With existing AHU and sensing equipment approaching end of life, Principality wanted to upgrade to equipment that would offer improved efficiency and resilience for the decade ahead.  A phased approach was adopted, with the individual removal and replacement of each of the four AHUs.  The new installation is based on the GEA Multi-DENCO Energy Efficient DX Air Conditioning Units, include EC motors, electronic expansion valves and an inverter driven compressor, leading to excellent cooling and energy efficiency.

Secure IT Environments undertook all work related to the project, including the safe removal and environmental processing of the old AHU units and redundant F-gases.  Training was also provided for the data centre team on using the new units.

The UPS upgrade was undertaken to address the issues of existing equipment reaching end of life, and needing to reclaim space in the core data centre, which was at a premium.  A new UPS room was situated next to the main DC facility, which included a new Modular UPS system, air conditioning, raised access flooring, UPS electrical infrastructure, fire suppression and detection, pressure relief vent and gas extraction unit.

Chris Wellfair, projects director at Secure IT Environments added, “The level of improved energy and cooling efficiency that can be achieved with modern AHUs is very impressive.  Many customers are finding that as older equipment reaches end of life, or they want to move to more environmentally friendly units as F-gas regulations change, that they make significant improvements in terms of PUE, energy costs and maintenance with newer equipment.  The new units installed at Principality Building Society will have an immediate and positive impact on the data centre, and for many years to come.”