1. Global Leader in Load Bank Rentals & Service
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

2. Load Testing – Not what it used to be
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

3. Commissioning Objectives
Validate system design and performance
Ensure operational uptime
Qualify for LEED certification
Document Test Data & Results
Competitive Advantage
Attract new Data Center clients
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

4. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
What gets tested
Back up diesel generators (in parallel)
UPS systems
Automatic transfer switches
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC)
Hot aisle/cold aisle layout
Pods & containers
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

5. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
Why it makes sense
Generators, UPS, PDUs CRAC systems, chiller, hot aisle/cold aisle validation, rack layout need to be validated
Deficiencies in any of these areas result in project delays or operational downtime
Reconfiguring and retesting adds significant costs to data center budgets and results in downtime of production systems to correct
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

6. Commissioning – Not always a priority
Perception: We can figure this out when the time comes
Reality: Should be part of the planning process
Ensure all test specifications are planned for
Ensure budget is complete
Ensure schedule is met
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

7. Paradigm Shift #1: An Integrated Testing Plan???
Plan for commissioning as early as possible
Think about commissioning in the design phase
Integrate the commissioning plan into the design process
Know what you are going to test
Develop test specs
Ensure all test specifications are planned for and met
Ensure budget is accurate & complete
Ensure timely execution
Ensure design meets energy certification standards
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

8. Integrated Commissioning Plan
Review of testing requirements
Evaluate equipment in relation to testing objectives
Plan for development of customized test solutions
Develop REALISTIC budgetary forecasts
Plan for equipment training
Site walk for equipment placement, access, ingress and egress
Logistics
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

9. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
The Value
Prove systems prior to production by simulating the operating environment
Validate design specs and operational performance
Reduce cost and risk of reworking/re-engineering
Use test data as a marketing tool to attract tenants
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

10. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
Collaboration
Coordinate with client contractors who are invested in commissioning success:
General Contractor
Electrical Contractor
Mechanical Contractor
Commissioning Agent
Don’t forget the client 
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

11. Case Study: An Integrated Commissioning Plan
Started planning 1 year before data center construction was completed
Reviewed spec – identified challenges
Required solution for hot aisle/cold aisle containment – that did not exist
ComRent developed a solution to meet the granular testing spec required
Solution build took 4 months
Delivered project on time, on budget & commissioned to spec
Customer was happy!
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

12. Case Study: The “Just In Time” Plan
Ordered load banks at the last minute (from another vendor)
No site walk
Load banks didn’t fit in freight elevator - Delay
Set up load banks outside - Delay
Cable runs were wrong - Delay
It rained – indoor load banks + rain = No Test - Delay
Project behind schedule
Project over budget
Customer not so happy
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

13. Paradigm Shift #2 – Use Technology To Reduce Cost
It is not about the cost of equipment rental
It is about the total cost to complete commissioning
New technology can accelerate schedule and reduce labor costs
Medium Voltage Load Banks – require 15x Fewer Cables and 5x less time to set up and tear down – fewer points of failure
Wi-Fi Control – reduce time and associated man hours to complete tests
Power Quality – New monitors complete more tests in less time, collect more data and reduce report generation time
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

14. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
Generator Testing
More medium voltage generators being deployed
Makes sense to test with actual medium voltage loads
CR922A 5MW MV Load Bank:
Transportable medium voltage load bank
Does not require a transformer
CAPACITY: VAC 4,160 VAC
Easy set up – 3 MV cables
Linkable for larger loads (50MW)
Reduces labor cost
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

15. UPS Systems Integration Test
Testing at full load to simulate real world outage
Testing at unity or PF (i.e. - .8) or both?
Unity – resistive 400kw Load Banks
Linkable to meet larger load spec
PF – Resistive/Reactive Load Banks
Linkable for large loads
Resistive Only Test
Reactive Only Test
Resistive/Reactive Test
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

16. Power Distribution Unit(s) (PDU)
Where are you testing?
On the raised floor/maintenance room
Remote Power Panel (RPP)
Overhead bus track
Under raised floor track
New bus track adapters
Faster set up
Shorter cable runs
It’s just easier
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

17. CRAC & Economizer System Testing
DCM Room Validation Test:
Balance electrical and chiller loads
Ensure Optimum Thermal high load levels
Ensure constant temp and pricise humidity levels
Measure room air flow
Measure room Delta T
Test aisle layout
= Integrated Systems Test
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

18. Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Containment
Precisely simulate production server loads & airflow:
Validate aisle layout (perforated floor)
Validate CRAC capacity
Variable load
Variable CFM
Measure Delta T
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

19. Container/Pod Testing
Rack mount load banks
The only way to validate pod electrical and chiller capacity
Tune load banks to simulate actual server configuration
Variable load
Variable CFM
Validate Delta T
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

20. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
Power Quality
CX Power Monitor
One solution replaces: Drantez™, Astro-Med™ and HoBo™!
Very accurate (voltage and current)
Simple set-up & automated data capture (programable)
Simple report writing
Calibrated & tested (every shipment)
(Ground) current triggering
Symmetrical components/zero sequencing (sums the currents)
Data archived after each usage
PQ + wireless Temp/Humidity probes (1-100)
Wi-Fi, Ethernet & USB interface
Free software (Live-View™ & U-View™) & upgrades
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

21. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
What’s Next?
Wi-Fi Communications:
IP addressable load banks
Manage all load banks via a single laptop or Android device
At the rack
In the aisle
In the room
Save time
Save labor!
Customized MS Windows GUI
Android Smartphone Interface Application
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

22. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
What’s Next?
In Aisle, Water Cooled Load Simulator:
250kw or 500kw configuration
Light weight:
250kw unit = ~700lb.
500kw unit = ~1200lb
Fully integrated into chilled water loop
Continuously variable flow control
Continuously variable power (load) control
Continuously variable Delta T control
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

23. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
Summary
Controllable load solutions have come a long way from the Salt Water Pickle Barrel
Solutions designed to meet very specific requirements
New Solutions enable more granular data collection
Validate Data Center design and operational efficiency
Clients have inquiring minds – They want to know!
Commissioning is now a Competitive Advantage in a competitive marketplace
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning

24. Innovations in Data Center Commissioning
Right. Ready. Reliable.
3/25/2017
Innovations in Data Center Commissioning