Integrated Systems Testing with an operator, client-focused approach
Brief
To demonstrate that the designed levels of infrastructure resilience and redundancy were achieved in practice, and provide a platform for knowledge transfer to ensure on-site teams are prepared in the event of failure.
Approach:
Guided by the understanding that human error is the main risk of downtime, Operational Intelligence engaged with all relevant parties to deepen their understanding of the critical interfaces and processes in their facility.
As part of the commissioning review, gaps in the design were exposed. After having identified problems with the cooling systems, solutions were worked through with the design and installation teams. We were then able to validate the system performance in normal and emergency operating modes.
Operational Intelligence led the systems and integrated systems testing part of the handover.
Result:
OI Provided an auditable record of performance and a future reference guide. Our approach was critical in exploring all assumptions and making sure the interfaces were understood by everyone onsite. This ensured that in the event of failure, issues can be dealt with in a succinct and efficient manner.
Basis of Design – Defining and outlining an optimal specification for the client
Brief
To work alongside clients to advise and outline their defined needs for new builds in various locations around South America.
Approach:
We collaboratively engaged with key stakeholders, and analysed various design options and their long-term outcomes, including total cost of ownership. We analysed the feasibility of new technologies, and gave the client control to explore various options, and the confidence that they were making the right design decisions, in terms of local manufacturers, knowledge and capabilities.
Result:
Local design teams were given a clear design brief, ensuring that the client needs were met.
Free cooling in the UK
Exploiting free cooling in the UK through application of research and development
Brief
To evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting free cooling to a high resilience legacy design.
Approach:
Evaluating meteorological data, a model was created to review different design options. Once the most favourable option was decided upon, OI continued their involvement through the installation and handover phases.
Result – £1 million/year saving
Significant operating cost savings, around £1 million per year, an exceptional result for a legacy data centre.
Maximising Free Cooling Opportunities
Brief
To inform on and implement the most appropriate free cooling system, and provide knowledge transfer of key theories and psychrometric tools for a 20,000m2, 30MW build.
Approach:
Based on detailed calculations using meteorological data, we evaluated direct and indirect airside free cooling designs for the new build, and provided recommendations to help the client make key decisions.
Result:
The client benefited by utilising Operational Intelligence’s expertise in optimal free cooling solutions and chose a design that significantly reduced total cost of ownership.