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The importance of redundant cooling and dual power supply
Thu, 11th Apr 2024

When it comes to Data Centre management, maintaining operational resilience is non-negotiable. Among the critical components ensuring this resilience, redundant water-cooling systems and dual power supplies stand out as indispensable elements. Land security and the strategic placement of Data Centres should also be considered. Let's delve into the significance of integrating both redundant water cooling, free cooling, and dual power supply for optimal Data Centre performance.

Redundant water-cooling systems with free cooling serve as a lynchpin in mitigating the risks associated with cooling failures. Redundant water-cooling that works with free cooling acts as a vital safeguard, preventing potential overheating and eliminating downtime in the event of a cooling system failure. This redundancy ensures continuous operations and safeguards against disruptions, aligning with the imperative nature of Data Centre reliability.

Similarly, dual power supply configurations play a pivotal role in enhancing Data Centre resilience. By providing redundant power sources, these systems eliminate single points of failure even before the power is delivered to site and ensures uninterrupted operations. Dual power supply setups, including external power delivery to site, are indispensable for achieving zero downtime. They offer a robust failover mechanism, ensuring seamless transitions in case of power outages or faults.

Implementing both redundant water cooling and dual power supply requires meticulous planning and investment in infrastructure. Dual power supply setups involve redundant power feeds, backup generators, and automatic transfer switches, whereas redundant water-cooling systems encompass dual piping, backup chillers, and redundant pumps, also using rainwater collection to reduce environmental impacts. Integration of redundant water cooling and dual power supply is paramount for Data Centre resilience. It's not merely a matter of redundancy but a strategic imperative for safeguarding critical operations. Environmental concerns are not about lip service to clients; it's about ensuring we respect the environment for which we are responsible for.

Moreover, the synergy between redundant water cooling and dual power supply contributes to enhanced security and sustainability. By maintaining optimal conditions for equipment and minimising downtime, these systems uphold data integrity and operational continuity. Additionally, they align with sustainability goals by optimising energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Redundant water cooling and dual power supply not only bolster resilience but also promote sustainability, reflecting an integration of redundant water cooling and dual power supply is essential for ensuring Data Centre resilience. 

Another important factor to consider when it comes to data infrastructure is land security and the strategic placement of Data Centres. New Zealand's unique geography, prone to seismic activity and flooding, poses a significant risk. The threat of a prolonged data outage during an AF8 seismic event ) is a serious concern. Compounding this, most Data Centres in Auckland are located on volcanic fields or floodplains, heightening the risk of jeopardising nationwide data access during seismic events or excessive flooding.

To mitigate this, T4 Group's plans include completing New Zealand's first Tier 4 Data Centre in Southland in 2025 and expanding capacity in other regional locations. Southland is seen as low-risk in terms of seismic activity and flooding.

By leveraging these insights, Data Centre operators can fortify their facilities against potential disruptions while advancing towards sustainable and secure computing environments. In an era where downtime is not an option, investing in redundant infrastructure is not just prudent but imperative for the longevity and reliability of Data Centre operations.