International
Data Centre
Provider

Location

Newport, Wales

Completion Date

2021

Overview

The Client, a large US based wholesale International Data Centre (DC) provider, had recently acquired a Newport based IT Service Management Company. The Newport DC was in the process of being fitted out for a large hyperscale client who was taking 9MW of power over three data halls on the top floor of the building.

Part of the conditions of working with the hyperscaler is that they require independent oversight of commissioning activities. PTS had previously performed a similar role on behalf of the IT Service Management Company’s former asset finance investors. The client was keen to continue this relationship based on past experience.  

Solutions

PTS, alongside the main contractor and the electrical contractor, created a test script that was approved by the client covering the following areas: 

Switch Gear

Each Individual breaker on each of the switch boards Is first tested to ensure It is operating as It should and then tested to confirm that the building management system (BMS) Is correctly seeing each state for each    

Generators

The generators are Individually load bank tested before handover from the manufacturer, following this they are subjected to a load test, with N generators supporting the design load of the hall for 4 hours and a further 3 hours in which the generators were taken out of service in turn to ensure that both stater motors on each generator were working correctly.  

Automation

Extensive testing on the robustness of the automation system was undertaken. These tests consist of failing mains supply and transferring to generators under many possible sicarios Including: normal operation, various failures and maintenance situations. 

Heat Load

A 12-hour heat load test was performed on each of the halls. The data halls were heated with the design IT load for 12 hours in which time several tests are undertaken: Cooling Infrastructure Is failed to N units ensuring that worst case combinations are failed while at N units. The UPS are also tested during the heat load to confirm that they will take the required load at N units.   

Fire Systems

A full run-through of all fire systems, this includes testing of all manual release and hold off buttons for gas deployment, randomised testing of smoke heads, VESDA testing and ensuring all dampers operate correctly and show true statuses on the BMS. 

Benefits

• Independent verification of commissioning and testing 
• Seamless transition for the client’s Hyperscale client  
• Testing against independently designed and observed test plans ensuring consistent assessment/commissioning against uniform standards/requirements 
• Proven testing plans to ensure continued quality 
• Technical knowledge to assist with any fault finding 
• Detailed understanding of clients environment and expectations