Data Center Relocation Service | Consultants, Planning and Migrations

Data Center Relocation Services in the U.S.

Services > Data Center Decommissioning >

Data Center Migration Considerations & Consulting

Sometimes data center migrations are interchanged with data center relocation. However, the migration process is not classically part of the removal and installation process. Migration can be thought of as transferring an existing data system environment to another data center. The system accepting can either be a temporary lease or a permanent upgrade. A temporary lease is favorable when the data center is moved from one location to another without any equipment upgrades.

When relocating a data center, we commonly start with a consulting session. This session establishes guidelines for the relocation. Partnering with other providers allows us to offer complete migration or relocation services. We can provide a project plan to completely relocate your data center. Contact Us for more information.

Data centers require support systems that allow for operation. Cooling and backup power are two of the supporting or axillary systems each facility uses. Below are some examples of the equipment used in these systems.

Data Center Network Equipment

Corporate data centers, web hosting data centers, turnkey solutions, and 2.0 web technologies are the four basic types of data centers. Each style of data center is comprised of hardware to meet the design needs. Hardware can be thought of as the physical components that make up the data center infrastructure. Some examples are:

Control and Computing Hardware - Desktops, servers, and server racks
Networking Equipment - Modem, routers, and switches
Backup and Storage - Tape drives and hard drives
Peripheral Devices - Keyboards, printers, mouse, and scanners
Cables - All cables to connect the above hardware devices

Large data centers can have as many as 1,000 servers. The size and complexity of the design dictate the hardware used. Much of the equipment has proprietary and security software as its operating system. Relocation involves the hardware and the software side of the data center. The software side could include both storage and web hosting services.

Data Center Cooling Systems

Electronic equipment of any type creates heat when operating. Data centers employ large racks of networking, storage, and hosting equipment that generates heat. Enough heat is generated to damage electronic components and shut down the system if it is not cooled sufficiently. Dedicated cooling systems are used to keep the networking and communications equipment at the desired operating temperature.

Cooling systems are designed in the beginning stages of the data center. Electronic control systems interface with mechanical systems to accomplish the cooling. Server and equipment racks are located in rooms on pedestals that are slightly raised and vented to allow air circulation through the racks. Four methods for introducing cool air to the racks are:

Free Cooling - System consists of air-side and water-side economization. Air-side cools water-side with ambient outside air. Can allow moisture and pollutants in with outside air. Cooling amount is determined by outside air temperature.
Chilled Water - System water is cooled by an exterior chiller and routed to Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAH) for cool air distribution to the racks.
Pumped Refrigerant - Chilled water is pumped through a heat exchanger. It is cooled by the refrigerant sided of the exchanger and routed to Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC) for air distribution to the equipment racks.

A cooling system may be moved for the relocation project. However, it may not be robust enough to support an upgraded system. In any event, if the equipment must be removed there are some agency requirements that must be adhered to. Refrigerant is considered environmentally hazardous and must be reclaimed by a certified professional. Water in a free cooling system or chilled water system works on closed loop technology. Water treated for cooling operations may have disposal procedures.

Heat exchangers, CRAC, CRAH, pedestals, outside chiller systems, ductwork, and electronic control systems are common in data center cooling systems. They are supported by wire and cable runs, refrigerant pipes, chilled water pipes, and ductwork. The equipment list is increased with size and complexity of the facility.

Relocating Data Center Generators & Backup Power Systems

If a data center loses utility power and does not have enough backup power, it will shut down. The rebooting process can be time consuming and problems can be introduced into the system because of improper shutdown procedures. The need for power is considered critical and uninterruptable power supplies are used.

When utility power is lost, battery back-up power is routed through an inverter to supply immediate power to the network equipment. The battery backup supply is intended for short term use while the emergency generator starts. When the generator(s) are ready to assume the load the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) routes power from the generator to the building power grid and backup battery power is secured.

When utility power is restored, the ATS routes power from the grid to the building. The generator goes into shutdown sequence. Backup batteries supply power to network equipment during the brief switching time. The backup power system can interface between multiple pieces of equipment and supporting systems.

There are two methods of supplying backup power during a utility outage. Generators manufactured in sound attenuated enclosures offer the solution for outdoor applications and generators mounted on skids are used for indoor applications. Outdoor generators are the easiest to relocate. The generator is a complete unit including intake air, exhaust, cooling, and fuel tanks. The generator is disconnected from ATS and is ready for transportation. ATS, distribution and control panels, and all interconnecting cables are removed.

Indoor data center generator(s) can offer a more complex relocation strategy. While the generators are complete units, they require axillary or support systems. A primary tank supplies fuel to a day tank for generator engine use. The radiator receives cool air through a louver system that opens during engine operation. Intake air is often routed to the space through the use of automated louvers. Engine exhaust moves through the muffler and out of the building exhaust pipe network. Many of the generator support systems have individual control systems that interface with the generator controller.

In all applications, fuel, coolant, and oil are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations. We are well versed in all of the challenges associated with relocating a data center. Contact Us to get the ball rolling on your relocation project. We can partner with your established vendors to accomplish project goals.

Call us at 877-585-9330 with any data center relocation questions or contact us online.

Inventory Categories

Generator Search

We Buy Used & Surplus Generators!

Get $$$ for your used power generation equipment

Get info here

Top Manufacturers

Articles and Info

Search for: