INTRODUCTION
Keysource collaborated with a leading data centre facility in Norway to enhance the design of a state-of-the-art 1250kW data hall. Employing cutting-edge technology, Keysource utilised Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) assessments to validate the cooling strategy and rack layout. The exploration also extended to high-density configurations, reaching up to 30kW per rack position. This thorough evaluation surpassed standard operating conditions, encompassing simulations of normal and failure scenarios, along with layout modifications to proactively identify and address potential thermal issues before the construction phase.
Keysource’s proactive approach, fuelled by CFD expertise, successfully identified and addressed concerns related to rack temperatures and airflow under both normal and failure scenarios. This led to design adjustments before construction, ensuring optimal cooling performance and safeguarding the critical IT infrastructure.
CHALLENGES
- High density environment: The data hall aimed for a maximum load of 1250kW within a confined slab-to-slab height of 3.25 meters. Managing this dense configuration posed challenges in maintaining ideal rack temperatures and preventing hot air recirculation.
- Limited cooling information: Initial design details included information on rack layout and density but lacked specifics on fan wall unit positioning and control strategies.
- Anticipating potential failures: Accounting for equipment failures was crucial to ensure the data hall’s resilience and reliability.
SOLUTION
Our experienced CFD engineers constructed a detailed model of the data hall, incorporating:
