Season's Greetings

As 2018 comes to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and interest in the knowledge hub in critical facilities. We look forward to connecting with you - the IT, Facilities and Design professionals - again in the coming year. To see what’s just around the corner, please subscribe to this knowledge hub or visit our official website.

May your holiday season be filled with joy, happiness and success.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2019!

2-day Classroom Training in Critical Facilities Design + Data Center Technical Visit

A BIG THANK YOU to the fellow participants who attended our 2-day instructor-led training course in Data Centre Facilities Design and Infrastructure Engineering during 29 - 30 November 2018. The course details about data center infrastructure system that supports critical services and prepares individual to understand the main components that facilitate the whole system’s design & build, international standards and best practices.

  

Following the 2-day classroom training in critical facilities design, our Data Center Technical Visit was completed on 7 December 2018. The visit provided an interactive environment for the data center / infrastructure engineers to exchange professional views and experience on mission critical facilities and IT services involved.

  

 

  

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) -
Connecting IT, Facilities and Design

SMA combines with professional Chartered Engineers (CEng) from the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET), the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). Our engineers have more than 20 years experience in data centre design & build, building services engineering and energy conservation in the private and public sectors.

The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of data center and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience, through various training courses, industry events and technical seminars. We prepare the engineers and IT personnel to face any challenges in data centers and criitcal facilities of any size, in any location.

For details, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com.

"Tier 3+" or "Tier 4-Ready" Data Centers?

This is usually found in some data center specifications: "Tier III+" or "Tier IV-Ready" *

Let's clarify: There is no such thing as "Tier III+" or "Tier IV-Ready" for large data centers. They are not granted by any organizations in data center / critical facilities like Uptime Institute or Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) - ANSI/TIA-942 **.


* The latest TIER IV-Ready Certification by the Uptime Institute is designed for modular data centers which enjoy the same level of reliability and resiliency that they have in their larger data centers.

** The term ‘Tier’ was used in the ANSI/TIA-942 Standard until the ANSI/TIA-942: March-2014 edition. In the March 2014 edition the term ‘Tier’ has been replaced by either ‘Rated’ or ‘Rating’.


Recap (1) More about Data Center Tier Levels; and
(2) Data Center Tier Levels and Uptime


The Uptime Institute issues Tier Certificates (Constructed Facility and Design Documents) for data center infrastructure. When a data center is accredited as Tier III Constructed Facility, the infrastructure, at the time of the site visit and demonstrations, should be "Concurrently Maintainable" and N+1 (N means Utility Power) with 1 active + 1 alternate distribution paths (electrical power backbone) and 2 simultaneously active critical power distribution.

One of the major different between Tier III and Tier IV infrastructure is the requirement of Distribution Paths - Electrical Power Backbone. Tier IV facilities require 2N / 2N+1 which means 2 electrical power backbone should be simultaneously active. It is nearly double the infrastructure of Tier III.

Although the Uptime Institute Tier Standard or the TIA-942 Standard does not require dual feeds from different power companies to achieve Tier IV standard, is it worth to build a Tier IV data center in Hong Kong?

The situation is different. Electricity supply in Hong Kong is highly reliable, exceeding 99.999%. The two power companies, CLP and HK Electric have adequate capacity and backup in electricity generation and in the transmission and distribution networks, which assured robustness and reliability of supply. A number of high-tier data centers are being serves by two utility feeds from different substations of the same power company.

  

A Tier IV infrastructure is nearly double of the Tier III. Thus most of the large data centers in Hong Kong are usually Tier III but leave rooms / spaces for adding facilities and expansion if required in the future (ready / upgradable to Tier IV standard).


About us

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,
(12) Electrical Rooms,
(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

Connecting the Industries Leaders in Big Data & AI Asia Conference 2018

On 4 - 5 December 2018 at Suntec Singapore Convention Centre, we are focusing on Big Data & AI topics across government, banking & finance, oil & gas, telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain & logistics and many other industries. This Annual Big Data & AI Asia Conference will explore the rise of intelligent, autonomous systems, the future of work and how Big Data & AI are helping to drive productivity and profitability for your businesses.


