Addressing the urgent global demand for sustainable design, Jaimie outlines strategies to minimise embodied and operational carbon.
Data centres utilising evaporative cooling systems need a consistent water supply for process cooling and obtaining this can be increasingly difficult in some regions.Water stress levels (calculated by UN-Water) are low for European regions but there is much higher stress in North Africa and Asia, which may lead to fewer data centres obtaining water for process cooling.. Space efficiency of heat rejection plant.
The external heat rejection unit size is typically based on the required heat rejection capacity and approach temperature (external air inlet temperature vs CHW/air outlet temperature).Generally, the heat rejection plant is located as close to the data halls as possible, however, where there is a drive towards higher density data centres the typical space for external heat rejection may be limited.To achieve an increased heat rejection capacity in limited space, the approach temperature of the unit may have increase (leading to an increase in the mechanical cooling hours annually).. Based on previous Bryden Wood data centre projects, we have plotted heat rejection plant properties based on their heat rejection capacity (kW/m.
vs approach temperature(K)..Note: The footprint shown are for the unit only and exclude any access/air intake space.
For plant which are part of chilled water systems, the ancillary equipment is not included in the footprint such as pumps, heat exchangers and pressurisation system..
Some strong correlations can be observed:.The term ‘Platforms,’ most commonly used in manufacturing, refers to a process whereby sets of components or assemblies can be put together in a multitude of different ways to create a multitude of different products..
In the context of the built environment, the most basic goal of Platform construction (P-DfMA) is to drive value within the sector - to apply the lessons of manufacturing to construction, and do what we do better, more efficiently and more productively.However, the concurrent benefits of adopting a Platform approach are much more wide-reaching; the transformation of a construction industry in crisis and the creation of a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of building for both ourselves and our planet.. Building our future with sustainable infrastructure.
Platform Design for Manufacture and Assembly (P-DfMA) offers a unique opportunity to refocus an industry beset by problems: low productivity, poor value, an aging workforce and not enough new workers.Operating in this current state, the construction industry simply can’t meet the needs of the future.