Supporting Data Centre upgrade with greener technology
Client: Data Centre
Location: Denmark
Sectors: Data centres
The challenge
Provide power for temporary office cabins during build phase
Our client was tasked with delivering an essential upgrade to a data centre in Denmark. We were brought onboard to provide 1000 kVa power for temporary on-site office cabins during the build phase.
There were multiple challenges to consider. As site occupancy changed, the load would need to flex. It was agreed that a single solution was required to meet all load needs from start to finish, rather than creating added disruption by changing the system mid-project.
Space and laydown restrictions posed another challenge, meaning the equipment had to fit into a pre-determined bunded area. Time was also of the essence. The power-on date was approaching fast, and the solution needed to be live and commissioned within just 4 weeks.
At a time of high global fuel costs, efficiency and decarbonisation were important considerations.
Project fact file
The solution
Balancing power with efficiency
We recognised the importance of balance. One large generator would be underloaded causing high fuel burn, increased emissions and low reliability. Spreading the load too thinly through multiple power systems would be equally inefficient.
Our experts proposed a hybrid solution comprising 3 x 320 kVa generators plus a 300KW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), cable and distro. By connecting all gensets together, they can be run in sync at high loads to provide the maximum 1000 kVa power capacity needed during peaks. In quieter low-load periods, units can be switched off, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
To ensure a right-first-time approach, our expert team conducted feasibility and simulation tests prior to installation.
The impact
High performance combined with lower fuel usage and emissions
Faced with a tight 4-week turnaround time, we conducted full site preparation and planning to install, commission and set up the battery hybrid solution in a little over 2 weeks. The whole upgrade project is due to last approximately 18 months in total.
Our client has been so impressed with this solution and savings in both fuel usage and emissions, they have also selected it for phase 2 of their site programme.
Savings (2 month period):
- >20k litres of fuel
- >53k kg emissions
- >£33k in fuel costs