JOIN the panel discussion and explore how Big Data, AI and technology reshaping the future economy:-


• James Ong, Chief Investment Officer, YCH Group
• Shen Shengmei, General Manager, Panasonic R&D Center
• Laurence Liew, Director, AI Industry Innovations, AI Singapore
• Dr. Xin GAO, Head of Innovation Hub, Asia, GRUNDFOS Holding A/S
• Johnson Poh, Head of Data Science, DBS Bank
• Vivek Kumar, Assistant Director-General, National Trades Union Congress


PLUS many other leaders in Big Data & AI >>

DOWNLOAD AGENDA > Discover the Full Program: www.bigdataasiashow.com/2018/program




REGISTER NOW & SAVE 20% FOR FULL CONFERENCE PASS (2-DAY) > Only Limited Seats Available:

www.bigdataasiashow.com/2018/register
Use Promotion Code: BDAI20 or directly click http://bit.ly/2IwLQCl

For Group Discount (3 or more Passes), please contact hmurugesan@corp-agency.com


We look forward to seeing you in the event!







Air-Conditioning System Design for Critical Infrastructure (2-day)
(8 and 9 November 2018 - Approved CPD Course by CIBSE UK)


Further to the featured conference above, a 2-day course will be launched in Hong Kong for engineers who design or handle MVAC (Mechanical Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) equipment for mission-critical buildings / data center projects.

The course highlights design principles such as psychrometric chart, cooling load calculation / estimation, etc. and the design considerations such as air distribution, availability / redundancy, common mistakes, Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model, integration with MEPs (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems), etc.


You'll be able to make informed decisions about the best choices of cooling systems for mission-critical purposes and how system can best meet your project goal and SLA (Service Level Agreement).


Date: 8 and 9 November 2018 (Thursday - Friday)
Time: 10:00 - 17:30

Venue: 19/F, Officeplus (New Victory House), 93 - 103 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, HK
(Exit A2, Sheung Wan Station)

Fee: Special Rate applies for

(1) the HKIE / CIBSE or all professional membership classes in engineering; or
(2) more than 1 enrollment made at the same time.



> Datacom Equipment Power Trends and Cooling Applications

  -- Load trends and their application
  -- Air cooling of computer equipment
  -- Liquid cooling of computer equipment


> Design Consideration

  -- Design criteria
  -- HVAC load
  -- Computer room cooling
  -- Air distribution
  -- Liquid cooling
  -- Availability and redundancy
  -- Controls
  -- Integration with other MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) system
  -- Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD)


> Testing and Commissioning

  -- Air cleanliness test
  -- Heat load test
  -- Factory acceptance test
  -- Site acceptance test
  -- Integrated performance test (IST)


> Energy Efficiency

  -- Power usage effectiveness
  -- Chilled water plant optimization
  -- Water side and air side equipment
  -- Part load operation
  -- Controls and energy management
  -- LEED certified data center
  -- Building energy code


> Sustainable Design

  -- Combined heat power plant (CHP)
  -- Solar cooling
  -- Geothermal cooling
  -- Evaporative cooling
  -- Air side economizers
  -- Desiccant unit


For details, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/newsletter_6.html.



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,
(12) Electrical Rooms,
(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.


All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Become a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) for the Design, Implementation, Integration and Project Management of Cabling Infrastructure

Cabling infrastructure design is complex. That’s why it is essential that you have someone on your team who understands all aspects of this highly technical area.


A Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) is an individual who has demonstrated knowledge in the design, integration and implementation of telecommunications and data communications technology systems and related infrastructure. These individuals are uniquely positioned to create the detailed design of a new system and/or integrate design into an existing structure. The RCDD is one of the highest design credentials in the information technology systems (ITS) industry, recognized worldwide.


Why is an RCDD critical in the building design process?

An RCDD has been taught the importance of achieving an efficient, cost-effective, future-ready system, no matter what the stage of the project:-


Initial Planning Stage: An RCDD has learned how to create a smart design, evaluating the proper amount of space needed today and for years to come. By minimizing costly change orders, an RCDD can save you valuable time and money.

Mid-project: RCDDs who manage the infrastructure instal-lation can guide the design so that it is followed correctly and make any necessary modifications as needed.

Project Completion: An RCDD adds credibility to a project by signing off when the project is complete.


RCDDs are required to demonstrate proficiency across a wide range of areas within structured cabling systems, including network, outside plant, wireless and electronic safety and security design, data centers and building auto-mation systems (BAS). This expanded knowledge enables the RCDD to advise the owner/end user of the appropriate IT, AV and security requirements. The RCDD has learned to perform the design tasks related to these systems, including construction drawings and specifications.

