containerized power and cooling modules for data centers
DESCRIPTION
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 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” mentality. This presentation compares the cost of both scenarios, presents the advantages and disadvantages of each, and identifies which environments can best leverage the facility module approach.TRANSCRIPT
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.
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Facility modules Traditional facility
Upfront Cost of Standardized vs. CustomizedCustomized
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
software, and controls together
Upfront Cost of Standardized vs. CustomizedCustomized
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Upfront Cost of Standardized vs. CustomizedCustomized
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Upfront Cost of Standardized vs. CustomizedCustomized
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Additional Prefabricated Module Benefits
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Additional Prefabricated Module Benefits
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Additional Prefabricated Module 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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Additional Prefabricated Module Benefits
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
commissioningCommission
Weeks0 88
41
34Modular Traditional
Additional Prefabricated Module Benefits
Simplified training
• Prefab modules standardized with system-level interface• Greatly simplifies staff training• Reduces risk to data center due
to staff transitions
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Prefabricated Module Drawbacks
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Prefabricated Module Drawbacks
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Prefabricated Module Drawbacks
Human ergonomics
• Less user friendly than traditional data centers
• Limited space inside• Environment geared towards
equipment rather than humansq p
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Prefabricated Module Drawbacks
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Prefabricated Module Drawbacks
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
Prefabricated Module Drawbacks
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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
Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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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Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center WP 163 Presentation – June 2014
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