Understanding data centre differences

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Video of conference presentation included!

Does size and scale make a difference?

Regardless of size and scale, each data centre needs:1. An environment designed for

computer equipment

2. Cooling systems to maintain a safe operating temperature and humidity

3. Continuous, reliable power

4. A clean environment

5. The ability to maximise its usage Common elements of all datacentres

To classify the size of a data centre, the following factors need to be taken into consideration: • Number of racks• Total power capacity• Floor area• Total incoming power• Compute capacity• Size and business served• Criticality of services supported• Total IT power

Classifying data centre size

Data centre size definitions

Small• Single room• <100kW• Home facility

Medium• Single large or

multiple small• Up to 1MW• Large company

facility or small co-location

Large• Multiple halls• Multi MW• Large co-location

or hosting facility

Small FacilityCommon features • Tee off from a tenancy

LV supply• Shared with an office supply• Other tenants on the supplyRisks & challenges• Supply is out of direct control• Building maintenance impactBenefits• Low cost supply• Direct with Building Managers,

not Authority.

Medium FacilityCommon features• Dedicated LV supply• Dedicated substation• Shared feeder from street

HV supplyRisks & challenges• Risks at an Authority level• Transformer & HV assets

owned by others• Provision of easements –

sacrifice flexibility Benefits• Greater control over supply• Not sharing with non-DC

users at the LV level.

Large FacilityCommon features• High voltage customer

(11kV, 22kV, 33kV)• Private HV network, distribution

and transformer system• Dedicated feeder from zone or

Sub Transmission Station

Risks & challenges• Any impact on supply will be

widespread –disaster planning• Long lead times on upgrades• High costs

Benefits• Greater security pf supply • Maximum control over site

and infrastructure• Improved power costs.

Incoming power supplies

Differing regions of control

An overview of incoming connections

SmallLimited within building.

MediumControl over immediate environment.

LargeControl over wider environment.

Critical supplies of different data centres

Critical supplies of different data centres

Common features• Single supply source

and distribution• Small local UPS• No or shared tenant

generator

Risks & challenges• Limited redundancy in

the system• Primary Assets owned

and maintained by others

• Limited ability to upgrade

Benefits• Low cost supply• Drives alternate

solutions

Power supplies for small facilities

Common features• Redundant Distribution

and UPS systems• Dedicated backup

generators –Possibly redundancy

• On site fuel storage

Risks & challenges• Need reliable

maintenance contractors

• Minimal quantities of equipment

• Limited control with suppliers due to scale

Benefits• Dedicated resources

for the datacentre• Maintenance and

access can be restricted and controlled

• Higher levels of resiliency allow for improved maintenance

.

Power supplies for medium facilities

Common features• Multiple backup

systems with high levels of redundancy

• Multiple systems• DRUPS likely for high

power sites

Risks & challenges• Multiple systems to

maintain• System complexity

significantly higher• Likely based on larger

power blocks

Benefits• FM have higher

familiarity with systems – maintenance activities are frequent

• Improved supplier power due to scale

Power supplies for large facilities

SmallLimited complexity, but heavy reliance on a few key staff.

MediumGreater complexity, but dedicated FMs.

LargeMajor complexity, but detailed procedures and broad FM teams.

Complexities of different systems

Cooling systems

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Small FacilityCommon features• Using base building cooling • May be dedicated units• Operating from base building

plant systemsRisks & challenges• Limited control over base

building resources• May be physical restrictions –

roof heightBenefits• Likely to be lower loads• Small modular systems

suitable

Medium FacilityCommon features• Dedicated central plant

facilities• Computer room specific

cooling technologiesRisks & challenges• Increase in complexity• Greater need to co-ordinate

and integrate multiple systemsBenefits• Access to different systems –

free cooling

Large FacilityCommon features• Larger scale modules• Utilise High voltage Risks & challenges• Multiple systems to maintain• Difficulties with reticulation

and distribution Benefits• FM have higher familiarity with

systems as maintenance activities are frequent

• Improved supplier control due to scale

Cooling systems in different facilities

Cooling Systems – In a nutshell

Small Restricted based on space and budget constraints.

MediumAble to investigate alternate options.

LargeDriven by modularity and efficiency of scale.

Key differences between small, medium and large data centres

Sphere of control changes with size • Small – limited to immediate surrounds• Medium – control of the DC• Large – greater influence over external agencies

Mix of skills required shifts • Small – broad and wide ranging• Medium – dedicated services teams• Large – technical specialists essential

Technical drivers are different• Small – limited by space and building constraints• Medium – open to wide range of options• Large – driven by modularity and economy of scale

Want more information?

Contact

Matt GurrAurecon Associate+61 2 9465 5410Matt.Gurr@aurecongroup.com

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