Current standards and best practices' requirements, including standards established and/or contributed to by: BICSI, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), are fully taken into account by the RCDD.

Include an RCDD on Your Project Design Team

An RCDD’s ability to assess a building owner’s telecommunications needs, and to design and implement a plan that allows for imminent growth, can allow your team to design a highly efficient technology system with minimal costs for later upgrades.



CORE TRAINING FOR RCDD IN HONG KONG
DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution System


Date: 3 to 7 December 2018 (5-day, Monday to Friday)
Time: 9:30 - 18:00 (around 1 hour lunch break)
Venue: 19/F, Office Plus, 93 - 103 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong


Exclusive for the training in Hong Kong:- 

Our 5-day training already includes all training materials and a digital copy of Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 13th edition, with more than 1900 pages.


Complete and return the BOOKING FORM online for seat reservation. For the RCDD program details in Hong Kong, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/rcdd.html.



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,
(12) Electrical Rooms,
(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.


All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Designing Generator Fuel Systems (4)

Referring to the Designing Generator Fuel Systems (1), (2) and (3), let's summarize to form a whole picture.

The successful design of a backup generation system is critical to maintaining business continuity, sustaining critical operations, and life safety in the event of a serious power outage (see "Fuel system design checklist"). Without proper design and ongoing maintenance, fuel oil systems cannot meet the needs of the gensets they serve, and therefore, cannot guarantee the assumed reliability of the facility's backup power.


Fuel System Design Checklist
When designing fuel oil systems, remember

• Provide foot valves (to maintain pump prime), anti-siphon valves (to prevent accidental leakage), and fusible link shutoff valves (for fire safety).
• When calculating pump suction lift, assume the worst-case scenario (i.e., a nearly empty tank).
• When calculating friction losses through the fuel oil distribution system, assume the worst-case scenario (i.e., viscosity corresponding to the lowest anticipated fuel temperature).
• If fuel temperature is anticipated to fall below its cloud point, provide a means of heating (tank heaters, space heaters, pipe heat trace, etc.)
• Ensure storage tanks are equipped with adequate ports to accommodate pipe connections, sensors, vents, switches, etc.
• Using auxiliary tanks if necessary

Consider Using Auxiliary Tanks When

• The main tanks are located more than 50 ft away from the gensets
• The main tanks are located more than 12 ft below the gensets
• The main tanks are located above the gensets

Fuel Oil Design Cheat Sheet

Refer to this cheat sheet for important considerations when designing a fuel oil system:

• No. 2 fuel oil NFPA Classification: Class II
• Genset fuel consumption: approximately 7 gph/100 kW rating
• Atmospheric pressure: 30 in. Hg (mercury column)
• Minimum recommended pressure at external pump inlet: 15 in. wc
• Pressure of 2.6 ft of No. 2 fuel oil: 1 psi.

Runtime Requirements

Runtime requirement for emergency power supply systems, according to NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems include:


Class 0.083: 0.083 hours = 5 minutes
Class 0.25: 0.25 hours = 15 minutes
Class 2: 2 hours
Class 6: 6 hours
Class 48: 48 hours
Class X: other times (application, code, or user dictated)



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,

(12) Electrical Rooms,

(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Designing Generator Fuel Systems (3)

So far we consider (1) Runtime Criteria; (2) Storage; (3) Pumping; (4) Fuel Cooling; (5) Piping; and (6) Fuel Maintenance of the generator fuel system. Let's further look into the

(7) Fuel Filling
(8) System Controls
(9) Applicable Codes and Standards


Filling the Tank


During the design process, it is important to determine what type of delivery truck the fuel-oil vendor will use. Fuel-oil trucks are either a gravity or a pump type (i.e., equipped with an integral fill pump).

Both types of trucks can accommodate USTs and ASTs located at an elevation lower than the truck. Pump trucks are ideal for filling ASTs at higher elevations. Gravity trucks are optimal for filling USTs. However, when the fuel storage tank is at a higher elevation than the truck, a gravity type truck alone won't work. For such applications, an option is a remote fill system with an integral fuel transfer pump that can enable gravity trucks to fill ASTs at a higher elevation. Remote fill systems are equipped with gauges and sensors to aid and alert the operator during the delivery process.

