Quick guide to data centre design phases and disciplines
Designing a data centre is a multidisciplinary and complex task. It combines different types of expertise, like structural, mechanical and electrical engineering for each phase in the design process. Here, we will guide you through the stages involved and the skills required to design and build your new data centre.
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Data centre design phases
Realising and delivering a data centre consists of multiple steps. Each step has its own set of best practices and key considerations to ensure the data centre is built efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively. Let’s have a closer look at the different design phases involved.1. Definition, assessment and planning
It all starts with a solid plan. To make sure your data centre fits all the important requirements once it’s in operation, we first need to identify what our goals and requirements are. Defining the goals and requirements is the main objective of the first phase when designing a data centre.You want to maximise your business case. Therefore, in addition to the goals and requirements, we need to identify the risks to mitigate and opportunities to capitalise on with the design of your new data centre.
And no two data centres are the same. That’s why, before we start designing a data centre, we also need to know more about the infrastructure, technology and location that we’ll be working with. For example, a new data centre on a greenfield or brownfield site requires a different design approach.
Your goals and requirements determine the design process. For example, what are the availability and efficiency requirements for your new facility? Or do you want to build your data centre in several stages? How about certifications? Do you want a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified data centre?
Whatever goals you set, they should all be incorporated into the overall budget and planning. And in addition to your own goals and requirements, there are local requirements to incorporate as well. Complying with local regulations and permitting regulations can greatly determine your planning.
By extensively analysing the goals, risks, requirements and opportunities for your data centre, an overall assessment and planning is made. Time to market is crucial and we want to have your new data centre up and running as fast as possible. Therefore, at the end of phase 1, you will have an efficient plan that maximises your business case.
2. Design
In the design phase, a detailed design plan will be developed according to the goals and requirements of the new data centre. This phase concerns architectural development and detailed design. During this phase, we’ll create a floor plan and decide on the layout. We will be looking into the layout of the rooms, the rack structure, the cabling, power distribution and the cooling systems. Throughout this phase, we get a clear understanding of all the equipment and components we want to work with.Smart solutions like reusing wastewater or limiting energy use by selecting the most efficient layout for cabling can be part of the design phase. It is important to note that this phase is an iterative process; it will take multiple iterations before a final plan is approved by all stakeholders.
3. Construction and implementation
The data centre will be constructed following the detailed design during the construction and implementation phase. During the construction, the physical installation of equipment, cabling, network components and powering and cooling systems are included. Construction teams will work with all necessary stakeholders to ensure that all safety regulations are being met.It is important to check whether all components have been installed correctly and that they are functioning as expected. For that, we will create a commissioning plan.
4. Testing and commissioning
During the fourth phase, all critical systems of the data centre are being tested for quality assurance and to ensure that they operate as designed. We want to be sure that the reliability and availability of the data centre are the same as designed. Running load tests on the equipment, power distribution, cooling systems and fire suppression systems is part of the testing phase.
Once the test results have been verified, any necessary changes can be made, and the data centre will be commissioned. Also, the certifications required (such as ISO 27001) for your new data centre will be completed during this phase. After this, your new data centre will be ready for use.
5. Operations, maintenance and monitoring
Operations, maintenance and monitoring are part of your data centre’s daily use. It involves checking the data centre’s performance and security to make the necessary adjustments. In this phase, the maintenance of the data centre takes place as well as regular testing and updates. Ongoing monitoring ensures the reliability and availability of your data centre at all times.Data centre design disciplines
As we just described, designing a new data centre takes place in several stages. Each of them requires a specific set of skills and expertise. So before starting the process of designing a new data centre, it is important to consider what disciplines we will need along the way and set up ways to coordinate across these disciplines for the best results. Matching the power supply, for example, with the physical components from a data centre combines electrical and mechanical engineering. Or designing raised floors to route cables underneath the floor which combines architecture with electrical engineering. Let’s look into the main disciplines that are involved in the design of a new data centre1. Architecture
Data centre architecture concerns the design of the overall floor plan of a data centre. Architects should align with the needs of all disciplines when making decisions about how to lay out a space. Architects may also be involved in choosing materials such as fireproofing or soundproofing, depending on the specific requirements, local building codes and data centre standards.2. Structural engineering
Structural engineering is responsible for designing and constructing the physical structure of the data centre. This includes the framing and foundation, flooring, walls, and roof. The specific challenges for data centres are providing adequate support for the weight of the equipment, designing fire suppression systems and creating an efficient layout to reduce energy costs.3. Electrical Engineering
Integrating the power supply into the data centre design is the responsibility of electrical engineers. This includes power distribution, backup power, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) systems, wiring and other electrical components. Connecting all components to a common electrical source, maintaining uptime as well as providing adequate power protection against surges and outages are also part of electrical engineering.
4. Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical engineer’s role is focused on ensuring proper data centre cooling. Considerations in mechanical engineering are cooling capacity and efficiency, temperature control, humidity levels and noise pollution from fans or other cooling mechanisms.5. (Fire) Security Engineering
With (fire) security engineering, security systems for your data centre are being designed and implemented. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, access control, surveillance and other security measures to protect the data stored in the data centre. Fire engineers are involved in the design of fire suppression systems and create procedures for responding to fires or other disasters.
Project management
In addition to these disciplines, project managers have a vital role in the design of your new data centre. A project manager is responsible for coordinating all these disciplines as well as managing stakeholders and other personnel to ensure that the entire process runs smoothly from start to finish. They are also responsible for making sure deadlines, budgets and quality standards are met throughout each phase of the project.In sum, designing a data centre may be challenging due to the dependency on the knowledge and expertise of multiple disciplines. Aligning architecture with electrical, mechanical, structural, network/IT and fire security engineering is necessary to create a future-proof and reliable data centre.
To align all disciplines and include all requirements, data centre design involves numerous steps. With the planning and assessment phase, requirements and goals will be set in alignment with the budget and timeline. The design phase covers the detailed design of a data centre, which will be constructed during the construction and implementation phase.
During testing and commissioning, tests will be conducted to ensure the reliability and quality of the data centre. Finally, with the monitoring and maintenance of data centres, reliability and availability can be ensured in the operational phase.
To align all disciplines and include all requirements, data centre design involves numerous steps. With the planning and assessment phase, requirements and goals will be set in alignment with the budget and timeline. The design phase covers the detailed design of a data centre, which will be constructed during the construction and implementation phase.
During testing and commissioning, tests will be conducted to ensure the reliability and quality of the data centre. Finally, with the monitoring and maintenance of data centres, reliability and availability can be ensured in the operational phase.
Interested in further details about data centre design? Continue your reading with our blog about key considerations for your data centre design.
