The best cooling system will depend on the size, load density, and scalability requirement. Most colocation sites operate at 5KW/rack, but the trend is to support HPC (High Performance Computing) with upwards of 30kW/rack and more. DVL, with our brands of Liebert by Vertiv and Systecon, can design cooling systems to accommodate the desired loads. Your DVL Data Center Engineer can assist with evaluation and selection of the right system for you. Here are some typical systems that are used in Colocation Data Centers.

• Direct Expansion (CRAC) with Free Cooling Units – Liebert Units from Vertiv are offered in many types and sizes. The most popular and energy efficient model is the DSE which includes a Refrigerant Economizer System for free cooling and a low PUE. It is available in a split system model as well as Rooftop. 
• Chiller Water Systems – Liebert Units from Vertiv are offered in many sizes and configurations. DVL also offers complete pre-engineered and factory assembled Chiller Systems from Systecon. 
• Evaporative Free Cooling systems can be located outside of the perimeter of large data centers or on the roof. They provide low PUE ratings for minimum energy consumption. They use water to provide evaporative free cooling. 
• Custom Air Handling Systems – Vertiv has acquired Energy Labs, a custom manufacturer of Air Handlers, Rooftops, and Evaporative Cooling Systems.
• Controls – The most cost-effective way to control temperature and minimize energy use, is to utilize the Liebert iCom Controls and the iCOMs Supervisor Control Panel. This system allows each unit to be controlled independently while working in unison with other units to provide maximum reliability and efficiency. 

The power systems must be designed to provide maximum reliability and concurrent serviceability. The ideal data center power design will include electrical feeds from two separate substations, back up diesel generators, redundant UPS systems and redundant power distribution systems, down to the server power supply. Your DVL Data Center Engineer can guide you through the selection process to make sure the system is properly designed and sized for on operations day one, and can be expanded as your load grows.

• Switchgear – In conjunction with our sister company, Delaware Valley Manufacturing (DVM), and Russelectric, DVL offers a complete line of custom switchgear solutions that will include all the necessary PLC (programable logic controllers) to deliver power reliably under every outage situations. Our Data Center Engineers will assist in the design, installation, and commission of the critical power infrastructure, as well as coordinate annual testing to assure reliable operations. Load shedding and load re-add sequences enable the generators to operate reliably. Read about our PLC controls design and upgrade process in this Case Study using GE Fanuc PLCs.
  
• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems) – UPS units come in many sizes and designs. By allowing your DVL Data Center Engineer to assist, you can be assured of selecting the right UPS System that can provide reliable and efficient uninterruptible power to your Data Center. 
  

  A unique way to provide redundant power at a reduced cost is to implement a Catcher Bus System that allows a redundant UPS to be shared as the back up for either your primary or secondary power source. 

  Battery Selection – There are three basic types of batteries used today.  Lithium Ion is rapidly becoming the standard and best choice for longer life and lower life cycle costs. Battery Monitoring Systems from Alber provide individual battery monitoring to prevent a power failure due to the loss of a single battery.

  • VRLA – Valve regulated lead acid batteries   
    

  • VLA – Vented Lead Acid (or Flooded) batteries
    

  • Lithium Ion Batteries 

• Power Distribution – In order to get redundant power to your servers, there are two primary designs.
   
  • Traditional Power Distribution – Liebert Power Distribution Units (PDU) and Remote Power Panels (RPP) from Vertiv include panel boards, transformers (as necessary) and monitoring. Two would be used to provide redundant power via power cables from the circuit breakers to the rack mounted power strips. 
  • Modular Busway Power Distribution – Starline Busway saves time, space and money by incorporating a modular busway system on top of the racks. This allows for simple power upgrades and changes to made “on the fly” when you need to upgrade from 20Amp to 30 AMP power feeds. 

Rendering of Traditional PDU with whips vs. Busway

Today's data center cannot be managed in a siloed manner. Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) is very popular today, but its function and definition vary by user. DVL can help you with a comprehensive monitoring software solution, that collects all the data you need to run your critical infrastructure efficiently, and delivers a real-time, integrated view of the entire IT facility and its subsequent assets. Discover how you can make the most out of our innovative monitoring software solutions and expert advice, to gain visibility and management of your data center, from the core to the edge of your network

Wireless Monitoring – In order to save time and money, many data centers are considering wireless monitoring for the temperature and power in their racks. Learn more about our Packet Power Products.

In order to protect your investment, please review our DVL Service program which can include Total Site Management, Power and HVAC Services. We make sure that the systems you purchase stay in top operating condition through the life of your Data Center.