Containerized Power and Cooling Modules for Data Centers

Containerized Power and C li M d l f DCooling Modules for Data CentersCentersSchneider ElectricSchneider Electric Data Center Science Center White Paper 163

Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014

Standardized, pre-assembled and integrated data center facility power and cooling modules are at least 60% faster to deploy, and provide a first cost savings of 13% or more compared to traditional data center power and cooling infrastructure. Prefabricated modules also referred to in the data centerPrefabricated modules, also referred to in the data center industry as containerized power and cooling plants, allow data center designers to shift their thinking from a customized “construction” mentality to a standardized “site integration”construction mentality to a standardized site integration mentality. This white paper compares the cost of both scenarios, presents the advantages and disadvantages of each, and identifies which environments can best leverage the facilityidentifies which environments can best leverage the facility module approach.


Introduction

Challenge of deploying a data center

• Prefabricated modules are pre-engineered, pre-assembled / integrated, and pre-tested data center physical infrastructure systems

• Delivered as standardized “plug in” modules to a data center site• Delivered as standardized plug-in modules to a data center site• Benefits include

• cost savings• time savings

i lifi d l i• simplified planning• improved reliability• improved agility• higher efficiency

a higher le el of endor acco ntabilit• a higher level of vendor accountability• Compared to traditional approach, saves

• 60% in deployment speed• 13% in first cost


Upfront Cost of Standardized vs. CustomizedCustomized

Standardized – faster and less costly to deploy than traditional

First cost savings

First costCooling: $1.75/watt

Cooling: $2.00/wattPower: $2.20/watt

Design /Installation Installation

First cost savings: 13%Power: $1.90/watt

While prefabricated module materials or

Design

module materials or “system” cost is higher, savings in design and installation costs yield a

Hardware / Software

Hardware / Software

13% net savings


Facility modules Traditional facility


Hardware/Software costs

• Includes• mechanical and electrical roommechanical and electrical room

physical infrastructure hardware

• management and controls system

• System costs about 40% higher for facility modules• cost of the additional materials• cost of pre-assembling,

integrating the hardware, software and controls together


software, and controls together


Design costs

• Two types of design costs• equipment selection and layoutequipment selection and layout• site plan design and engineering

• Prefabricated modules• equipment selection and layout• equipment selection and layout

done in factory• rolled into system cost

• site plan design and engineering p g g gcost reduced by 80%

• simpler process• Involves fewer tradesmen



Installation costs – significantly less for prefabricated

• Includes all work performed in the field to assemble, integrate and , gcommission system for operation• Systems project management• Site prep and site project p p p j

management• Power and cooling system

installation• Management /controls installation

and programming• Commissioning



Installation costs – who is responsible?

Traditional Approach Facility ModulesBegin

ConceptionConception

SolutionProvider

ManagementR ibilit

Schematic design

Design development

Schematic design

Design development

ata Ce

nter

ife Cycle

ResponsibilityConstruction documents

Bidding / negotiation for parts

Construction documents

Bidding / negotiation for parts

Da Li Acquisition of components

Manufacturing / installation

O ti

Data CenterOwner

ManagementResponsibility

Acquisition of components

Construction /

O ti

installation


End

Operations

Decommissioning

Operations

Decommissioning

Further Cost Savings of Prefabricated ModulesModules

Maintenance costs

• End-user saves by contracting “one stop shop” module maintenance

• Save on software/management upgrades g pgwith standard firmware upgrades


Further Cost Savings of Prefabricated ModulesModules

Energy costs

P i d d i f f b d l• Pre-engineered design of prefab modules allows for better integration of power and cooling system controls Integrating chiller plant controls from• Integrating chiller plant controls from diverse components leads to less efficient operation and increased energy consumptionPUE predictable in prefab modules• PUE predictable in prefab modules

• 20% lower energy costs than traditional


Additional Prefabricated Module Benefits

Predictable efficiency

• Allows consumer to specify and manufacturer to publish expected efficienciesefficiencies

• based on real measurements of the design• Predictability attractive for businesses focused on energy efficiency

initiativesinitiatives



Portability

• Example: A business needs to deploy data center power and cooling but the lease expires in 18 monthsbut the lease expires in 18 months

• They can physically move data center infrastructure investment with them



Financial

• Prefab modules classified as equipment rather than a buildingC ld ff t i d fi i b fit• Could offer tax, insurance and financing benefits



Hedge against uncertainty

• Prefab modules a wise option for uncertain future growthFl ibilit f li d i ht i i i i i i k• Flexibility of scaling and right-sizing minimizes risk



Speed of deployment

• Traditional data centers – up to 2 years from

Time to Deployment Estimates (in weeks)

Design & Engineering

2412 60% time savings

concept to commissioning for deliver

Factory Production

4

1614

32

• Data centers built with prefab modules delivered i l h h lf

Construction

Testing

1614

31

End of traditionaltimeline

in less than half the time from concept to commissioning

Installation

Commission

256

41

End of modulartimeline


commissioningCommission

Weeks0 88

41

34Modular Traditional


Simplified training

• Prefab modules standardized with system-level interface• Greatly simplifies staff training• Reduces risk to data center due

to staff transitions


Prefabricated Module DrawbacksDistance between prefab modules and internal data center

• Greater distance• Increased cost to run cable, piping• May need to break through multiple walls, floors, or ceilings

• Cost could be prohibitive


Prefabricated Module Drawbacks

Physical risks

• Exposed to outside elementsS th• Severe weather

• Malicious intent• Vehicle traffic

A i l i t i f t ti• Animal, insect infestation



Arrangements for power provisioning and network connectivityconnectivity

• Must establishAdditi l di t ib ti h b k it h• Additional power distribution such as breakers, switchgear

