Data Center Tour & Technical Deep Dive into the Power, Data and Cooling Infrastructure!

Lawrence Systems30 minutes read

The narrator visits the Deft data center for a guided tour, learning about power systems, cooling systems, and centrifugal UPS systems, with a focus on efficient and versatile power distribution units that can handle various power needs and allow for seamless upgrades without changing the entire unit.

Insights

  • The centrifugal UPS system in the data center is a crucial component that provides a seamless transition from Municipal Power loss to UPS running before generators start, ranging in capacity from 250 KW to 1.3 megawatts, with minimal maintenance requirements and a unique rotating drum design.
  • The power distribution units (PDUs) described in the text offer a versatile and efficient solution for varying power needs, with a multi-pin connector that can handle different power capacities based on the cable used. This design allows for easy upgrades without changing the entire unit, ensuring swift implementation of power requirement changes and reducing downtime associated with traditional upgrade methods.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of a centrifugal UPS system in a data center?

    The centrifugal UPS system in a data center serves as a crucial backup power source that activates within 16 seconds of Municipal Power loss, providing uninterrupted power supply before the diesel generators kick in. Ranging from 250 KW to 1.3 megawatts, this system features a rotating drum design that requires minimal maintenance, ensuring reliable power during outages.

  • How does the cooling system in a data center operate?

    The cooling system in a data center functions by drawing in cold air, passing it through radiators, and expelling it through louvers. Pumps push coolant throughout the building, while centrifugal chillers concentrate and exchange heat to the evaporation system and cooling towers. This process helps maintain optimal temperatures for the equipment, ensuring efficient operation and preventing overheating.

  • What is the significance of fiber cross-connects in a data center?

    Fiber cross-connects play a crucial role in providing redundancy and diversity for connectivity within a data center. With the capacity to handle terabit per second requests, these connections ensure reliable and high-speed data transmission between various systems and equipment. By utilizing fiber infrastructure, data centers can enhance efficiency and maintain seamless communication networks for optimal performance.

  • How does a Raspberry Pi IP KVM service benefit customers in a data center?

    A Raspberry Pi IP KVM service offers customers a convenient solution for remotely accessing and managing their equipment within a data center. This service eliminates the need for physical presence by allowing users to control their devices through a secure and user-friendly interface. By leveraging this technology, customers can efficiently monitor and troubleshoot their systems, enhancing overall operational flexibility and convenience.

  • Why is redundancy in equipment crucial for data center operations?

    Redundancy in equipment is essential for data center operations to ensure minimal downtime during upgrades or maintenance activities. By having backup systems in place, data centers can maintain continuous operations and prevent service disruptions in case of equipment failures. This redundancy also enhances reliability and resilience, safeguarding critical data and services against potential risks or technical issues.

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Summary

00:00

"Inside Deft: Modern Data Center Tour"

  • The narrator gained access to an abandoned data center and filmed a video there, which caught the attention of a larger modern data center, Deft.
  • Deft invited the narrator for a guided tour covering power systems, cooling systems, and centrifugal UPS systems.
  • The centrifugal UPS room is the loudest in the data center, taking 16 seconds to switch from Municipal Power loss to UPS running before generators start.
  • The centrifugal UPS system ranges from 250 KW to 1.3 megawatts, with a rotating drum and minimal maintenance required.
  • Diesel generators in the data center range from 500 KW to 3 megawatts, with dual starter motors, fuel filtration systems, and a day tank for immediate fuel supply.
  • The cooling system involves cold air coming in, passing through radiators, and being expelled through louvers, with pumps pushing coolant through the building.
  • The centrifugal chillers exchange heat and concentrate it to the evaporation system and cooling towers, with each unit being 1,500 tons.
  • A million-gallon water tank acts as a "cold battery," cooling water at night to reduce power consumption during peak times.
  • Fiber cross-connects provide redundancy and diversity for connectivity, with the ability to handle terabit per second requests.
  • Copper distribution includes services like IP KVM and has shifted to fiber infrastructure for improved efficiency.

13:24

Efficient Data Center Equipment Management Solutions

  • Technicians only work in panels connecting necessary cables, not on live devices.
  • Enterprise equipment may lack IPMI, requiring alternative solutions like extending a keyboard.
  • A Raspberry Pi IP KVM service is deployed for customer convenience.
  • Preference for Juniper equipment due to seamless transitions during upgrades.
  • Redundancy in equipment ensures no downtime during upgrades or maintenance.
  • Color-coded cables aid in visual organization for primary and secondary connections.
  • Offering half and quarter cabinets for varying customer needs and cost efficiency.
  • Combination locks and biometric access options for secure cabinet entry.
  • Stocking various spare parts, including drives and cables, to assist customers and maintain internal systems.
  • Diverse power distribution units and connectors require careful selection for compatibility and safety.

27:02

Efficient PDU with Versatile Power Upgrades

  • The pdu described in the text features a multi-pin connector that, depending on the cable used, can function as a 20 amp 208 volt single-phase power distribution unit handling 3 Kow of power, or be upgraded to handle 17 Kow of power without changing the chassis, making it versatile and efficient for various power needs.
  • The advantage of the pdu's design lies in its ease of upgrading without changing the entire unit, crucial for installations within cabinets. By simply swapping out the cable, upgrades can be swiftly implemented, allowing for seamless transitions in power requirements, reducing downtime and stress associated with traditional upgrade methods.
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