A leading provider of 4x4 accessories in Australia, renowned for producing products that withstand the extreme conditions of the Aussie Outback, recently expanded their operations by establishing a new head office.
This expansion required the creation of a state-of-the-art server room to support their growing IT infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency, security, and future scalability. The project presented significant challenges, particularly concerning pricing and design. The customer required a solution that would fit within their budget while providing a robust, energy-efficient environment for their IT equipment. The specific challenges included:
- Design and Pricing: The need to develop a high-performance IT infrastructure that was both cost-effective and capable of supporting future growth.
- Energy Efficiency: Implementing a cooling solution that would manage thermal loads efficiently without the expense of cooling the entire room, thus reducing overall energy consumption.
- Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring: Ensuring the server room was equipped with advanced systems to monitor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and fire risks, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the IT equipment.
- Turnkey Solution: The customer sought a complete, stress-free solution that would cover everything from initial design through to installation, commissioning, and ongoing support.
These challenges demanded a solution that combined technical expertise with a thorough understanding of the customer’s specific operational requirements.
Solution
Rittal worked closely with the customer to deliver a highly customised solution that addressed each of the challenges presented. Key components of the solution included:
- 3 x 19-Inch Racks: These racks provided the necessary space and organisation for the customer’s IT equipment, allowing for efficient arrangement and easy access for maintenance.
- 2 x LCP DX In-Rack Cooling Systems: These advanced cooling systems were designed to increase energy efficiency by focusing on cooling only the area within the racks’ cold zones, rather than the entire room. The LCP DX In-Rack units operate by drawing in air from the sides at the rear of the server enclosures, cooling it using high-performance compact im pellers, and then circulating the cooled air back into the front of the servers. This process ensures that absorbed thermal energy is effectively managed, with heat being emitted externally at the condenser location. This design prevents the installation room from heating up, ensuring a stable environment for the IT equipment.
- Metered Power Distribution Unit (PDU): The metered PDU provided the customer with the ability to accurately measure the power consumption of their IT equipment, which is critical for effective energy management and cost control. The PDU also facilitated detailed power monitoring, allowing the customer to track energy usage and identify potential areas for further efficiency improvements. • Environmental Monitoring System: To ensure the continuous safe operation of the server room, Rittal provided a comprehensive environmental monitoring system. This included temperature and humidity sensors to monitor internal conditions, maintaining a safe operating temperature for the IT equipment. Additionally, an early detection and fire suppression system was integrated to manage and mitigate the risk of fire, providing an essential layer of protection for the customer’s critical infrastructure.
Rittal also provided expert design support, using their Centre of Competence to assist with detailed layouts and drawings necessary to design the server room and allocate IT equipment appropriately. This design phase was crucial in ensuring that the server room was optimally configured for both current needs and future expansion.
The project was further streamlined by Rittal’s handling of the installation and commissioning process. By providing a turnkey solution, Rittal ensured that the entire project was managed efficiently, reducing the stress on the customer’s internal teams and delivering a reliable, ready-to-use server room on time and within budget.
Outcome
The successful execution of the project resulted in a server room that not only meets the customer’s current operational needs but also positions them for future growth. The energy-efficient IP55-contained rack solution has significantly reduced operational costs by minimising unnecessary energy consumption, while the robust environmental monitoring and fire suppression systems ensure the ongoing security and reliability of the IT infrastructure.
Rittal’s comprehensive service and maintenance contract further enhances the customer’s peace of mind, providing ongoing support to ensure that the server room continues to operate at peak performance. This contract includes regular maintenance checks, rapid response times for any issues, and proactive monitoring to prevent potential problems before they arise, effectively mitigating business risks.
This case study reflects Rittal’s ability to deliver tailored, high-performance IT infrastructure solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses operating in demanding environments. Explore Rittal’s offerings today to find the perfect IT solution for your business.