25DATA CENTER ELECTRICAL DESIGN

Malik Megdiche1, Jay Park2, and Sarah Hanna2

1 Schneider Electric, Eybens, France

2 Facebook, Inc., Fremont, CA, USA

25.1 INTRODUCTION

In order to design an optimal data center, one must go through the process of determining its specific business needs. Planning and listing the priorities and the required functionality will help determine the best topology for the data center. Outlining the key ideas and concepts will help structure a focused and effective document.

To adequately define the basic functionality requirements, business needs, and desired operations of the data center, consider the following criteria:

  • The facility's uptime
  • The electrical equipment to be deployed
  • The electrical design strategy

The basic requirements, business needs, and desired operations are collectively known as the backbone requirements. Based on these requirements, the designer of the power system will first need to answer the several questions before going in the classical steps of an electrical design as shown in Figure 25.1.

Schematic illustration of the questions related to the data center power system.

FIGURE 25.1 Questions related to the data center power system.

Source: © Schneider Electric.

25.2 DESIGN INPUTS

25.2.1 Uptime Level

First, determine the required uptime of the facility. Can the system allow some downtime?

If it can, you must address how much downtime can occur without affecting business operations. Due to the criticality ...

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