Extreme considerations must be accounted for as well because the need for fuel oil could happen in an emergency state. For example, it is common for a fuel oil vendor to promise one type of truck, but then in the event of a city-wide power outage when everyone needs fuel, the truck isn't available. Extreme situations must be considered during fuel oil system design.


Fuel System Controls


Fuel systems typically use UL 508: Standard for Industrial Control Equipment - listed programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to control and monitor transfer pumps, storage tanks, auxiliary tanks, polishing systems, fill systems, fuel inventory, leak detection, and other related subsystems and equipment. They offer communication capabilities, such as BACnet, Modbus, and local operating networks (LonWorks) for integration with the building management system.

For critical applications, such as data centers, the control system typically uses dual independent PLCs and dual power inputs to ensure there are no single points of failure. The fuel system control architecture and sequence of operations should be reviewed in detail during the design phase. The entire scope of work associated with fuel systems (equipment, controls, startup, and training) preferably should be provided by a single vendor who specializes in that field.


Codes and Standards


Due to its combustible nature and the detrimental impact on the environment upon a leakage, fuel oil storage and system design is regulated by city, state, and federal authorities. Careful consideration to a multitude of factors is essential during design. Meeting the worst-case scenario is vital to compliance.

There also are code-mandated requirements related to maximum allowable fuel storage on the property, tank construction, spill containment, location relative to buildings and property lines, fire suppression, high-rise building limitations, and much more. The requirements are specifically stringent for applications involving indoor storage of fuel due to inherent fire hazards. Frequently, the requirements listed in various codes and standards differ significantly.


To avoid surprises at a later stage, it is beneficial to approach the authority having jurisdiction to review the proposed design early in the project - specifically with representatives from the fire department to ensure that all bases are covered.


Continue Reading: Designing Generator Fuel Systems (4)



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,

(12) Electrical Rooms,

(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Designing Generator Fuel Systems (2)

Per "Designing Generator Fuel Systems (1)", we have discussed (1) Runtime Criteria; and (2) Fuel Storage. We are going to consider:-


Fuel Oil Pumping


Gensets are equipped with gear-driven pumps that pressurize fuel in the common rail of the engine. The integral pump draws fuel from the external tank. Excess fuel not injected into the cylinders is returned back to the tank. The pump has limited capability for priming and overcoming friction losses in the fuel distribution system (piping, fittings, and filters).

Usually, two types of electric-driven fuel oil pumps are used external to the genset - gear pumps and centrifugal submersible pumps:

Gear pumps: Mounted on a separate skid and typically used for low-flow, high-pressure applications, these pumps can be internal or external gear type and suitable when pressure requirements exceed 40 psi.

Submersible pumps: Used for high-flow, low-pressure applications. It require adequate clearance above the fuel tank for accessibility and maintenance, even though the majority of the pump assembly is within the tank.

Static lift and friction losses should be reviewed in detail during fuel system design. The design flow rate of the pumping system should be two to four times the peak demand so that pumps operate intermittently to fill the auxiliary tanks instead of operating continuously.


Cooling the Fuel


Excess fuel in the common rail that isn't injected into the cylinders is sent back to the tank. The return fuel is at an elevated temperature because it absorbs heat from the injectors and water jacket. When it mixes with cooler fuel in the tank, the supply fuel temperature gradually starts to rise.

For every 12 degree Celsius rise in fuel temperature above 37 degree Celsius, the engine horsepower reduces by approximately 1%. High fuel temperature also reduces its ability to lubricate the engine fuel system components. If the temperature of fuel being supplied to the engine exceeds a certain limit (typically 60 - 65 degree Celsius), the genset shuts down because of the safety cutoff. This is especially problematic when the tank volume is relatively small (e.g., auxiliary tanks) and the return fuel temperature is not reduced.

This basic fuel oil system flow schematic reveals the main fuel storage and auxiliary tanks.


Gensets with unit-mounted radiators typically are equipped with fuel coolers. They take advantage of the engine-driven radiator fan to reject fuel heat. Gensets with remote radiators typically require an external fuel cooler to reject fuel heat. Another option is to provide a return pump at the auxiliary tank and exchange fuel with the main tank (return hot fuel and replace it with cold fuel) if fuel temperature exceeds a certain setpoint. The return pumps also can be enabled manually to empty the auxiliary tank for maintenance, or via level sensor to prevent overflow conditions.


