COMRADES IN CONSTRUCTION

Data Centre Design

PROJECT BRIEFDevelop a low energy data centre for a major

computing company.

Building is to be a prime example of sustainable, low energy architecture.

Expected to be an exemplar for future data centres.

SITESite is an old derelict industrial site near the

village of Allandale.Approximate size of site is 200m x 300m.Already a fairly flat and solid surface to build on.Large open site, not a lot of

shelter except surrounding trees.Close to the motorway and

enclosed by two railway lines.

DATA CENTRE REQUIREMENTS

Data centres require a number of things in order to function, these include:

SpaceCooling/Ventilation systemPower SupplyDetection SystemsSecurity

SPACENeeded for servers, cables and ventilation.Sufficient enough for up to 50 IT, security and

maintenance staffIncludes offices, canteens and toilets etc.Power storage.

COOLING AND VENTILATIONDue to large heat gains from the IT equipment,

building requires cooling/ventilation system.Building will need to be kept at right temperature

and humidity in order for smooth operation and performance of systems.

POWER SUPPLYTotal electrical power demand of 5MWSupply has to be smooth and uninterrupted.Utilise some sort of renewables and be cost

effective.

DETECTION SYSTEMAdvanced fire and water detection systems.

SECURITYPhysical, video cameras and guards

LOCAL RESOURCES“where possible the building should source

local building materials”Forth and Clyde canal.Cowden Hill QuarryNearby FarmsLocal Wood SupplierSteel Works

The Forth and Clyde Canal - Water Supply - Water Cooling - There is no flow

Cowden Hill Quarry - Specialises in Aggregates - Concrete and stone supply - Foundation Work

Local Farms - “Feedstock” - Anaerobic Digestion - Energy Supply - Expensive

Local Steelworks and Woods

- Woodchip - Biomass - Steel Structure

ClimateTemperature• Yearly Max

Average – 12.9 °C

• Yearly Min Average – 5.4 °C

Daylight Hours• Winter – Around

7 Hours per day• Summer – Around

17 Hours per day• Yearly total –

1228.6 hours

WindAverage wind

speed – 24 km/hNatural

Ventilation Wind Turbine

PrecipitationAverage –

938mmWater collectionRainwater

harvesting (Grey Water)

Our Concept

Building size1KW per m² for

5MW requirement

5000 m² floor space for computer equipment

Additional space required for staff

Space for expansion

Building layoutConsisting of

data halls, office space and staff facilities

1 storey building to maximise roof space for PV panels

The building should be south facing to receive maximum daylight exposure.

MaterialsSteel framed

building with steel sourced from local steel works

Use of glass to provide natural lighting for staff

Foundation materials sourced from local quarries

Brief States – Maximum use of natural Light

Tubular Daylighting System (TDS)

Size range from 250mm-900mm

900mm tubing provides light for 95m2, X required.

Lighting

Power Demand 5MW for IT equipment Typical office space peak demand12W/m2 = X

W for office Energy saved with TDS, heat recovery from

IT equipmentExtra Energy expelled with additional cooling

requirements

Wind Turbines10m hub height wind turbinesAverage wind speed = 24Km/h = 6.6 m/s

Annual Energy = 0.3 x 2.09 x D x WLarger turbine (1.5MW) can be used if planning permission allows it (building height <10m)

Existing & possible solutions

Ventilation & cooling system

Natural ventilation : use the wind

Mechanical ventilation : electrical pump

Hybrid ventilation : use both natural and mechanical systems

Ventilation & cooling system

Special requirement for the data room :

• Temperature : -maintain a temperature between 18 and 27 degrees

• Never exceed 45 °C • Humidity : maintain

humidity between 40 and 60%

Existing & possible solutions

Ventilation & cooling system

Air cooling Water cooling

Google data center

Project schedule

Structural & Architectural Engineers

Mechanical Engineer All Engineers

Legend:

Future WorkPresentation 1 Site analysis – local resources and climate Case Studies Idea generation and research – geometry layout,

materials, lighting, ventilation, demand reduction, energy systems and renewable energy supplies.

Presentation 2 Further research into renewable energy and energy

systemsFinalising of materials Design lighting

Presentation 3• Selection of renewable energy supply and

energy systems• Design ventilation• Calculation of demand and supply• Quantify energy savings• Communication of results

Presentation 4• Finalising design of the building• Writing webpage

Any Questions?