by Site Selection
The first major step in any data center construction project is selecting the ideal site location. There are several key factors to consider when choosing where to build:
Power availability and reliability are of utmost importance. The site needs direct access to redundant power feeds from two separate utility substations to ensure uptime in the event of an outage. It’s also important to consider issues like capacity, voltage stability and proximity to generation sources.
Physical security is another core concern. The Data Center Construction must be isolated and have stringent access controls in place. Perimeter fencing, security checkpoints, biometric scanners and CCTV monitoring are baseline requirements. Many choose secure, non-urban locations away from potential natural disasters or civil unrest.
Environmental factors like temperature and humidity control are essential. Select an area with stable weather patterns and less extreme seasonal variations. Avoid locations prone to floods, fires or other hazards that could disrupt operations. Proximity to water sources for cooling needs is also a consideration.
Expandability is important for futureproofing. The land parcel should allow for multiple phased expansions over several years as capacity needs grow. Ample space for new buildings, generators, switchyards etc. simplifies scalability. Zoning and environmental regulations also need scrutiny.
Connectivity is vital given the site will house critical networking Data Center Construction. Evaluate fiber routes, carrier hotels and access to multi-homed telecom grids. Nearby international airports and highways also aid personnel travel and equipment deliveries.
Regulatory Compliance
Prior to any construction, stringent regulatory protocols need adhering to address safety, security and environment requirements. Building codes, fire safety norms, power utility guidelines and local permitting processes must be understood upfront to avoid delays.
Key areas of compliance include – Data center construction tier classifications, power distribution and redundancy standards, physical and life safety systems, fire protection, heat and smoke venting, emergency power-off controls, hazard material usage policies, fuel storage norms and more.
Compliance documentation like stamped building plans, permit applications and inspection schedules need managing across local authorities, utility providers and certification bodies. Regular audits help ensure continued adherence throughout the operational lifetime.
Site Preparation
On receiving all approvals, the next phase involves preparing the land for development. Careful earthworks level the terrain, install drainage and utility trenches. Road access points and internal vehicular circulation routes are laid.
Perimeter security starts with installing CCTV, motion sensors and access control points at all entry/egress points. External lighting, signage and communication equipment also gets set up. Underground utilities like electricity, water, gas and fiber are brought onto the site.
Foundation construction requires excavating down to suitable soil-bearing levels. Layered waterproofing and damp-proofing barriers protect against moisture ingress. Concrete slabs are poured and cured to specified strength before installations can begin.
Building Construction
The main data hall buildings use concrete skeleton frameworks for strength and seismic resistance. Insulated sandwich panels or brickwork complete the weather-proof envelope. Critical internal areas get additional blast resistant layers.
Precise environmental systems uphold stringent temperature and humidity control. CRACs, humidifiers, DX units, cooling towers are installed along with their distribution piping. Fire suppression, ventilation and exhaust ductwork networks safety the internal atmosphere.
Flooring receives anti-static, non-slip materials suitable for densely packed IT equipment. Raised flooring aids under-floor cable management and hot/cold aisle segregation. Seismic bracing and vibration dampers minimize equipment impact.
Security features like man traps, turnstiles and ID scanning continue inside. Internal and demarcation zones receive their own authorization and access points. Monitoring stations tied to an integrated control system oversee operations.
Power and Mechanical Systems
Backup diesel generators receive outdoor enclosures and automated fuel storage/transfer infrastructure. Switchgear, MDBs, UPS systems and PDUs handle power distribution to critical sockets. Monitoring probes track inputs throughout the delivery chain.
Cooling plants install high-efficiency chillers and cooling towers keeping both redundancy and efficiency in focus. Humidification skids regulate moisture content preventing static damage. Air handling units and CRACs/CRAH units maintain cold/hot aisle separation within equipment zones.
Fire suppression systems deploy zoned dry pipe ordouble-interlock pre-action piping throughout to douseClass A hazards safely. Smoke vents and exhaust shafts handle displaced gasses in case of combustion. Early warning sensors activate automatic emergency response.
Safety and security features like auto generator startup, PA systems, mass notification, access barriers and emergency lighting complete the building infrastructure compliance. Comprehensive building management systems integrate controls over all mechanical, power and safety domains for ease of oversight.
Turning Up Systems in Data Center Construction
On mechanical completion, the focus shifts to activating equipment and bringing network and application elements online. Racks, cabinets and enclosures receive power and cooling connections during structured installations.
External network circuits link to carriers, ISPs and peering points. Internal cabling routes circuits between networking rooms, aggregation switches and equipment zones. Connectivity testing validates circuits against design requirements.
Data storage arrays, servers and other application hosts get racked, connected and commissioned one by one. Virtualization hosts activate and cluster where needed. Software deployment occurs for network, server and security functions across domains.
Commissioning validates all infrastructure aspects like power distribution redundancy, cooling performance, environmental controls, physical and personnel security systems, alerting, controls monitoring along with comprehensive documentation that prove regulatory and design compliance. Only after thorough sign-offs, does the facility.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
