Modular Data Center Design and Panelboards for Data Centers
The data centers of some of the biggest and most successful companies in the world utilize modular data center designs. Companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon all take advantage of modular data center designs to make their data centers both efficient and flexible. When a modular data center design is utilized, it takes into account all aspects of a data center, including items like cooling systems, power services, and panelboards for data centers.
Defining Modular Data Center Design
Many IT managers have been struggling with how to best design, manage and utilize all the aspects of their data center in the most efficient way possible. Issues related to data center management include, physical size constraints, costs, power needs, flexibility, and of course, whether everything is working together as a cohesive unit. That is where modular data center design comes in.
A modular data center is designed for rapid deployment, is energy efficient and provides a high computing density. It can literally be shipped anywhere in the world that has water, power services, Internet access and an external chiller. Today they are utilized in a variety of different ways – from disaster locations, to military deployments, to government installations, modular data centers are providing a unique opportunity to a variety of different businesses.
While companies are still focused on redundancy and complexity in their data centers, they are not taking a hard look at how their data center functions and if they are being realistic in their power needs. All too often, they are overestimating their current needs by making an assumption on the future. The “X-factor” however, is how that future business will interact with newer technologies; especially as low-energy technologies continue to develop. Even today, servers are far more efficient than their predecessors; and there will continue to be improvements in energy efficiency and power allocation as it relates to data center and server room technologies.
Power Services and panelboards for Data Centers
The use of a modular data center relies on only a few external factors. One of those factors is the need for a reliable power source. It is important when considering the move to a modular data center to ask the designer if it is UL and/or CE certified, if the designer or provider understands all the integration requirements involved, and how the module or modules will “fit” into the current facility’s overall security and power systems.
When considering on-site integration – it is important that the facility or site can accommodate the overall power requirements. Voltage distribution will also need to be considered and how it will be provided to the new data center. It is also important to make sure that appropriate equipment, such as panelboards for data centers, are properly installed and can accommodate all the power needs in consideration.
These are just a few of the considerations that are part of moving to a modular data center. This is an exciting opportunity for many IT professionals, as modular data centers provide unique ways to meet the ever-changing demands of a business. It still does, however, require due diligence, especially when it comes to ensuring safe and adequate panelboards for data centers.
