Challenges of Building Highly and Available Data Centres · Challenges of Building Highly ... Mission Critical Facilities in cities This session will focus on: 1) Challenges faced

Challenges of Building Highly Efficient and Available Data Centres in City CentresVello Ehvert, P.Eng, LEED A.PPresident, Ehvert Engineering

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Industry Challenges Possible Solutions

Vs.

Overview

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High demand for data centers close

to the population

Increased requirement for Mission Critical Facilities in cities

This session will focus on:

1) Challenges faced with building data centers.

2) Possible solutions based on real life examples.

Agenda

1. Why build data centres in city centres?2. Industry challenges & possible solutions: 

i. Architecturalii. Electricaliii. Mechanicaliv. Fuel Systemsv. Fire Suppressionvi. Other

3. Hoisting

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1. Why Build Data Centres in City Centres?

1. Latency

2. Existing Infrastructure

3. Proximity to Staff

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Differences – Greenfield vs. City Build Standard Data Centre Build• Greenfield or Single Story• Simple Structural Solution• Unlimited space for 

electrical and mechanical systems

• No riser issues• Easy to hoist equipment• Easy to dissipate heat

Downtown Data Centre Build• Multi‐story – difficult access• Structure not rated for 

industrial use• Limited space for electrical 

and mechanical systems• Limited riser capacity• Difficult to hoist equipment• Insufficient space for heat 

dissipation

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I. Architectural Challenges

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• Commercial Buildings are not designed for industrial applications

• Working in spaces with multiple tenants• Transportation of equipment throughout building

• Security• Structural

• Commercial Buildings are not built to accommodate data centre structural loads

• Consider Steel and New Materials• Reconsider the weight of your equipment

• Access• Limited access to spaces based on available loading dock and

elevators• Work hour restriction

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Example A:

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II. Electrical Challenges

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Issue

Generator Location

Negotiate for roof space or locate in adjacent building

Solution

Issue

Limited Incoming Capacity

Environmental Issues

Solution

Negotiate with Local PUC

Issue

Riser Capacity

Solution

Use stairwells, Elevator shafts,

etc.

Issue Solution

Perform Environmental Analysis

II. Electrical Challenges

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Look at Old Chillers that have

been replaced

Location for Cooling Towers, Chillers and

Air Handlers

Issue Solution

Consider Water vs. Air Side EconomizersConsider Return to Return solutions

Heat Dissipation

III. Mechanical Challenges

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Before After

IV. Fuel System ChallengesIssue:

• Local Authorities – TSSA• Welded Riser• Tank Size• Fire Separation

Solution:

• Consider Variance Application

• Consider Containment• Look at new piping 

alternatives• Size Day tank accordingly• Consider drywall, versus 

block solutions

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V. Fire Suppression

• Consider existing systems• Examine need for inert gas systems

• Consider recharging costs• Look at VESDA options• Consider challenges with traditional codes

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Lighting Modeling and Calculations

using Visual

Short Circuit Studies and Single

Line Design

Tools

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Analysis

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Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Analysis

ICE: Computer Modeling

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3. Hoisting and Structural Challenges

Issue:• Commercial Buildings are 

not built to accommodate data centre structural loads

• Restricting street access of high traffic areas for hoisting of equipment

Solution:• Consider new materials vs. 

steel• Reconsider weight of your 

equipment• Look at alternative hoisting 

options

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Ehvert Helicopter Promotion Videohttp://vimeo.com/33218869

Thank You!

Questions?

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Vello Ehvert, P.Eng., LEED APPresident, Ehvert Engineering

200 Adelaide Street WestSuite 201

Toronto, Ontario, M5H 1W7Tel: 416‐868‐6973Fax: 416‐868‐6001

Email: [email protected]: www.ehvert.com

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