Fuel Transfer Pipes


When designing underground site piping, a nonmetallic material, such as reinforced thermosetting resin pipe is preferred due to its inherent corrosion protection. Underground piping is almost universally double-wall, and is comprised of a carrier pipe and a containment pipe. The interstitial space between the pipes is monitored with a leak detection system.

Fuel transfer pipes located above ground in accessible areas typically are single-wall carbon steel. Note that local jurisdictions and insurance carriers may require double-wall piping for aboveground applications as well.


Fuel Oil Maintenance


Fuel oil is made up of organic compounds and will gradually degrade over time due to biological growth, water accumulation, and particulate formation. This degradation, if uncontrolled, could result in clogged filters, or could negatively impact the combustion process in the generator engine.

Degradation is not a concern for applications where fuel is used on a consistent basis and a fresh stock of fuel is introduced regularly—for example, gensets used for combined heat and power applications. For standby generator applications, fuel usage is minimal due to limited runtimes as a result of periodic testing. For such applications, a fuel maintenance or polishing system can be provided for treating fuel oil periodically (usually on weekly or biweekly basis).


Continue Reading: Designing Generator Fuel Systems (3)



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,

(12) Electrical Rooms,

(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Designing Generator Fuel Systems (1)

Backup generator sets (gensets) are critical to business continuity and life safety. To ensure their reliable and efficient operation, the design of the associated fuel system must be approached systematically and thoroughly.

There are 9 Key Considerations when designing fuel oil systems for gensets:-

(1) Runtime Criteria
(2) Fuel Storage
(3) Fuel Pumping
(4) Fuel Cooling
(5) Fuel Piping
(6) Fuel Maintenance
(7) Fuel Filling
(8) System Controls
(9) Applicable Codes and Standards

Understanding the requirements and challenges of each is critical to navigating the design of any fuel system. Note that although there are inherent nuances, some of the same considerations underlying fuel oil design principles can also be applied to systems intended for other applications, such as oil-fired boilers. Design criteria unique to each project will dictate the ultimate application.


Runtime Criteria


Among the first steps of designing a fuel oil system for gensets is to establish runtime criteria in the event of a power outage (see "Runtime requirements"). Often dictated by a combination of applicable codes and owner requirements, the runtime—or how long the genset must operate during an emergency event without refueling-will set the bar for fuel oil design and operations. For example, life safety gensets typically are required to support emergency loads for a period of 2 hours upon loss of power. Critical facilities, such as data centers, typically are expected to support the load for 24 hours or more, depending on site resiliency requirements.

Because runtime criteria have a direct bearing on the fuel storage capacity required onsite, this consideration is critical to explore first. Note that fuel consumption data for gensets at various loads is readily available from the manufacturers.

It is important to note that only 80% to 85% of the tank capacity is typically usable depending on the tank shape and form. The tank cannot be emptied completely during operation nor can it be filled completely because head space is required to accommodate fuel expansion and prevent overflow.


Fuel Oil Storage


Fuel oil can be stored in aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) or underground storage tanks (USTs). Each has advantages and disadvantages, and specifying the appropriate type is critical to ensure the optimum design. Both UST and AST have different internation codes specifies the requirements for protected tanks (fire, impact and and associated corrosion resistant).

ASTs offer ease of maintenance; typically, lower installation costs and the ability to be installed by the project's mechanical contractor; ease of relocation; and the option of custom sizes to suit site conditions. However, employing an AST may not be appropriate for all projects because they require usable real estate, pose a greater fire hazard, allowable storage capacity typically is restricted by applicable codes and insurance carriers, and fuel heaters may be required in cold weather applications where the tank is exposed to subfreezing ambient temperatures.

USTs are available in fiberglass or steel construction. They are almost always cylindrical and require minimal real estate above ground, offer potentially greater fuel storage capacity, pose a lower fire hazard, and can maintain a relatively stable fuel temperature. Conversely, USTs can be difficult to access, maintain, and relocate; they typically have a higher installation cost; require comprehensive leak detection systems; and often require a specialized contractor to install.


