How Data center Quality Checks go a long way in making robust infrastructure for uninterrupted and smooth data flow around the globe.
“Everything is going to be connected to cloud and data and Data centers shall be our mediators.”
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft reinforces how data is the most important resource of modern society, driving its economics and Data Centers as the new nodes of information and power.
Be it having a 24X7 internet access, cloud computing services, customer relations, artificial intelligence environments or a host of communication services, the technological infrastructure that makes all of this work smoothly is the Data Centre. In short, it is a physical tech facility that serves servers, networks and computer and technical machines that facilitate the correct and unhindered operation of data service. The ever increasing reliance on data driven systems and practices across all types of services have pushed for the necessity of large Data Centers the world over.
Companies may build Data Centers for various purposes like for their own corporate use, leasing out data storage spaces to other entities or cloud services providing. So, the center could be a server stack in one room to an entire building full of equipment that enables internet access, connectivity of systems to individuals and companies, the functioning of applications on our mobile phones and computers and storage and handling of a mind boggling amount of vital data. This means that Data Centers have to be designed as robust infrastructure that are reliable and function without any snags. Commercial Data centers are secured type of building which are made to provide complete electronic security and uninterruptable service.
Data centers are classified based on the Annual maintenance hours. A One Tier system is permitted a downtime that is time when the system is unavailable usually for repairs is 28.8 hours, for a Two Tier it is 22 hours, Three Tier is 1.6 hours and Four Tier having the least with just 2.4 minutes downtime in a year and an availability of 99.995%.
FOUR LEVEL TIER SYSTEM
Building Data Centers
Additional features and elements related to civil finishes, mechanical, electrical equipment’s safety and protection mean that the construction of commercial Data Centre buildings are different from that of a regular commercial or office building. Though this building is specially designed to take equipment loads and conform to structural engineering quality standards, what sets the typology apart from other construction is the critical attention to the Quality procedures in Electrical and Fire Fighting design.
So, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) and Fire consultants are required to be complemented by Third Party Quality Control and Assurance Experts like CQRA who have domain knowledge about quality procedures that are modified for Data Centre.
Special Construction Needs for Data Centers
Raised Floors
Data Centers typically have Raised Floors to accommodate the large amount of electrical wiring that runs beneath the data equipment.
- Hence under floor supports have to be sturdy and firm enough to take machine and live loads without collapsing as this would lead to the damage of wires below.
- The supports of the raised floor system like studs or legs along with the flooring material must have a high level rating of fire protection.
Flooring Design
Epoxy flooring system is preferred over other conventional tiles in Data Centers.
- An Epoxy floor coating is a continuous surface created by mixing a resin and a curative that result in a strong chemical bond, making it durable and tough enough to take heavy equipment loads at Data Centers.
- However, undulation in the finish can occur due to poor workmanship and Quality managers must be vigilant of such issues.
- Epoxy floors do not contribute to fires or make them worse by spreading further as they have a low fire resistance which means there is a lesser likelihood of the material burning. Hence, its high rating of fire protection makes it an ideal flooring material for Data Centers.
Electrical Power Requirements – Backbone of Data Center Design
Data Centre QA/QC Experts must check the following to ensure snag free operations.
Electrical Power Backup
Power needs of the Data Centre will vary depending on the size of the facility. However providing an Electrical Power Backup on 100% of all the electrical demand of the center is non-negotiable to ensure the primary services of the center along with other systems like air-conditioning, security and fire fighting are never disrupted.
- To ensure uninterrupted services the DG sets should have a separate fuel tank with a capacity of at least 24hours to power the Data Centre in case of major electricity outage.
- Standby DG Sets must be provided in an event the main DG set malfunctions.
- DG Sets must be in soundproof enclosures and situated away from the data center building. They must be designed to have ample circulation space for hassle-free maintenance of the machine.
Low Voltage Cable Isolation
Low and Extra Low voltage or Low Current Cables Isolation is an important aspect in the Electrical design of the Data Centre.
- Machines like servers, computers, cables and UPS systems all working at the same time increases the chances of electrical interference that can distort data and an even cause data loss or disruption.
- Hence separate low voltage service corridors are recommended to maintain zero electrical signal inference over electronic equipment.
- Separate containment for high, medium and low voltage cables is also a critical aspect that must be adhered to.
Earthing System
The importance of an efficient Electrical Earthing system cannot be stressed enough in a Data Center. It protects the equipment from voltage surges reducing downtime and ensures safety of people and data by providing a safe path for electrical current to flow to the ground.
- Isolated Earthing arrangements for medium, low and extra low voltage or low current panels and Equipment is a mandatory provision.
- Even body Earthing of high, medium and low voltage panels should be interconnected.
- Dedicated earth pit of ever low current equipment is mandatory as it provides a direct and low-resistance path for the electrical current to flow safely to the ground, reducing risk of electrical damage and fires.
- Complying with electrical safety and grounding standards is mandatory for safe operation of the data centre.
Heat Dissipation Arrangement
Efficient Data Centre thermal management ensures that the electrical equipment operates at the optimal temperature ranges preventing data loss and optimizing the performance and safety and operation costs. Hence special heat dissipation arrangement assumes great importance in Data Centre electrical design.
- CRAC- Computer Room Air Conditioning Unit (CRAC) and Package Condensing Unit (PACU) are mandatory to maintain the desired low temperature.
- Fire dampers are mandatory for all wall crossing and partition as they aid in the compartmentalization of spaces in case of fires by clamping shut and preventing the spread of heat.
- Ventilation and return air ducts should be connected to CRAC units.
Server Rack With UPS
Data Centers can ensure maximum ‘up-time’ on all of the equipment by providing Uninterrupted Power Supply or UPS systems. Providing server rack with UPS mounted on shelves within the rack is an effective way of storing it near the equipment it will be powering.
The racks must be placed in such a way that there is clear access for server maintenance without any obstacles.
Fire Detection and Suppression System
- A Two-Tier Fire suppression system is recommended for Data Centers to protect personnel, building and the equipment. A well designed fire suppression system includes fire alarm sensors and smoke detector alarms.
- Provision of Novec or FM200 gas advanced fire suppression systems that are electrically non-conductive, leave no residue and are safe to be used around people.
- Water sprinkler system is to be provided as the second level of the fire suppression system at Data centers.
- A Quick response sprinkler is allowed in Data center and Quality managers must ensure that the centre is properly equipped to handle fire situations efficiently.
Planning, Procedures and Tools
There are other importance aspects of QA/ QC in Data Center Commissioning that Quality managers must pay attention to and involving Third Party Auditors can ensure their perfect adherence. These are –
- Detailed Documentation and Planning of the QA/QC activities to be carried out including equipment specifications and testing protocols.
- Setting up Standardized Inspection and Testing procedures to ensure proper installation of machines, power and cooling design testing, networking infrastructure and environmental controls to ensure proper functioning and troubleshooting.
- Tools to monitor key metrics like power usage, cooling temperatures, machine performance, automated alarms and detectors, security etc are important to incorporate in data centre commissioning.
Independent Third Party Auditors like CQRA are important when it comes to building, setting up and functioning of Data Centers as they make sure the industry standards and regulations are followed and procedures are in place for the entire duration of the project and even thereafter. Effective QA/ QC practices and timely inspections result in a facility that performs at its optimum levels and is value for the monies invested.
