65A - JAIL REUSE STUDY - Laserfiche WebLink

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For a realistic look at the design requirements for such a use, the consultants contacted the Vanir Area Manager3 who has the responsibility of constructing a data center building for Microsoft in Seattle, Washington. His expertise combined with the consultant team's experience and research has provided several insights as to what is needed to convert the existing Jail based on existing conditions. While the list of renovations is long, the most challenging aspects include the categories below. Site Location: Location is an important criterion when planning a data center as it affects security, operational efficiency, and operating costs. The neighborhood where the facility will be located should be chosen carefully to realize the best mix of ideal features. Data center sites with fiber available from multiple providers, near redundant power grids are the best locations. Equipment is less likely to fail in a facility that is drawing power from multiple grids in lieu of a facility that relies on backup generators. The site should be in a safe area that is not subject to any natural environmental dangers such as floods or landslides. Even if it's not located in the flood plain, it's important to have good drainage and runoff paths so localized flooding will not occur during heavy rains. Site criteria should include ensuring that there is (a) reasonable commuting distance for employees, support vendors, and other constituents; (b) sufficient site area for parking; (c) water and fuel storage, and d) space for delivery truck access. Design: The building type can significantly affect occupancy costs, security, expansion, and operational flexibility. Ideally, data centers are built in suburban locations in industrial type, single -story windowless structures with large floor plates, unlike the Jail. They rely on lower operating costs, high ceilings, and more -flexible space configuration. Most efficient building floor sizes provide large column spacing - ideally 40' with high floor -to -floor clearances of 13' to 14' from structural slab to lowest structural member. Best practice is to avoid multi -story office buildings with small floor plates. The space design will focus on raised floor areas, rack layouts, workstations, support areas (conference and supply rooms), as well as shipping, receiving, and staging areas. Power., Critical data center considerations include a complete electrical power design, as well as power distribution. This includes the following systems: (a) Main Distribution Frame (MDF); (b) Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF); (c) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS); (d) diesel backup power systems, (e) wet and dry fire -retardant systems; (f) security monitoring; and (g) mechanical systems, such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Pre -action wet systems contain sprinkler pipes charged with air so leaks or other faults are detected and are typically required by local fire codes. Mechanical and Cooling Needs: Data centers typically include vast data equipment installations and keeping the equipment cool is a major priority. The space above the data cabinets accumulates rising heat. Having more space available helps minimize its mixing with cold air thereby improving the air conditioners' efficiency. General recommendations suggest that the temperature range between 50°F and 82°F. Although this appears to be a wide range, these temperatures are the extremes and it is far more common to keep the ambient temperature near 68-71°F. Computer equipment not only generates heat, but it is also sensitive to heat, humidity, and dust. Designers need to include filtering factors to ensure very high resilience and to meet failover requirements. It is crucial to note that maintaining stable temperatures and humidity within tight tolerances is critical to IT system reliability. The design should also include a rack layout and determine the optimal electrical and air cooling distribution system based on rack densities. 117 65A-124