• Fiber connections



Restrictive form factor

• Blocks may be too heavy for building roofP f b d l di i li it th l th i f• Prefab module dimensions may limit growth unless there is space for more prefab modules



Human ergonomics

• Less user friendly than traditional data centers

• Limited space inside• Environment geared towards

equipment rather than humansq p



Serviceability

• Some prefab power and cooling module doors located outsideO i d i t t t ti ll h f l td• Opening doors exposes equipment to potentially harmful outdoor elements



Local code compliance

• New technologyL l id li t t b• Local guidelines may not yet be established

• Possible inconsistencies among different localesdifferent locales

• Local codes impact the level of module engineering and customization required to securecustomization required to secure Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) approvals



Transportation

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stipulates dimensions of transported(TSA) stipulates dimensions of transported containers in US

• Roads outside of North America may be even smallereven smaller

• Non-standard wide loads require special permits, escorts

• Increases cost of transporting prefabIncreases cost of transporting prefab modules


ComparisonFactor Traditional data center build out Facility module

Time to deploy 12 to 24 months represents a typical timeframe Can be designed, delivered, installed, and operational within 8 months or less

Cost to deploy High up front capital cost with extensive field assembly, installation, and integration

Allows data center to be built out in large kW building blocks of pre-manufactured power and cooling capacity

Regulatory approvals on an ad-hoc basis for the various steps of the infrastructure layout This Data center owners who choose to install facility

Regulatory roadblocks

various steps of the infrastructure layout. This approach often results in delays that impact the initiation of downstream construction. The end user is responsible for securing approvals.

modules should check with local authorities prior to installation. Permitting processes may vary greatly across different geographies.

SecurityPhysical security is enhanced when assets are located deep within the building, away from the outside perimeter

Location of physical infrastructure assets outside of the building increases exposure to outside physical security and weather threats

From a physical infrastructure perspective, a retrofit Specialized equipment (such as a crane) is needed to

Installationcan be more complex and more invasive than a build out of a new data center. Infrastructure components need to be installed individually, started up individually and then commissioned.

maneuver 20 and 40 foot pre-configured facility modules. A “docking station” needs to be configured for connection to building pipes and electrical. Started up as one integrated unit.

Tax implications Recognized as permanent part of the building

Reported as temporary structure which can be more attractive from a tax perspective (see Schneider-Electric White Paper 115, Accounting and Tax Benefits of Modular, Portable Data Center Infrastructure)

Reliability

The solution is assembled on site from various parts and pieces provided by multiple vendors. This increases the need for coordination and therefore, creates more chances for human error.

More predictable performance because components are pre-wired and are factory acceptance tested before shipping. Smaller modules reduce risks of human error: If a failure occurs, the entire data center doesn’t go down.

Existing structures often limit the electrical efficiencies that can be achieved through optimized power and

Efficiencythat can be achieved through optimized power and cooling distribution; complex custom configured controls often result in suboptimal cooling operation, reducing efficiency

Facility modules can utilize standard modular internal components and can be specified to a target PUE.

Carbon footprint

Construction materials utilized are high in carbon emissions. Brick, insulation and concrete are all carbon emission intensive materials. Concrete is often used for floors, walls and ceilings.

Steel and aluminum produce about half the carbon emissions of concrete. Concrete is only used to pour a support pad. Significantly less concrete is needed for facility modules as opposed to a comparable “b ildi h ll’ d t t


o e used o oo s, a s a d ce gs “building shell’ data center.

ServiceabilityTraditional data centers have more room for service people to maneuver. All servicing is protected from any harsh weather elements.

Servicing is more limited with facility modules because of space constraints. In some cases equipment can only be accessed by opening a door from the outside and exposing equipment to outside elements (heat, moisture, cold).

Types of Prefabricated Module

• Traditional 40x8 foot (12.2 x 2.4 meter) freight containersC t i d dd f b l t• Customized add-on prefab plants

• Modular add-ons to existing buildings• Classic ISO freight containers and skids• Modular indirect evaporative cooling modules


Applications of Data Center Prefabricated ModulePrefabricated Module

Typical applications

• Colocation facilities seeking faster, cheaper ways to “step and repeat” computer power and support systems for their customerscomputer power and support systems for their customers

• Data centers that are out of power and cooling capacity or physical spaceN f iliti ith ti ht ti t i t• New facilities with tight time constraints

• Data center operators in leased facilities• IT departments with staff willing to manage power and cooling• Data center facilities whose existing infrastructure has poor PUE• An organization with vacant space


Conclusion

● Prefab modules provide alternative to traditional data centers● Prefab modules provide alternative to traditional data centers● Changes planning cycle from onsite construction focus to onsite

integration of pre-manufactured, pre-tested power and cooling blocks● Ideal applications● Ideal applications

● A new data center seeking faster, cheaper ways to “step and repeat” computer power and support systemsO i ti ith t● Organizations with vacant space

● Existing data center with space, power, cooling capacity constraints


ResourcesAccounting and Tax Benefits of Modular, Portable Data Center InfrastructureWhite Paper 115

Economizer Modes of Data Center Cooling SystemsWhite Paper 132

Data Center Projects: Growth ModelWhite Paper 143

TCO Analysis of a Traditional Data Center vs. a Scalable, Containerized Data CenterWhite Paper 164

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Containerized Power and Cooling Modules for Data Centers