An engineering feat to ensure power supply to a data center in Northern Europe

We design five unique gensets capable of providing a DCP output of 3,000 kVA each.

In an innovative and technological implementation, our engineering team has designed five generator sets that have been installed in a Data Center in Northern Europe. These are ad hoc machines designed to provide a DCP power of 3,000 kVA and meet the stringent technical and regulatory requirements of the project.
We have reached this milestone hand in hand with manufacturers Baudouin, ComAp and Friga-Bohn. The generators were designed to ensure continuous uptime and data security in one of the world’s most critical and demanding environments, protecting the infrastructure against grid outages.
The integration of advanced technologies, customisation to detail and compliance with the highest standards of security and efficiency, consolidate this installation as a model to follow in the industry.

The importance of investing in emergency power generators

The installation of these generators responds to the critical need to ensure operational continuity in data centres, essential for the IT infrastructures of global companies. The benefits include:

• Data Loss Protection: They provide an alternative power source to protect unsaved data and prevent damage to storage systems.
• Cooling Maintenance: Enable continuous operation of cooling systems, preventing equipment from overheating.
• Prevention of Costly Downtime: Minimise downtime that can result in significant financial loss.
• Regulatory Compliance: Help companies comply with regulations that require robust contingency plans.

Innovation and security in every detail

This completely customised solution exceeded the customer’s most demanding specifications. The design of the container – with special dimensions of 13.5 x 3 x 3 m – includes a structurally reinforced base with pipes running underneath to facilitate connections to the fuel tank and a liquid collection tray that guarantees total containment in case of spills.
In addition, the container was given a C5 type surface treatment in accordance with UNE-EN ISO 12944-2:2018 – ideal for marine environments – guaranteeing exceptional durability and resistance.
To ensure that noise requirements were met the exhaust system was optimised including a thermally insulated (rock wool and aluminium) -30 dB silencer, maximising safety and minimising environmental impact.
In terms of equipment protection, 5,000 A circuit breakers and Power locks were installed, as well as an oversized busbar, specially designed to facilitate the customer’s electrical connection of the system.
Our engineering team also developed an independent cooling system with motorised louvres and a fully integrated & automated fire suppression system to ensure a fast and efficient response in case of an emergency. The incorporation of wide accesses, advanced control systems, fire protection and adverse environment features completed this project and made it a benchmark in the industry.

Requirements and Customised Solutions

• Non-full-flow: In terms of the cooling system, V-arranged Friga-Bohn air-coolers were installed in a room separated from the generator room. They were sized for a maximum ambient temperature of 38ºC at 100% load. This configuration allowed outside operation of a full flow system, significantly reducing air interference in the operating area.
• Low noise level: The generators were required to operate at a sound pressure level of no more than 85 dB at 1 metre, at 100% load.
• Fire protection: A Novec fire detection and gas extinguishing system and sectorisation panels were integrated, ensuring EI60 fire resistance standards.

Business collaboration

After a thorough analysis of the customer’s specific power requirements, generator set models and capacities were selected based on a detailed list of electrical loads. The choice of Baudouin’s 3,000 kVA DCP engines was not a gamble; these engines have been specially designed for critical applications and meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.
Regarding the control system – and as it was essential to ensure the highest availability of the equipment – redundant systems were installed. Namely, a redundant battery rack of eight units in total, separated into two groups of four. Also, a redundant two-stage starting system. First stage fitting two starter motors and managed by the engine ECU and a second stage with one starter motor managed by an ComAp controller. This particular control centre allows, in addition to real-time management and monitoring of the status of the generators, a flexibility that traditional control systems do not provide.

Features

• V-arranged air-coolers were installed in a room separated from the generator room. They were sized for a maximum ambient temperature of 38ºC at 100% load. This configuration allowed outside operation of a full flow system, significantly reducing air interference in the operating area.
• The generators were required to operate at a sound pressure level of no more than 85 dB at 1 metre, at 100% load.
• A Novec fire detection and gas extinguishing system and sectorisation panels were integrated, ensuring EI60 fire resistance standards.