IT aside, the vast majority of power usage in a data centre is due to cooling and the need to relocate heat away from the CPU. Traditionally, air cooling is the go-to solution and makes up the vast majority of cooling solutions in the data centre world.
IT aside, the vast majority of power usage in a data centre is due to cooling and the need to relocate heat away from the CPU. Traditionally, air cooling is the go-to solution and makes up the vast majority of cooling solutions in the data centre world.
IT aside, the vast majority of power usage in a data centre is due to cooling and the need to relocate heat away from the CPU. Traditionally, air cooling is the go-to solution and makes up the vast majority of cooling solutions in the data centre world.
IT aside, the vast majority of power usage in a data centre is due to cooling and the need to relocate heat away from the CPU. Traditionally, air cooling is the go-to solution and makes up the vast majority of cooling solutions in the data centre world.
IT aside, the vast majority of power usage in a data centre is due to cooling and the need to relocate heat away from the CPU. Traditionally, air cooling is the go-to solution and makes up the vast majority of cooling solutions in the data centre world.
Now in it’s sixth year, Keysource’s State of the Industry Report 2023, focuses on the data centre trilemma: balancing speed, substance and sustainability. It’s packed with insights from over 250 data centre professionals, and it’s essential information for anyone involved in our industry.
The report highlights the trilemma the industry is facing in dealing with the competing and compelling challenges of developing and delivering on sustainability targets; the pressure to speed up project delivery to remain competitive; and the continuing supply chain and skills issues. This is against a background of rising costs and new EU and imminent UK Regulation changes.
”The pressure to speed up project delivery is perhaps the most concerning finding of the report with 75% of those surveyed identifying quality issues which could reasonably have been identified or better managed earlier as a result. Certainly, we are seeing some organisations prioritising speed above all else which is at best risky, especially considering our respondents’ strong concerns about getting the correct advice as the skills shortage continues to bite.
Jon HealyChief Operating Officer, Keysource
The report shows that the skills shortage continues with competing demand both ‘client side’ and within the supply chain for the same people. This is reflected by the fact that only a third of respondents are confident in the quality of the information that is being provided which negatively impacts the ability to make informed decisions. As a result, nearly half of respondents chose to sub-contract more projects or services than they had planned, as the industry turns even more to supply chain partners to keep to programme timescales. According to the majority of respondents this approach had a positive impact including better quality and quicker delivery, with the inevitable trade off of a higher cost.
There are some encouraging findings around sustainability with 69% of respondents having a seat at the table when discussing sustainability targets and over half having a separate ‘green budget’ that can be used for sustainable solutions and initiatives. However, this positive progress is at odds with the just 17% who consider sustainability to be a high priority and the fact that less than a third said they were making significant progress with their sustainability strategy – with over half still not having one at all! In addition, 64% of respondents haven’t evaluated the carbon impact of existing data centre services and solutions and 57% aren’t intending to evaluate future investments, meaning missed opportunities to make both carbon and financial savings.
”The inrush of available capital that we have seen enter the data centre market is reflective of its promising returns and the comparative performance of other markets. This is coupled with a relatively low risk given its resilience through recent years, which is overall very positive for the short and medium term of the industry. This said, these conditions can quickly change given the influences this sector has from a range of areas such as technology, regulation, energy resources, corporate governance, and a lack of skilled people.
So, whilst this year’s state of the industry report shows that the data centre and related sectors continue to grow despite these challenges and the current global unrest, political scepticism, and economic uncertainty, it also flags that a number of common challenges still remain and these are forcing decision makers to operate differently. Our industry has a clear trilemma and the need to solve all three are equally important!
Jon HealyChief Operating Officer, Keysource
Speak to our team today for tailored advice and guidance on creating and operating a data centre fit for the next generation of computing.
Keysource Ltd, based in Gatwick, has fought off stiff international competition to scoop a prestigious RoSPA Award, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety excellence.
Keysource won a Gold Award in the Heath & Safety for an 8th consecutive year. Demonstrating its dedication to ensuring its staff get home safely at the end of every working day.
The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK. Now into its 67th year, the Awards have almost 2,000 entries every year, covering nearly 50 countries and a reach of over seven million employees. The programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.
While most awards are non-competitive – recognising individual organisations’ achievements – competitive awards are presented in 20 industry sectors and for specialist areas of health and safety management.
