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Africa Data Centres provides Africa’s largest network of interconnected carrier-neutral and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. The company is known for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across the African continent.
When Africa Data Centres wanted to increase the capacity of its data centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, by 10MW, the expansion had to form part of a legacy building which had limited available space. The solution was a bespoke version of our xModular configurable system, tailored to meet their requirements.
We were appointed to develop, deliver, and commission xModular units to support the new facility, to a tight timetable and within the restricted space. The project included extending the electrical infrastructure without affecting existing services.
Eaton's xModular solution delivered a customised, reliable system in a robust prefabricated structure that exceeded our expectations for adequate load handling and ease of operation and maintenance
Multi-partner design and off-site configuration
In close collaboration with our xModular partner network, we designed, built, installed, and commissioned a fully integrated turn-key solution comprising of Eaton Power Xpert UX withdrawable medium-voltage switchgear, the Eaton Power Xpert 9395P UPS, and Eaton’s Lithium-ion battery combinations.
Africa Data Centres wanted a modular ‘plug and play’ approach to allow for easy future upgrades, so the expansion was planned for phased completion, with on-site installation mostly limited to final assembly and cable connections.
The power modules were provided in 2.4MW prefabricated modular units, which can be augmented with further units, as and when needed, and the system was designed for stability and reliability under all environmental and power supply conditions.
Complex delivery, simplified
Although the modular units were designed to fit into a restricted space, they are significant in size. They were manufactured off-site with xModular partner Hitech Gregfor, and the components were configured for easy transport, but delivery was nevertheless a complicated matter.
Our Eaton Africa team devised and managed the complex logistics of delivering the units by road using specialised trucks and air-suspension loading trailers. The units were lifted into place using 700 tonne cranes hired specifically for the purpose.
Delivery planning, with safety the top priority, included the use of drone technology to identify risks such as low bridges, trees, and narrow roads on the chosen route.
Outcomes for Africa Data Centres
The xModular system we have devised for ADC combines the benefits of customisation and configurability, with industrial scale and controlled integration and fabrication.
The UPS delivers required service during even severe power disturbances; the medium-voltage switchgear is based on vacuum technology on a compact footprint, with Energy Saver technology that can improve efficiency levels up to 99%; and our Lithium-ion battery systems reliably and flexibly ensure continuous system uptime while delivering significant total cost of ownership savings.
