As demand for data to be stored grows, the demand to build new data centres continues to rise. This has led to more companies rushing to build and, in doing so, failing to assess business needs effectively.
The initial planning stage of the data centre is crucial, as executing poor design could affect performance. Having the right resources to supplement data centre design could strengthen the longevity of data centre facilities.
In this article, we explore the common mistakes that occur during the design phase of a data centre design and how to prevent them using efficient, cost-effective electrical solutions.
1. Overcomplicated Design and Incompatible Performance Criteria
When it comes to data centre design, the best practice is to keep it simple. Adding unnecessary features could lead to construction delays and more maintenance requirements overall.
Similarly, setting overly ambitious performance criteria can create more problems than it solves. While businesses often aim to stay ahead of modern trends, pushing for extreme performance metrics can lead to unintended consequences throughout the planning and construction process.
Implementing complex systems can be difficult to manage due to the special knowledge needed to maintain them, adding costs to staff training or mitigating issues. Instead, consider simplified solutions, like IPD and Elsteel’s Techno Modular Switchboard systems. These flexible systems come with a fully modular construction for quick assembly and adaptability to any last-minute design changes.
2. Failure to Consider Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in the Design
A common mistake in data centre planning is focusing only on capital costs rather than looking at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The TCO comprises all expenses associated with building and maintaining a data centre. Anticipating OpEx costs as well as Capex is crucial to making informed decisions regarding data centre investments. Conducting a comprehensive TCO analysis could help businesses identify their return on investment (ROI) and focus on future-proofing data centres.
For instance, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions can provide power protection against surges, outages, frequency fluctuations, and more. This reduces the risk of downtime and improves data centre productivity in the long term, making them worthwhile investments even from the planning stage.
3. Poor Cost-to-Build Estimation
Cost-to-build estimation is another area of financial decision-making that can affect data centre planning, and it is perhaps the most critical. Miscalculating the number of resources or upgrades needed to build data centres can drive the costs much higher later.
One cost-effective solution is to invest in automated systems to reduce the financial burden on manual labour. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are one example, allowing remote monitoring and control of processes and devices within data centre facilities. This allows for more effective spatial planning and delegates responsibilities only to key personnel.
As mentioned previously, taking the time to conduct a TCO analysis could also significantly contribute to finding the proper estimation. Similarly, finding partners to supply reliable equipment can ensure smooth interoperability and lower future maintenance costs.
4. Miscalculations in Space Planning
Data centres house critical IT infrastructure that takes up a considerable amount of space. Spatial planning should be factored into the preliminary design, accounting for criteria such as floor space and ceiling height, in anticipation of the resources needed to power the facility. Without a detailed floor plan in place, it can be hard to visualise the overall space needed to support robust electrical systems.
Another option is to integrate space-saving solutions to maximise efficiency. For instance, IPD’s compact Powerduct busway systems enhance space utilisation and minimise electrical losses. It comes in a lightweight design that offers more efficiency than traditional wiring components.
5. Prematurely Choosing a Site Before Planning
Choosing a data centre site could severely limit your resources, resulting in failure to meet design criteria. When selecting a site, it’s important to consider location factors such as proximity to geographical disaster zones, and easy access to emergency services such as fire stations.
Equally important is the evaluation of power availability at the site. Reliable, continuous power is the backbone of any data centre’s operation, so choosing a site with robust, scalable energy infrastructure is critical. Locations should have access to stable power grids, but also be capable of supporting alternative energy sources like solar or wind.
Having reliable backup systems such as generators and automatic transfer switches (ATS) is essential for ensuring that the data centre remains operational during power outages or electrical disruptions.
It is also good to keep expansion in mind, choosing a location with the potential for facility growth. As businesses expand and data needs increase, the demand for more physical space and additional power will grow.
6. Misunderstanding Power Usage
Power is a key component in a data centre, encompassing a majority of its functionality. A common mistake in data centre planning is anticipating the need for more power than servers use, which leads to a lot of waste.
Having the right power equipment can minimise power consumption and provide only the sufficient amount of power needed based on usage calculations. IPD offers a range of solutions to support this, including power monitoring devices and current sensors that enable power management.
Similarly, we offer Power Factor Correction equipment that improves power quality and reduces the strain on electrical systems, promoting energy efficiency. It can also increase the lifespan of electrical systems within the data centre.
Building Sustainable Data Centres for the Long Term
As data centres become more prominent, businesses have the chance to create facilities based on thoughtful planning and sustainability. Setting the right design criteria and adopting energy-efficient solutions can ensure operational continuity without contributing to environmental risks.
IPD offers reliable data centre solutions to help you avoid these costly mistakes and ensure both quality performance and futureproofing for your facilities. For more information, get in touch with us today at 1300 556 601 or visit our website.