Welcome to the High Availability Hosting Blog

Just before the weekend we test fired our new energy saving, environmentally friendly Evaporative Cooling system for the Sheffield Data Centre.

When running at full capacity, the system puts out 18,000 cubic metres (m3) of chilled air every hour. Filters and “ambient air” fans mix chilled air with ambient air to create a balanced ventilation system. Once commissioned next month the system will replace the existing conventional air conditioning units currently in use. The existing air conditioners will be kept for redundancy.

Powered by water, the Evaporative Cooler chills the air with water vapour, before being filtered and mixed with ambient air to dry and regulate the supply. This air is pumped into the Data Centre via new vents installed in the ceiling. Waste air is extracted by the existing pumps and re-circulated in the roof void before chilling again.

As well as saving energy (and money), the Evaporative Cooler will be more reliable and easier to service than conventional air conditioners, requiring no specialist tools, gasses or vacuum pumps.

New Evaporative Cooler undergoes first testing

Above the ceiling, in the plant room – the Evaporative Cooler pump sits on a vibration cushioning mat. Once the ducting is completed and the control gear installed the system should go live mid-December.

Pics of the fibre B-Side install by Openreach…

Openreach on site again...

Fibre jointing in the street

B-End fibre termination

This week’s started off well, with internal works flying ahead.  All the office stud work is up now, and 50% of the computer room ceiling beams have been installed.  We’re due deliveries of plasterboard and the internal electrics (lights etc…) on Wednesday, so expect to see massive transformation by the end of the week!

Internal works ongoing

Office stud work now complete

By the end of the week we expect the office to be boarded out, plus the first fix electricals installed, parts of the access control are scheduled to be installed this week too… watch this space!

Last week finished off with Skanska back on site to pull the fibre trunking into the building.  Connecting via BT’s core network all the way to ntl:Telwest (Virgin) in Attercliffe, Sheffield – the fibre will be the primary internet link for the Sheffield Data Centre.

Manholes lifted again

Pulling the fibre in

Fibre trunking coil

When we first took over the unit we had to demolish an existing office suite to make the data hall bigger, we also had visits from BT, ntl:Telewest, Sheffield City Council and several prospective clients.

Finally last week we had Skanska visit site and start to pull through blue rope via all the BT ducts in the area for our new shiny fibre cable.

Before demolition

After demolition

Skanska on site

BT Manhole Open

Another BT manhole open

Opening manholes in the car park, thankfully BT have already installed ducts and cable chambers!! 

We’ll post some more pics, including the start of construction soon…