On the way, I've matured as a person and have gained confidence from real-life problem solving.
A typical hyperscale data centre design, with the racks, then space for cabling and power, then a ceiling void and structure, will have a storey-to-storey height of often of seven or eight metres, and sometimes more.In other words, you can have two floors for data halls in a 20 metre planning envelope.. A fundamental reassessment of the integration of cooling systems and structure, and optimised M&E services zones through close coupling of electrical and mechanical systems will yield geometric reductions that can reduce floor to floor height.
Constructing less costs less, but this approach has the potential to yield much more.For example, a reduction in floor to floor height to 6.5m would enable a three-storey data centre on that same site – an instant gain of 50% in site yield and significant reduction in cost per kW.. A similar approach to close integration of design and the arrangement of primary plant and ancillary systems will optimise the data centre facility plan footprint.Again, this maximises yield per m2, with the added benefit of a reduction in costly M&E distribution paths..
Deferring CapEx, delivering predictability.Data centres are expensive.
Being able to compress the time from project inception to occupancy, as well as having reliable procurement and supply chain, and a predictable construction programme, is hugely valuable in being able to defer CapEx and cost of finance.. One of the core principles of DfMA is the standardisation of parts and construction/assembly processes.
It enables the ‘industrialisation’ of data centre design and construction.This is incredibly useful to highlight any risks within the design, but it also allows for multiple design options to be tested at an early design stage, highlighting potential opportunities for lowering energy consumption and carbon emission.
These strategies can include reducing storey heights, optimising Hot Aisle Containment (HAC) required and reducing the clearances between data racks leading to a smaller data hall footprint.. At Bryden Wood, we advocate for a broader application of CFD in optimising and innovating data centre design, aiming for a more sustainable future within the industry.. Data Hall Design Optimisation.CFD Analysis of a Switch Room.
CFD is traditionally used within data halls and Electrical Plantrooms to assess IT or Electrical Plants (e.g.UPS), both in normal running (N+X) and failure scenarios (N) and to ensure optimal cooling distribution and equipment performance.