Data Centre Power

Data centre electrical services:-

Ring main units - Many data / e-commerce sites have 11kV ring main units with transformers. We usually install these in dedicated buildings external to the main site. The building may be of GRP construction or to comply with planning regulations, may be built to match the existing data centre building.

Generator support - To provide a continuous source of power throughout powercuts, a number of generators may be employed to achieve n+1 redundancy. Generators are normally installed in an external compound, although we have instaleld them in basements and on building roofs. Consideration needs to be taken when siting a generator with regards to planning, noise, fuel deliveries, heat dissipation and structural implications.

Power change over - In the event of a power failure, power needs to be transferred from mains to back up systems seamlessly. Dual feed mains / generator panel boards are used to supply UPS systems. Multiple UPS systems need to be synchronised with a common output panel and static switches are used to transfer power from one system to another within a quarter of a power cycle ensuring continuity.

Dual feed electrical panels at Heathrow and Dusseldorf sites.

UPS systems - A number of UPS systems may be installed to achieve n+1 redundancy, and supplied to a common synchronised output panel. The UPS is used to supply the data centre until the generator system is operating.

Load shedding - Essential services will normally be supplied from an essential services board, backed up with UPS and generator support. Other non essential supplies need not be supported with generator or UPS and supplied via a separate non essential board.
In some cases non essential supplies may be manually switched over to generator support.

PFC power factor correction - Due to inherent inductive loads within the data centre, power factor correction needs to be applied to increase the efficiency of the operation.

PDU Power distribution units - Final distribution systems custom made for the data centre environment, enable two supplies to be provided for each computer rack.

Schematic for a data/ e-commerce centre, showing 4 generators, 3 transformers, 11 UPSs, Changeover switchgear, mechanical panels and power distribution units

ITE Projects Ltd 2008
Company Registration No. UK 5098806
1 & 2 The Barn, Oldwick, West Stoke Road, Lavant, Chichester, PO18 9AA
Page Updated 23.06.08

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