Data centres are the backbone of the digital age, housing critical IT
infrastructure that powers everything from online banking to social media. In
2017, the data centre market was worth $273 billion and is projected to reach $624 billion in 2029. Ensuring these
facilities operate reliably and efficiently is paramount, and that's where
commissioning comes in. We dive into the real-world practices of data centre
commissioning, moving beyond simplified explanations to provide a more accurate
and nuanced understanding.
What is Data Centre Commissioning?
Data centre commissioning is a systematic quality assurance
process that verifies and documents that all building systems (mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, fire protection, and IT) perform in accordance with the design
intent, the owner's project requirements (OPR), and relevant industry
standards. It is a comprehensive process that spans the entire project
lifecycle, from initial planning to ongoing operation.
The Commissioning Process: A Detailed Breakdown
The commissioning process is
typically structured into distinct phases or levels,
although in practice, there can be overlap and iteration between them:
Pre-Design/Planning Phase:
This initial phase establishes the project's foundation. The OPR is developed,
defining the data centre's purpose, performance objectives (e.g., uptime, Power
Usage Effectiveness (PUE)), and budget. Early engagement of a qualified
commissioning agent is highly recommended. Activities in this phase include:
·
Development of the OPR, a document that clearly
articulates the owner's needs and expectations for the data centre.
·
Establishment of the Basis of Design (BOD),
which translates the OPR into specific design criteria.
·
Definition of the commissioning scope, outlining
the systems and equipment to be commissioned.
·
Development of the commissioning budget and
schedule.
·
Selection of the commissioning team, including
the commissioning agent and other key stakeholders.
Design Phase: During this
phase, the design team develops detailed plans and specifications. The
commissioning agent reviews these documents to ensure compliance with the OPR
and identifies potential design or constructability issues. Key activities
include:
·
Design reviews conducted by the commissioning
agent to verify compliance with the OPR and relevant standards.
·
Development of the commissioning plan, which
outlines the testing procedures, acceptance criteria, and documentation
requirements.
·
Coordination with the design team to resolve any
identified issues and ensure design intent is maintained.
Pre-Construction Phase:
This phase involves the physical construction and installation of the data
centre systems. The commissioning agent plays a crucial role in overseeing the
installation process and conducting various tests:
·
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Witnessing tests performed at the manufacturer's
facility to verify equipment performance before shipment. This is particularly
important for critical equipment such as generators, UPS systems, and chillers.
·
Site Acceptance Testing (SAT): Performing tests on-site after equipment delivery and
installation to ensure proper functionality within the data centre environment.
·
Pre-Functional Testing (PFT): Verifying the
individual components and sub-systems before system energization.
·
Functional Testing (FT): Testing the integrated
systems under various operating conditions to verify performance and compliance
with the OPR.
·
Integrated Systems Testing (IST): Testing all
systems together to verify their interoperability and overall performance as a
complete integrated system. This is the most comprehensive and critical testing
stage.
Acceptance Phase: This
phase focuses on formal documentation of test results, verification of
compliance with the OPR, and formal acceptance of the data centre by the owner.
Occupancy/Operations Phase:
This phase involves training data centre operators on system operation and
maintenance. This includes:
·
Development and delivery of Operations and
Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
·
Post-occupancy reviews to identify any
operational issues and optimise system performance.
Warranty Phase: During the
warranty period, system performance is monitored to identify and address any
defects or issues covered by the warranty.
Ongoing Commissioning (OCx):
This continuous process involves regular monitoring, testing, and optimisation
of data centre systems to maintain optimal performance, energy efficiency, and
adaptability to changing needs.
Tagging Systems and Documentation
While coloured tagging systems can
be used for visual tracking, comprehensive documentation is the core of the
commissioning process. This includes test procedures, test results, checklists,
and other records that provide evidence of compliance with the OPR.
Real-World Considerations
Selecting a qualified and
experienced commissioning agent is essential for project success.
Certifications such as those offered by the Building Commissioning Association (BCA) and other recognised organisations are
valuable indicators of expertise. Effective communication and collaboration
among all stakeholders (owner, design team, contractors, commissioning agent)
are crucial for a successful commissioning process. A final consideration as a
commissioning manager is to ensure adequate budget and schedule allocation for
commissioning activities which is essential for completing the process
effectively.
Exploring Career Opportunities
The increasing demand for reliable
data centre infrastructure has created numerous opportunities in data centre
commissioning jobs. These roles require a strong understanding of data centre
systems, testing methodologies, and project management principles. Data centre
commissioning jobs offer challenging and rewarding career paths for individuals
with technical expertise and a commitment to quality. These roles require a
deep understanding of complex systems and a meticulous approach to testing and
verification.
Here at QCS Staffing we offer an
array of commissioning jobs within the data centre industry
as well as an array of data centre roles.
