Safeguarding data centres
In today’s high-tech world companies are ever more reliant on data to make informed business decisions. Whether you are an individual, finance house, a multi-national or a small company or organisation, the safeguarding of personal and commercial data is of paramount importance. Rob Jacques, Spirotech’s Business Director UK, examines the importance of keeping data centres open for 24 hours a day, week-in-week out. To do this, back-up systems have to be in place, and the right infrastructure and cooling systems need to be in installed.
It seemed like the world almost changed overnight with the advent of the internet and, since then, technology developments have exploded with such creations as crypto currencies and now the awe-inspiring Artificial Intelligence (AI) which is both exciting but at the same time there is reason to be cautious moving forward.
Our reliance on the efficient operation of data centres only comes apparent to the end-user when systems ‘go-down’ - even for half an hour. This can have a major impact on the efficient running of UK plc particularly when, during such a period, a bank or banks are unable to process their customers’ monetary transactions.
We learnt that McDonald’s, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and bakery chain Greggs had tech outages during March this year which created havoc for the companies and their customers, further demonstrating our reliance on digital systems.
Whilst data centres can be targets of internet sabotage – such as ‘denial of service’ (DoS) attacks, which bombard a system with requests and prevent it from being able to function. However, a DoS attack is just one of many potential types of malevolent cyber-attacks designed to do damage and harm our infrastructure.
However, putting to one side malevolent issues, data centres need to be able to run 24/7 without any downtime. A major factor in achieving this is down to the measures in place for cooling the data systems within the building.
Risk
As you can imagine, having vast numbers of servers and networking equipment creates heat and, unless optimum operating temperatures are achieved, then the equipment and service functionality is put at risk. Loss of stored data - either temporarily, or permanently - is clearly of paramount concern to every data centre.
Spirotech is one of a small number of companies with the expertise and track record to service this ‘niche’ sector. Currently, we are working on several major data centre projects, all of which require critical equipment selection and a support package for the customer.
Given the safety and security considerations data centre managers must observe, there is no room for error. Appointing a company to do the work because it was the cheapest could prove very costly indeed.
Clearly in any such installation project, the cooling systems are of paramount importance and, therefore, careful attention needs to be taken at the design stage to cover all eventualities including a comprehensive ‘backup’ plan that covers key elements including the chiller, pumps and pressurisation. In addition, thought must be given to the communication channels between the plant itself and critical equipment parts.
Quite simply, the bigger the computer the more it must be cooled. To put this in perspective, the rise of cloud computers means that a huge amount of energy is required to manage and maintain all our data, with tens of megawatts of computer power needed.
This means computers occupy thousands of square metres of space! If the chillers, or the cooling programme were to fail, then data could be lost on a large scale.
Of course, all equipment is subject to fail at some point and that is when the backup measures need to kick-in and ensure continuity of an effective cooling system. Our control systems feedback data from pumps, valves, pressurisation units and degassers. For example, we can tell from the vacuum degasser how much air has been removed over a certain period and when, as well provide valuable information revealing trends within the system.
The same applies to the pressurisation units: information is gathered over its operational lifespan revealing what the pressure has been, report on any leaks and when there has been the need to bring in more water. (There is a link between the pressurisation units and vacuum degassers). Any faults can be signalled and sent over to whoever needs the data.
Negative pressures
A poorly designed, installed and maintained pressurisation system can lead to negative pressures around the circuit. Air can be drawn in through automatic air vents, gaskets and micro leaks. High pressure situations can lead to water being emitted through the safety valves and the subsequent frequent addition of further raw refill water. The top control unit has the electronic capabilities to effectively manage pressurisation within the system and be programmed to work in parallel with the backup system.
Air and dirt separators are another key component to maintaining the ongoing health of any heating and ventilation system and keeping pipework clean is essential.
Within our sector, there is a much smaller community serving the data centres – it’s an area not every company wants to be in or is geared up to serve. Your reputation is effectively ‘on the line’ with every project that you undertake.
It’s not just about getting the design right from the outset; it’s providing the ongoing technical and maintenance support for the project going forward.
Spirotech’s knowledge through working with data centre installations means that we have a proven track record within this sector and this is a major advantage when talking about their system needs.
