Emerson Network Power
Emerson Network Power selects Siemens power distribution and
fire safety systems for its state-of-the-art, modular data center.
Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson, is a global
leader in providing cutting-edge technologies for critical
infrastructure. Its innovative solutions for data centers
maximize availability, capacity and efficiency, helping its
customer improve operations, reduce operating costs and
increase their competitive advantage.
For Emerson Network Power, innovation and efficiency are
central to serving the data center market. As the global demand
for data storage continues to grow exponentially, the ability
to rapidly deliver reliable, energy efficient infrastructure is
more important than ever. Forward-thinking solutions and
the highest level of service are critical factors for success.
Client Challenges
In 2012, a major telecommunications provider contracted
Emerson Network Power to construct a new modular data
center outside Barcelona, Spain. The new facility would act
as the cornerstone of its cloud data center operations
throughout southern Europe.
The final design of the data center included 38 modular
units, each weighing 30,000 kilograms. Combined, they
provide 1,000 square-meters of IT space including a
high-density area comprised of 50 racks and an additional
240 Knürr® racks of low-density equipment.
In addition to managing design and construction, Emerson
Network Power also provided IT solutions, Liebert® thermal
management units and much of the power equipment,
including Chloride® UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
systems that help ensure the 99.982% availability
requirement of a Tier III data center.
To complete construction, Emerson Network Power required a
partner to provide low and medium voltage power distribution
equipment and fire safety systems. The ideal partner needed
to provide technology and engineering that could meet Emerson
Network Power’s high standards for innovation and efficiency.
It would require global resources to support rapid implementation
at its Integrated Modular Solutions facility in Zagreb, Croatia
and at the final site in Barcelona.
Siemens Solution
Siemens offered a perfect fit for Emerson Network Power and
its state-of-the-art data center. Its comprehensive low and
medium voltage equipment portfolio, innovative fire safety
systems and global expertise in data center solutions perfectly
complimented the capabilities of Emerson Network Power.
The two organizations began collaboration on the project in
November 2012. The design stage was critical. Engineers
from Siemens and Emerson Network Power worked closely
to ensure the complete power system was tightly integrated
in order to deliver maximum availability. Engineers also focused
on guaranteeing that both power and fire safety systems
could be properly installed within the exacting specifications
of each of the 38 modular units. With the scheduled launch
date of the data center rapidly approaching, the project
needed to be designed down to the smallest detail.
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“Siemens high-quality
equipment and engineering
expertise allowed the
seamless integration of a
first-class system within the
modular units while meeting
stringent lead times.”
‒‒ Viktor Petik
Managing Director, Integrated Modular Solutions
Business for Emerson Network Power in Europe,
Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
Once the design stage was complete, Siemens went forward
with delivery of the distribution and fire systems. The
comprehensive solution from Siemens includes systems
that provide the level of performance Emerson Network
Power needs to ensure maximum efficiency and uptime:
• Low and Medium Voltage Switchgear — Siemens power
distribution solution utilizes its Sivacon S8 and S4 low
voltage distribution boards and transformers. The system
offers safe, simple and consistent distribution of power
and covers up to 36 different possible short circuit currents.
Each panel is designed to work seamlessly with Emerson
Network Power’s UPS system in various situations,
including bypass and inverter mode.
• Busbar — Sivacon busbar from Siemens provides safe
power flow throughout the data center. Given the compact
and energy-intensive environment, busbar was an ideal
solution for the facility. It requires much less space than
traditional cable wiring and is less combustible, making
it a safer choice. Additionally, busbar can more easily
tap-off feeds, simplifying the installation process for a
modular facility.
• Fire Detection — Siemens aspirating smoke detection
devices are deployed in each of the 38 modules. Given
the amount of cooling required in a data center, airflow
can block the path of smoke to a traditional fire detection
device. An aspirating device uses blue and infrared
wavelengths to detect the smallest airborne particles
produced in the first stages of overheating and offers
the most reliable and earliest detection available; critical
for protecting costly IT equipment.
• Fire Suppression — For fire suppression, Emerson Network
Power relies on Siemens environment-friendly synthetic
agent, Sinorix 1230. Since it requires only low pressure to
be dispersed, Sinorix 1230 can work with smaller piping
and smaller pressure release flaps and is well suited for a
compact, modular facility. Sinorix 1230 is also harmless
to people and physical assets, helping ensure business
continuity in the event of a release.
Client Results
Siemens delivered all systems to Emerson Network Power
within 13 weeks of the design being finalized. Because
of Siemens ability to work within an expedited schedule,
Emerson Network Power was able to meet its customer’s
aggressive timeline for construction of the data center.
The installation of the Siemens solution was a multi-national
experience that only a handful of companies can achieve.
Siemens shipped switchgear and busbar equipment to
Emerson Network Power’s Zagreb facility and provided
support during installation. Then, each of the 38 modular
units was transported by truck from Croatia to Spain. In
Barcelona, Siemens local experts installed the fire detection
and suppression systems within each unit in accordance with
local codes and regulations. With all systems in place,
Emerson Network Power completed the commissioning.
The modular data center highlights the power of what
is possible when companies, with shared expertise and
commitment to excellence, come together to deliver one,
cutting-edge facility.
Siemens Industry, Inc.
5400 Triangle Parkway
Norcross, GA 30092
Tel: (800) 241-4453
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©Siemens Industry, Inc.
4/15, Part# PDCS-EMERS-1214
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