Continue Reading: Designing Generator Fuel Systems (2)



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,

(12) Electrical Rooms,

(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Big Data & AI Asia 2018

4 – 5 DECEMBER 2018
SUNTEC SINGAPORE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

Driving Business Innovation and Benefits Through Synergizing Big Data and AI


The 2nd Annual Big Data & AI Asia Conference has the SOLUTIONS for your organization’s technological challenges comprising of the important know-hows and trends of data acquisition, monetizing of real time data, machine learning and the practical use of AI.

In addition, this event presents a unique opportunity to network, forge & deepen new relationships and benchmark against businesses which have succeeded within the big data and AI space. The 2nd Annual Big Data & AI Asia Conference attracts key representatives from the big data and AI ecosystem which will provide you with the key takeaways to make your investment ROI worthwhile.


CONFERENCES
Inspiring talks and panel discussions. Spotlight on use cases.

SPONSORS / EXHIBITION
50+ solution providers that are ready to help you with your Big Data and AI needs

TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE
Showcasing real-life scenarios and products by Asia's most innovative companies

1 TO 1 MEETINGS
Need to talk business in private? This event have a dedicated place for you

MASTERCLASS
Tailored masterclasses and seminars from established companies


Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with top notch data experts and AI experts. Join this conference now for the biggest big data and AI event in Asia!


Event & Registration Details:-

Date: 4 - 5 December 2018 (Tuesday - Wednesday)
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City, Singapore 039593

http://www.bigdataasiashow.com

Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Electrical System Design

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is used frequently when working across multiple disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering, and also with other stakeholders such as architects and contractors. Data Center Design with BIM is one of the obvious examples to facilitate and streamline complex design teamwork and coordination.

Consulting engineers, on the other hand, are facing with the same challenges, including the increment of speed and complexity of projects, which evolve codes and standards and a continual push for the electrical discipline to advance in BIM.


While BIM has been around for 20 years and is used regularly by architects and both structural and civil engineers, adoption by mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection engineering firms has only started to take off in more recent years. Today, as more architects require all parties working on a project to engage with BIM, consulting engineers are demanding the tools necessary to advance BIM in the electrical space, such as the ability to access more information online and easier access to BIM models and manufacturer support and expertise.

An overall view of a building shows a single mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) design model representing accurate location and overall dimensions of equipment and systems. This image is rendered from a single Revit model containing MEP/FP disciplines along with IT and audio-visual (AV) disciplines representing accurate location and overall dimensions of equipment and systems.


The value of BIM is that it gets the right information to all the right people at the right time, enabling collaboration, productivity, and insight. However, there are some challenges, particularly in the electrical space, that must be overcome for BIM to reach its full value.

A partial model view shows electrical equipment, mechanical/plumbing equipment ducts and piping, along with a related pump schedule.


One key challenge to BIM adoption in the electrical space is the lack of accurate, relevant, and standardized BIM content. To date, to move forward with BIM implementation, many firms have had to develop their own content libraries - often by downloading from a repository of manufacturers' products online.

This poses challenges, as many products are subject to frequent manufacturer updates; which means that maintaining an up-to-date content library becomes difficult. For example, if a user downloads an electrical panelboard and leaves it on his or her hard drive for several years, the product information in the BIM environment will quickly become outdated as the downloaded content remains static, yet the actual product continues to evolve.

It's critical that product data remains up-to-date in BIM models. BIM is not just a design tool that stops being used after the construction phase of a project; rather, it is an overall lifecycle tool that uses the information from conception through design and commissioning and into operation and maintenance of the building.

The power of BIM lies in the information. At any point in the lifecycle of a project, the information must be accurate to help reduce time-consuming errors and rework. Additionally, it must be accessible from virtually anywhere, at any time, and by all the project stakeholders - and it must be actionable to help inform the decision-making process with simulation and analysis.

Bridging the gap between BIM environments and product data is critical to the advancement of BIM in the electrical space.



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,

(12) Electrical Rooms,

(13) Generator Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Join the the Site Tour + 2 Days Course in Mission-Critical Facilities Design

Half Day Data Center Site Tour (Tier III+)

Sponsored by OneAsia Network Limited (www.oneas1a.com)

The half-day site tour is arranged to demonstrate the critical power, cooling facilities and data center management solutions by a new Tier III+ data center in Hong Kong. The tour also provides an interactive environment and opportunities for the our engineers to exchange professional views on mission-critical facilities with a hands-on and immersive experience.