Sponsored by Croner-i, the RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry.
”Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded.
We are thrilled that Keysource has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.
Julia SmallRoSPA’s Achievements Director
Join Keysource today and become a driving force behind our innovative solutions. With our expert team, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to a greener future, together, we’ll lead the way in shaping a more sustainable world. Join us now and make a lasting impact!
We are committed to sustainability, and we are always looking for new ways to reduce our environmental impact. We use the latest technologies and techniques to design and build data centres that are as efficient as possible, improving their energy efficiency, reducing their water consumption, and minimising waste.
Keysource, the global datacentre and critical environment specialist has completed a major design and expansion project for Datum Datacentres at its site on Cody Technology Park, Farnborough. The expansion supports Datum’s ambitious growth plans and commitment to providing high levels of security and client support.
Part of a £7 million investment, the project involves the creation of a new data hall and associated ancillary areas. Located in the fallow space on the first floor, it operates alongside the ground floor and first floor facilities, providing 380 rack positions, a cooling infrastructure for 1000kW of IT load with N+1 resilience and a power infrastructure for 1000kW of IT load with 2N resilience.
Sustainability was a key driver in this expansion project, so the solution has been designed to deliver efficiency and support net zero targets. It includes generators that use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, reducing the CO2 emissions during testing or emergency operation. The UPS solution uses lithium-ion batteries which removes the need for the additional cooling required when using traditional lead-acid battery banks, and providing an extended life expectancy which will result in less frequent lifecycle replacements. In addition, the cooling solution is highly optimised to dynamically respond to demand and external ambient conditions for high levels of free cooling.
Working closely with the Datum team, Keysource initially produced a performance specification and associated RIBA Stage 3 design. The preconstruction package was scoped and programmed to reduce the overall delivery programme by expediting LLE (Long Lead Equipment) procurement and mitigating other risks inherent of a data centre project, such as permissions and approvals.
Keysource delivered the project along with a range of specialist services associated with design, cost management, engineering and commissioning. This included a combined Building Management System (BMS) and Power Management System (PMS) to provide analytics and insight into solution and sub-system operation, allowing for changes to be made in operation which maximise operational efficiency and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.
”Planning during the preconstruction phase ensured there was zero risk of downtime and operational disruption and that existing client SLAs and OLAs were maintained. We also understand and support Datum’s sustainability ambitions and those of their clients. These are reflected throughout our collaborative projects, which aim to reduce the amount of scope 2 and 3 emissions.
Jon HealyOperations Director at Keysource
”Keysource has been our trusted advisor since 2013 and our partnership continues to grow. Keysource has completed a range of projects for us including a number of upgrades and fit outs to meet the requirements of both our new and existing clients. They were also part of the team behind our recent acquisition of Teledata UK, a colocation data centre in Manchester.
Dominic PhillipsCEO at Datum
Keysource is a leading provider of data centre design, construction, and management services. We have a proven track record of delivering sustainable data centres that meet the needs of our clients.
Our team of experts can help you every step of the way, from planning and design to construction and commissioning. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and goals, and we will develop a custom solution that meets your budget and timeline.
We are committed to sustainability, and we are always looking for new ways to reduce our environmental impact. We use the latest technologies and techniques to design and build data centres that are as efficient as possible, improving their energy efficiency, reducing their water consumption, and minimizing waste.
Did you know that Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations have been proven to improve cooling efficiency by up to 20% and reduce energy consumption by up to 30%?
These statistics highlight the immense potential of CFD in optimising data centre operations. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by the Society of Computational Fluid Dynamics (SCD), a staggering 70% of organizations recognize the undeniable impact of CFD simulations in gaining a competitive advantage.
Data centres are essential for all organisations, but they can also be costly to operate. One of the biggest expenses for data centres is cooling, which can account for up to 40% of the total energy usage. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool that can help data centre operators improve efficiency and performance by optimizing cooling systems.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful simulation technique that utilizes mathematical algorithms and computer modelling to study and analyse fluid flow, heat transfer and other related issues that may impact efficiency.
For data centres in particular, CFD enables operators to visualise and understand the complex airflow patterns, temperature distribution and thermal behaviour within the facility.
By accurately modelling these factors, Keysource can help data centre operators make data-driven decisions to optimise cooling strategies, reduce energy efficiency and enhance overall operational performance.
