FACILITIES design


A prefabricated power module is designed to provide bulk power for a modular IT space or a traditional IT space within a building. The typical subsystems within a power facility module are switchgear / switchboards, ATS, UPSs with batteries, transformers, and panel boards. In addition, support systems such as lighting, security, cooling may exist in the module for enclosed form factors. Standby generators are generally a separate module that can be integrated with the power module.


Data centres use a range of cooling architectures to support the IT space, based on requirements for cost, effi ciency, reliability, etc., - physical location (climate) is also a big driver when determining the optimal approach. At a high level, typical prefabricated cooling modules include chiller plant, DX plant, indirect and direct air modules and hydronics modules. A prefabricated IT space is one that houses the IT equipment as well as the support infrastructure to distribute power and air to those systems, and a suitable work environment for the IT staff that must operate the space. Typically, such a module incorporates IT racks, PDUs, an air distribution system, cable management, humidifi cation/ dehumidifi cation equipment, fi re detection/ protection, security and lighting.


In addition to having the systems pre- engineered and integrated, having the IT equipment in a module provides the added benefi t of being a form of containment, to separate the hot and cold air streams, which is critical to effective and effi cient air distribution. As a general rule of thumb when it comes to the cost effectiveness of IT space modules, the greater the IT density per rack, the more sensible IT space modules become due to the increase in capacity of each module.


Form factor


Prefabricated data centres can take on different form factors – meaning the type of structure and its size, and shape. The form of a particular solution impacts the transportability of it, the placement of it, and its location (inside vs. outside on the ground vs. on a rooftop). In short, which form factor or combination of form factors is suitable for a given project is based on requirements such as transportability, capacity, scalability, etc. Generally, modular solutions include ISO Container, Enclosure and Skid-mounted variations.


Confi guration


There are several ways the functional blocks can be implemented in a data centre as follows:


Figure 1: A framework for types of prefabricated data centres


 Semi-prefabricated, comprised of a combination of prefabricated functional blocks and traditional “stick built” systems


 Fully prefabricated, comprised completely of prefabricated IT, power, and cooling modules


 All-in-one, self-contained in a single enclosure, with IT, power, and cooling systems


Common across all of the confi gurations is the need to deploy the data centre in weeks rather than months or years, the ability to scale the data centre if or when needed, and the desire for improved predictability of performance. There are also specifi c requirements (i.e. around space or cash fl ow or speed) that also infl uence the decision.


All-in-one data centres An all-in-one is really a specifi c type of fully prefabricated data centre, highlighted as a separate confi guration because of its unique characteristic of having the components co- located in a single structure. When multiple functions are combined into a single module, the capacity is generally more limited, e.g.,


approximately 150 kW in an ISO container footprint. This limit is higher for modules that arrive in sections and snap together in the fi eld. Beyond 2 or 3 all-in-one modules on a site (approximately 500 kW), all-in-ones tend to be cost prohibitive.


Wrapping up


There are many approaches to implementing prefabricated modular data centres; however, a lack of standard terminology for describing them has made selecting the appropriate type diffi cult. The optimal confi guration, including the right functional blocks and form factors depends on the application and specifi c business requirements. In some cases, a fully prefabricated data centre is the best approach, and for others, a semi-prefabricated approach with a mix of prefabricated modules and traditional systems is best. The best starting point is to understand the limitations and benefi ts of each form factor, as this helps ensure the optimal approach is selected. Ultimately, business needs around speed of deployment, scalability, space constraints, capacity, and cash fl ow drive the decision.


Pre-engineered vs prefabricated data centres


The terms pre-engineered and prefabricated are sometimes used interchangeably, however there are important distinctions between the two. A data centre that is pre-engineered is designed to meet pre-determined performance specifi cations, and consists of, at minimum, a documented list of materials, system level specifi cations, and drawings of the integrated system.


A prefabricated data centre is one that is pre-engineered and has its systems (hardware & software) pre-assembled, integrated, and tested in a factory environment to shorten deployment timeframe and improve predictability of performance. A reference design is an example of a system that is pre-engineered but not necessarily prefabricated. A power or cooling facility module is an example of a prefabricated system.


November 2013 I www.dcseurope.info 35


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