Enhancing Cooling Capacity in a Live Data Centre Environment
University of Cambridge
West Cambridge Data Centre
The West Cambridge Data Centre project involved upgrading the cooling capacity across three data halls to support increased operational demand. This was achieved by installing a new water cooling plant and executing construction works to separate Data Hall 1 from Halls 2 and 3. The challenge was to carry out these works while the data centre remained fully operational, ensuring no disruption to business activities.
The project included the installation of three external cooling towers, pumps, associated pipework, electrical power supply, and building management system (BMS) controls, all integrated with the existing infrastructure.
Working in a live data centre presented significant challenges, including managing complex interfaces with live systems and addressing base build issues with limited information. Meticulous planning, precise execution, and close coordination between the construction and operational teams were essential to maintaining business continuity.
Despite these challenges, the project successfully enhanced the cooling capacity of the data halls without interrupting ongoing operations. This upgrade has provided the data centre with increased reliability and scalability, ensuring it can support future growth and higher cooling demands. The project demonstrates a strong capability in managing complex infrastructure upgrades in sensitive environments.
West Cambridge Data Centre
The West Cambridge Data Centre project involved upgrading the cooling capacity across three data halls to support increased operational demand. This was achieved by installing a new water cooling plant and executing construction works to separate Data Hall 1 from Halls 2 and 3. The challenge was to carry out these works while the data centre remained fully operational, ensuring no disruption to business activities.
The project included the installation of three external cooling towers, pumps, associated pipework, electrical power supply, and building management system (BMS) controls, all integrated with the existing infrastructure.
Working in a live data centre presented significant challenges, including managing complex interfaces with live systems and addressing base build issues with limited information. Meticulous planning, precise execution, and close coordination between the construction and operational teams were essential to maintaining business continuity.
Despite these challenges, the project successfully enhanced the cooling capacity of the data halls without interrupting ongoing operations. This upgrade has provided the data centre with increased reliability and scalability, ensuring it can support future growth and higher cooling demands. The project demonstrates a strong capability in managing complex infrastructure upgrades in sensitive environments.