Effective cooling is critical for maintaining optimal operating conditions in data centres. CFD allows operators to precisely model and simulate the airflow and temperature distribution throughout the facility, identifying hotspots, areas of recirculation and potential airflow obstructions.
By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the thermal behavior, operators can optimise cooling systems, implement targeted airflow management strategies and reduce the risk of equipment overheating or failure.
Data centres consume significant amounts of energy and efficient cooling is a major contributor to operational costs. By leveraging CFD, operators can optimise airflow patterns, identify opportunities for air containment and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Studies have shown that implementing CFD-driven optimizations can lead to energy savings of up to 30%, resulting in substantial cost reductions and improved sustainability.
CFD enables data centre operators to conduct virtual “what-if” scenarios, evaluating the impact of potential changes or additions to the facility.
By simulating the effects of equipment upgrades, layout modifications, or changes in operational conditions, operators can proactively assess risks, identify potential bottlenecks and ensure optimal performance before implementing any physical changes. This predictive analysis approach minimizes costly trial-and-error processes and facilitates informed decision-making.
When expanding or designing a new data centre, CFD can play a crucial role in optimizing equipment placement and airflow management. By simulating various configurations and scenarios, operators can determine the most efficient layout, identify potential hotspots and ensure proper cooling to maximize the capacity and reliability of the infrastructure.
Glastonbury, the renowned music festival that captivates audiences worldwide, is not just about the artists on stage. Behind the scenes, there’s a hidden world of technology and infrastructure that ensures the seamless streaming and broadcasting of this iconic event. At Keysource, we’re proud to play a crucial role in supporting our client, Timeline Television, as they bring the magic of Glastonbury to screens everywhere. Let’s take a closer look at the partnership between Keysource and Timeline Television and the essential role of data centres in the world of critical infrastructure and entertainment.
Timeline Television, a leading UK television broadcasting company, relies on a cutting-edge data centre located at Ealing Broadcast Centre (EBC) to deliver world-class post-production services, broadcasting facilities, and systems integration to the international TV market. Keysource has been entrusted with the critical facilities management contract, ensuring the flawless operation of this vital infrastructure.
Data centres serve as the backbone of the modern digital world, supporting a wide range of industries and services. At Glastonbury, where millions of fans eagerly await their favourite performances, a robust network of data centres and critical infrastructure is essential for smooth streaming, online ticketing, and overall event management. Keysource’s collaboration with Timeline Television brings these hidden worlds into the limelight, showcasing the pivotal role data centres play in delivering unforgettable experiences to viewers.
The EBC data centre, developed in 2021 through an ambitious transformation project, was converted from an 800-rack facility into state-of-the-art studios and a 60-rack data centre. With up to 3MW of capacity, this facility boasts cutting-edge power and cooling infrastructure, ensuring reliable operations even in the most demanding broadcast scenarios. For Timeline TV, who provides broadcasting facilities for key events like the football World Cup, political debates, and corporate conferences, uptime and resilience are critical.
Keysource’s mission is to achieve optimum performance and prevent any unplanned downtime at the EBC data centre as Luke Brimelow, Operations Manager at Keysource, explains:
“Due to the criticality of this facility where any unplanned downtime could result in TV programs going off air, our aim is to achieve optimum performance. By identifying and managing issues that affect all aspects of the facility before they become critical, this joined-up approach to fault finding and resolution maximizes critical availability, efficiency, and resilience.”
The importance of uninterrupted broadcasting was underscored by a major incident in September 2021 when a fire suppression system triggered at Red Bee Media’s London broadcast centre, resulting in widespread disruptions and many TV channels going off air. The incident highlighted the criticality of reliable power and cooling infrastructure and the importance of proactive maintenance and support, both of which Keysource provides to Timeline Television.
As you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Glastonbury, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts powered by organisations like Keysource and Timeline Television. From delivering high-definition broadcasts to seamless streaming experiences, this collaboration ensures that viewers around the world can enjoy the magic of live events without interruptions.
Keysource remains committed to supporting critical infrastructures, such as data centres, that make moments like Glastonbury possible, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Timeline Television in shaping the future of entertainment.
Data Centre's Resilience
Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes insights from Keysource, as we continue to provide cutting-edge solutions for data centre design, energy efficiency, and infrastructure management.
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