KS: When you think of modular data center design, what comes to mind? RB: The modular data center can be a cost effectiv
Modular Data Centers Q&A with Rajan Battish (RB) and Karl Stumpf (KS): KS: When you think of modular data center design, what comes to mind? RB: The modular data center can be a cost effective
solution to traditional brick and mortar data center. The mobility, scalability and low initial investment are key drivers for the next generation of data centers as IT computing extends beyond the western world. However, the need for traditional data centers will still be there in the future, especially for large high availability facilities where economics of modular infrastructure start to fail.
KS: How long have modular data centers been in use? RB: They have been around since the 1990’s. Modular data systems are not mainstream yet, but have value for many client applications. Modular data systems can be quickly deployed and used in remote locations. More specifically, they are a reliable source for companies that have unpredictable IT computing growth and/or need scalable infrastructure without cost for large overhead in infrastructure of traditional data center.
KS: So, how do modular data centers benefit companies looking to make the transition? RB: Traditional data centers are designed for a 15 to
20 year life span, while most buildings are designed to last at least 40 years. However, IT changes every 3 to 4 years, requiring a need for a more frequent upgrade. Budget restraints often limit or prevent these updates,
More about Rajan Battish: Rajan brings more than 15 years of experience in electrical design for mission critical facilities. With a specialization in power infrastructure, Rajan pioneered the 400/230V at 60Hz for large data centers in the United States and has published numerous papers on energy efficiency and data center reliability.
CONTACT:
Rajan Battish Mission Critical Specialist
[email protected] Karl Stumpf Senior VP, Workplace
[email protected] Phone: (410) 537-6000 www.RTKL.com © 2012 Copyright, RTKL Associates Inc.
causing the IT systems to become easily outdated. Modular data centers alleviate many of these issues, allowing for updating to IT systems without total renovations. Using 1MW of incremental power and cooling, allows RTKL to design systems as low as $7000/kW for N+1 parallel redundant distribution. These modular centers are also flexible and have a quick construction process.
KS: Where does your work fit in with the modular data center of today? RB: RTKL has developed a solution that can help
realize the economies of scale in large data centers on a small to mid-size data center by using primary voltage transfer scheme and “chill assist”. The modular data center allows the user whose core business is not IT computing to have a means to develop cost effective solutions. The benefit to the client is immense – between 60% to 66% cheaper than traditional data centers.
Modular data centers are typically higher initial costs for large capacity installations and for high availability sites. However, the modular approach is best when the critical load growth is unpredictable and there is insufficient funding for traditional data center construction. The vertical system redundancy allows for economical approach to modular infrastructure for up to Tier III N+1 distributed redundant solution. The Power Utilization Effectiveness varies based on site location and can be lower for modular systems as the environment is controlled to meet specific equipment and load profiles.
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KS: How will modular data centers impact a project’s reliability, tier certification and sustainability? RB: The efficiency of a modular infrastructure is very
similar to a standard facility, therefore sustainability and tier certification will not greatly differ. However, this system is more reliable than standard data centers because it minimizes complexities by having fewer controls that need to take place. Through RTKL’s design solution, we’ve been able to demonstrate potential savings in the client’s total cost of ownership.
© 2012 Copyright, RTKL Associates Inc.
