Design cost-effective data centers

Inevitably, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of each data center is shocking. Not only will CAPEX (capital expense, capital expenditure) grow to be daunting-costs such as design, testing and commission, but also unavoidable OPEX (operating expense, operating costs) growth is also terrible. Prospective users will expect that OPEX will surpass CAPEX.

Syska believes that the following is the best way to reduce TCO:

1. Low-level data center Redundancy

Consider whether the upgrade of the IT network can reduce the availability of required devices. For example, are three cheaper Tier 2 devices better than two more expensive Tier 4 devices? The tier level is subject to the tier White Paper of the uptime Institute.

Cost center design for higher availability is:

· Every system has redundant systems and redundant Components
· Redundant systems and components reduce efficiency and increase operation costs

Two tier 4 devices with 4 million watts of Computer load, each of which may cost $0.1 billion, and the first cost is $0.2 billion in total. The cost for each of the three 4 million-watt Tier 3 devices is 0.046 billion, with a total initial cost of $0.138 billion. Then the initial cost difference between the two is $0.062 billion. However, the total cost is related to both the network cost and the device cost. The network cost of the three devices is higher than that of the two devices.

2. utility cost)

When selecting a site, you must consider the current and estimated costs of effectiveness. Sustainability must be considered in each project.

The best sources of information about the data center utility rate include:

· Knowledgeable experts, such as CB Richard Ellis, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Julian studley.
· Rate schedule and internal experts released by public utilities
· View other enterprises. Based on my recent experience, the cost of electricity is about 0.038-0.04 USD/kWh, the average is 0.08-0.12 USD/kWh, and the higher is 0.25 USD/kWh.

3. Consider OPEX and CAPEX

OPEX and CAPEX are both considerations. For example, select a site with low power consumption and moderate water cost. The initial cost of a water cooling device cooled by air is the lowest, but the rapidly increasing power cost shows that it is better to choose a water cooling device cooled by water. The energy and financial model based on estimation of utility costs will help you make the best choice.

Most visionary people use the TCO model, taking into account CAPEX, OPEX, capital costs, the expected ROI, and other factors.

4. scalability and scalability

If the initial ups requirement is 50 Watts/square foot and the maximum is 150 watts/square foot, the initial design is 75 watts/square foot and will be upgraded to 150 watts/square foot later. If the initial footprint is 20 thousand square feet and the maximum is 40 thousand square feet, the initial design is 30 thousand square feet and an additional 10 thousand square feet for backup. In the trade-off between quality and quantity, you should choose the quality that can be upgraded later.

Here, I don't want to make some hard rules. Because each customer's needs are different, they should be considered independently. Some upgrades are easy to complete. Here we provide some ratios for your reference. For example, we installed two UPS systems on the first day, with the full load capacity of N, to power the Computer load of N (system + system. The next day, we need 2n Computer load. We can add two more UPS systems, or add a fully loaded UPS system and change the configuration to 3n/2.

5. concise data center design

The data center design should be as concise as possible, which can reduce unnecessary parts and costs and improve reliability and maintainability.

Here are some examples:

· Reduce the layers of the power distribution system, which can reduce costs and make it easier for the power system to collaborate
· Adopt a variable speed refrigeration main pump, thus reducing the number of frozen times
· If all computer devices are dual-core and the ups has no motor load, the static switch of the UPS system is unnecessary.

6. Avoid using unique products or Series Products

If possible, try to use standard components and categories. The initial cost and replacement cost of Series 1 products are always very high. For example, the cost-effectiveness of 4000 Security Bus switch equipment is higher than that of 5000 security.

Recently, a customer told me that his ups device has been in use for 12 years. Now, this device has been discontinued and its control panel is unique. As the usage time of the ups device increases, its spare parts will become increasingly difficult to find and its related technicians will gradually decrease.

In addition, we recommend that you automate routine device operations and emergency operations as much as possible. Finally, try to use technology instead of human resources to make up for technical deficiencies.

Following these practices, your data center will be cost-effective.