Data Center Tour & Technical Deep Dive into the Power, Data and Cooling Infrastructure!

Summary

The video offers an exclusive tour of a modern data center by Deft, showcasing its power and cooling systems. It delves into the rapid switch to UPS during power loss, the maintenance-free centrifugal chillers, and the diesel generator's impressive speed. The tour highlights the facility's redundancy, efficiency, and the extensive fiber-optic network. It also covers the data center's organic growth, customer cabinet configurations, and the importance of having a parts room for quick maintenance and upgrades.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video offers a rare inside look at a modern data center, showcasing its complex systems and operations.
• 🏭 The data center features a centrifugal UPS system that uses spinning drums instead of batteries for power backup.
• ⏱️ It takes only 16 seconds for the generators to spin up and provide power in case of a utility failure.
• 🛠️ The data center is designed for minimal maintenance, with magnetic levitation reducing friction in the UPS system.
• 💡 The facility uses a combination of centrifugal chillers and cooling towers to manage heat, with a million-gallon water tank for thermal storage.
• 🚀 The data center can scale from 250 KW to 1.3 MW, with冗余 systems ensuring continuous operation.
• 🌐 The video highlights the importance of redundancy in power and cooling systems to prevent single points of failure.
• 🔌 The data center uses a variety of power distribution units (PDUs) to accommodate different power needs and standards.
• 🌐 The facility is equipped to handle high-speed fiber connections, with the capability to support terabit-per-second data transfers.
• 🛡️ The data center provides colocation services with various cabinet sizes to cater to different customer requirements.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is a guided tour of a modern data center, focusing on various aspects such as power systems, cooling systems, and the infrastructure that supports the data center's operations.

Why was the centrifugal UPS room particularly fascinating to the narrator?

The centrifugal UPS room was fascinating because it featured a spinning UPS system instead of traditional battery backups, and it was the loudest room in the data center.

How long does it take for the generators to switch on after a total loss of municipal power?

It takes approximately 16 seconds for the generators to go from off to 60 mph, which is the time needed to switch from no power to being self-sufficient.

What is the purpose of the large rotating drum inside the centrifugal UPS system?

The large rotating drum inside the centrifugal UPS system is magnetically levitated to have minimal friction and is used to generate power when the main power goes out, and it spins down when the generators kick on.

What is the significance of the fuel filtration systems and day tank mentioned in the tour?

The fuel filtration systems and day tank are part of the redundancy and backup measures in the data center. The day tank provides immediate fuel for the generators in case of a power failure, ensuring continuous operation.

How does the cooling system in the data center work?

The cooling system works by pumping cold water through the building, which then absorbs heat from the servers. The hot water is then returned to the chillers and cooling towers to release the heat, and the process is repeated.

What is the role of the million-gallon water tanks in the data center?

The million-gallon water tanks serve as 'cold batteries', storing chilled water that can be used to cool the data center during peak times when the chillers are less efficient or costly to operate.

Why is there a focus on redundancy in the data center's design?

Redundancy in the data center's design is crucial to ensure continuous operation and reliability. It allows for failover and maintenance without downtime, providing a robust infrastructure for critical systems.

What is the purpose of the static transfer switch (STS) in the data center?

The static transfer switch (STS) allows for seamless switching between power sources, such as from the utility to the generator or between different power feeds, without interrupting the power supply to the servers.

What is the significance of the different color-coded cables in the data center?

The different color-coded cables help in visually distinguishing between various connections, such as primary and secondary switch connections, making it easier for technicians to manage and troubleshoot the system.

How does the data center accommodate different power needs of customers?

The data center offers a variety of power solutions, including full, half, and quarter cabinets, as well as different types of power distribution units (PDUs) that can be customized to meet the specific needs of the customers.