Latest Business Opportunities in Data Centres and Cloud Computing HKFEMC Newsletter Issue 19 4 by FSICA Fire Protection on Data Centres Data Centres in Hong Kong become a very intensive facility for data storage and digital properties protection. Typically, a data centre is an enclosed volume featuring a subfloor area and a specialized HVAC system. The modern data centre contains more equipment and processes more critical information than ever before, making the loss of data or fire-related downtime even greater risks. These vital installations are susceptible to fires caused by overheated electronic components, faulty wiring, power surges, lightning strikes, arsonists and in today’s world and variable intelligent properties. Nowadays, most of the global manufacturers, retailers and technology companies rely on their global network of data processing centres for information that is the backbone of the branding solutions they offer to clients. Any interruption in the operation of their data centres could cripple the company’s ability to perform. In the specific fire services community, generally, system tailored-made for the protection for data centres can be divided into Detection, Control, Suppression systems. Why need fire specialized protection? Businesses rely heavily on global communication and information infrastructure in order to survive. Today, data centres are the core of a company and contain more equipment and process more critical information than ever before, making even the temporary loss of data or interference with data availability devastating. Fire is one of the most serious risks facing data centres. These mission critical facilities are highly susceptible to fires caused by overheated electronic components, faulty wiring, power surges, lightning strikes, arsonists and even terrorists. As a critical part of the global economy’s infrastructure, data centres need to have the highest level of fire safety. Ideally, fire protection is incorporated into the overall security solution of the data centre, providing both investment and performance benefits. Data centre is an enclosed volume featuring a subfloor area and a specialized HVAC system Intelligent Fire Detection Modern laser-based high-sensitivity-smoke detection system designed to detect fire in the incipient stage. Thousands of times more sensitive than conventional detectors, which can employ particle size discrimination technology to reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms. System consists of a detector head, piping network and other additional components like LCD display module. Intelligent detector monitors its performance, makes critical decisions and reports only when required to the fire suppression system’s control units. Data centres are areas where extensive and ultra sensitive electrical equipment are being installed and operated round the clock. In addition, valuable data are being stored in the centres. In the light of the nature of the data centres, it is important that water borne installations be carefully planned to avoid causing damages in case water leakage occurs accidently. In the first place, water borne installations & facilities shall be sited away from the data centres as far as practicable. Hence, E&M designers are suggested to co-ordinate with the planners on the positioning of lavatories, pantries, plant rooms, roof rain water outlet etc. above of the data centres especially those of top priority by PSWTA Plumbing and Drainage Installations in Data Centres centres and connected to the foul water system to discharge water due to leakage of water borne pipes. However, the water seal of drain traps shall be carefully monitored and fresh water shall be added to the traps in a regular interval to prevent escape of foul air from the foul water system into the indoor areas. For environmental control aspect, make up supply of humidifiers to maintain the humidity of the data centres shall be provided and break tank is required (for details, refer to Fig 3). Water supply may be branched off from the chilled water make up system and approval from the Water Supplies Department must be sought for the make up supply. importance. Secondly, if it is impracticable to change the locations of the water borne installations, adequate measures shall be provided to receive and safe guard leakage of water borne pipes. Corrosive resistant drip trays and enclosure with drain outlets outside the data centres is recommended for drainage pipes and water supply pipes for the entire pipe run. (For details, refer to Fig.1 & 2) Furthermore, leakage detection systems such as leakage detection cables connected to the building management system are suggested to be incorporated. Drain outlets are recommended to be provided in the data Gas Suppression and Selection Criteria As a famous Gas Suppression system type, FM200 Fire Suppression System combines rapid detection with integrated control and clean fire suppression to provide automatic 24/7 protection particular suitable for data centres or related applications. In terms of international experiences, FM200 is the predominant choice of most data centre professionals. Firstly, these systems put out fires well before the smoke, fire or ensuing water based system (i.e. sprinklers) would cause any damage to the facility. Also, they are completely safe for the occupants of the room. In some cases and countries, local authorities or insurance companies will require gas suppression system to be installed. FM200 is the predominant choice of most data centre professionals When considering the use of FM200 in the sub-floor vs. the above floor, we would consider the value of the contents, i.e. operational value will be most prevalent in the underfloor, as loss of cabling can lead to loss of power, leading to significant downtime. Also, you may want to consider the hazard level within these spaces. In some cases, the sub-floor area is not heavily occupied by cabling or other potential combustibles. In such cases, we would not include an extra level of protection for the sub-floor. In other cases, the data centre managers may think the cables and the power/information bring through at the underfloor are the most critical hazard areas, the sub-floor is the only space protected. Most commonly, both subfloor and above floor are protected by FM200. In this case, the same cylinder (or multiple cylinders manifolded together) can protect both spaces, by engineering the system piping network. Linkage to other building systems With the main bridge between hardware and fire interface with other building service systems, full-featured intelligent unit controls the complete spectrum of fire response events from detection and alarm to suppression system release. It provides pre-planned, sequential system response or immediate system actuation depending on the requirements of the application. Besides, high sensitivity smoke detection provides an extra margin of time to data centre managers to investigate the fire event in its earliest stages and often prevent the need for the suppression system activation. It’s backed by a network of intelligent detectors and a multiprocessor-based control unit to sound alarms and trigger the release of FM200, a clean, non-toxic, environmentally-friendly gaseous agent into the protected enclosure. 4 Steps for Protections The priority should be to install a reliable fire detection system that will: 1)Detect Fire: Should a fire unintentionally break out, early automatic fire detection will assist your in suppressing the fire. 2)Contain Fire: The most common waterless suppression agent used is a gas called FM200. People can be in the room for the short period of time, when used to suppress fires and it is totally benign to electronic equipment. 3)Prevent Fire: Obviously you need a fire protection system! Other measures you can put in place include carrying out a thorough risk assessment and regular fire evacuations. 4)Escape from Fire: It is critical to regularly prepare and communicate emergency action and fire prevention plans. Case Study: Beijing Olympics - Digital Beijing Building The Digital Beijing Building, a comprehensive information facility for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Occupying 98,000 square meters, with a height of 57 meters, the 11-storey building comprises of a communication data centre, equipment room, office and business rooms, and auxiliary facilities. As a government data and Olympic technical support centre, the building will provide communication and information services and guarantee information security during the Olympic Games. It will become an information service centre for the municipal government's data storage, information security, emergency-response command and information service. Digital Beijing Building, a comprehensive information facility for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 In protecting this important facility and to make sure Beijing Olympic Games go on without interruption, the user representative - Beijing Acorp M&E Engineering Co., Ltd has selected FM200 advanced fire protection delivery systems for two key buildings at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the new Digital Beijing Building and the Beijing TV Centre. As expressed by Managing Director of Beijing Acorp M&E - Steven Huang, FM200 was selected because it enables increased installation limits and flow performance. Clean agent, gaseous fire suppression systems such as the FM200 are people-safe and designed to protect critical high-value assets from the effects of fire and collateral damage from extinguishing agents like water or powder. The full scale FM200 System provides fire protection for critical power supplies, emergency control, computer and broadcasting centres.