Get Started
I’ve included a **Demo Mode Toggle** that you can enable to instantly load 5 demo devices with realistic loads, complete with a testing guide to experience the visual warnings and failure simulations firsthand.
If you’re interested in diving into the code, you can find the repository (and the detailed README) on my Git page. Give it a try, save a few custom templates, and let me know how it helps you manage your rack power!
Happy planning, and stay safe out there!