* Pre-registration required
* 10-minute walk from Kowloon Bay MTR Station
* Grand opening in November 2017

For the site tour details, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/data-center-tour.html.

Mission-Critical (Data Center) Facilities Design & Infrastructure Engineering (2-day)

(19 - 20 July 2018, approved CPD course by CIBSE UK)

Designed for Building Services Engineers, Facilities / Data Center Managers, IT Management, etc., this is a high quality course to enrich and update your knowledge in mission-critical facilities' design and build. The course is more than a general introduction for data center and critical infrastructure:-


- Cabinet layout
- Raised floor system
- Data center network and structure
- Telecommunication backbones, redundancy, sizing and planning
- Fiber and optical system design
- Fiber and optical cable components
- Copper cabling components
- Copper system design and high speed ethernet
- Cable distribution, layout and management
- Earthing / grounding and bounding
- Power (1) – high / low voltage system, switch system, etc.
- Power (2) – UPS, transformers, fuel tanks, generators, etc.
- Cooling (1) – cooling topology, hot / cold aisle, etc.
- Cooling (2) – chiller, CRAC, cooling towers, etc.
- Environmental management system
- Physical security
- Fire protection system


Date: 19 - 20 July 2018 (Thursday - Friday)
Time: 10:00 – 17:30
Venue: 19/F, New Victory House (Officeplus), 103 - 93 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, HK
(Exit A2, Sheung Wan MTR Station)


Fee: Special rate for CIBSE / HKIE all membership classes
For details, please refer to www.stmedia-asia.com/newsletter_6.html.


All sections are conducted by Chartered Engineers (CEng) who have more than 20 years experience in electrical engineering, project management, sustainable engineering and facility engineering for critical services.



Enrollment & Registration

Complete and return an Application Form together with a crossed cheque made payable to “Strategic Media Asia Limited” - Room 403, 4th Floor, Dominion Centre, 43 - 59 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong.


About the Organizer

Strategic Media Asia Limited (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). The mission is to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for the engineers to exchange professional views and experience on critical infrastructure and data center services.


For details, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/about.html or subscribe to this knowledge blog for more readings in critical facilities design.

Critical Facilities & Data Center Design Consideration: Generator Systems Design (3)

Further to the the topics of Paralleled Generator System and Generator Ratings, generator sizing is important for your critical facilities. Design engineers should learn how generator-sizing calculations are performed, whether by hand or using software.

Most generator manufacturers provide generator-sizing software to assist design engineers and generator system specifiers. Although the generator-sizing software is a very handy tool, the design engineer must evaluate the load and performance characteristics before selecting one generator set over another.

It should be noted that generator rating results are manufacturer-specific and may need to be derated for ambient temperature, altitude, and harmonics. Voltage dip and frequency response will vary between generators from different manufacturers.


To perform manual generator-sizing calculations, the following information is required for each load:-

Load starting information:
starting kilowatts (SkW), starting kilovolt-amperes (SkVA), and starting power factor (PF)

Load running information:
running kilowatts (RkW), running kilovolt-amperes (RkVA), and running power factor (PF)


For motor loads, this information can be derived from nameplate data:
horsepower, efficiency, locked-rotor kVA/horsepower, motor-starting PF, and running PF

In addition, nonlinear load (miscellaneous load) characteristics would be required to appropriately size the generator alternator and select the optimum exciter type. The generator loading sequence will determine how the SkW, SkVA, RkW, and RkVA are summed to find the generator's total SkW, SkVA, RkW, and RkVA. The generator is subsequently selected to meet the minimum RkW, RkVA, SkW, and SkVA required from the manufacturer's generator specification sheets.


Here is the sizing calculation method (roughly):-


MOTOR LOAD: Equations to calculate SkVA, SkW, RkVA, and RkW:

SkVA = motor hp x locked-rotor kVA/hp (Motor Code, refer to the table of  below)
SkW = SkVA x starting motor PF (Power Factor)
RkW = motor hp x 0.746 kW/hp/efficiency (1 Electrical Horsepower (hp) = 0.746 KW)
RkVA = RkW / running motor PF

MISCELLANEOUS LOAD: Equations to calculate SkW and RkW:

SkW = SkVA x starting PF
RkW = RkVA x starting PF (Load kVA remains constant: kVA = SkVA = RkVA)

About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,

(12) Electrical Rooms,

(13) Generator Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.