Technology is rapidly changing how an expansive segment of businesses are leveraging IT solutions to be more efficient and effective. Conversely, data center growth statistics are projecting significant increases per year for the foreseeable future.

The growing need for data center scalability

State-of-the-art scalable data centers are being considered for industry segments such as healthcare, academia, and others because of the mission-critical nature, the importance of secure data traffic, and ultimately the need for dedicated infrastructure to support it. To improve processing power availability closer to where the data is generated or required, data center design will continue to evolve with the market needs.  

Brick and mortar data center design challenges

Methods of construction can certainly vary in scale but historically, data centers have been constructed on-site in permanent buildings and require large capital investments. Integrating power systems, cooling systems, security systems, and beyond to an immense assortment of high-tech equipment amplifies the risk profile of construction. In addition, brick-and-mortar data centers require full capacity of services on day one of operation even if the center remains largely unfilled for extended periods. The lack of flexibility in a brick-and-mortar approach requires the ability to predict the future configuration of the technology systems involved to ensure full utilization of the center.

The labor-intensive brick-and-mortar data centers are no longer congruent with the growth rate of the industry when complex logistics, capital investment, and scalability are considered. The large investment needed to build, maintain, and scale a brick-and-mortar data center has pressed industry design engineers into a more pragmatic approach. In today’s business environment, the modern data center design should be easily and cost-effectively constructed, adaptable to constant change, intrinsically safe, and as energy efficient as possible.

The advantages of a modular data center design

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, data centers upgrade to new IT equipment every three to five years.[2]  To adapt to the changing requirements of the data center market, from the very largest hyperscale facilities to the smallest edge centers, design engineers are choosing the flexibility of modular construction.

Scalable data centers are engineered, factory-built enclosure systems integrated for seamless onsite installation. The modern data center design utilizes scalable and repeatable construction incorporating necessary power and cooling components. “Standardized, scalable, pre-assembled, and integrated data center facility power and cooling modules provide a total cost of ownership (TCO) savings of 30% compared to traditional, built-out data center power and cooling infrastructure. Avoiding overbuilt capacity and scaling the design over time contributes to a significant percentage of the overall savings.”[3]

nVent’s scalable data center design offer flexibility for future growth

Engineered to the highest quality standards, nVent custom data centers provide scalable capacity.  Interior dimensions are customizable to meet the IT requirements, increasing design flexibility for immediate and long-term needs. nVent also provides optional removable end walls to address future expansion. Factory assembled to meet exacting data center specifications, nVent utilizes interlocking galvannealed A60 interior and exterior steel panels that require fewer fasteners in construction and provide greater strength and resistance to corrosion and weather intrusion for maximum protection from the environment. nVent’s scalable data centers are delivered factory-assembled, wired, and pre-tested to minimize on-site assembly and associated delays during installation. With fast turnaround and expedient delivery, nVent provides a modular alternative to brick-and-mortar data centers that reduces the risk of complex logistics, capital investment, and scalability.

Enclosure Systems – Advanced engineering for superior e-house protection

We are North America’s largest, most experienced manufacturer of highly engineered, custom-built, and ruggedly constructed modular e-houses. Our ballistic-rated e-houses, custom e-houses, modular data centers, power distribution centers, and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) solutions are custom-engineered as cost-effective, play-and-play solutions that protect critical infrastructure while extending operating life. With three manufacturing facilities in North America and optimized production processes, we ensure the on-time delivery of your equipment enclosures.

[1] Gray. Market Insights. The Center Industry is Booming.

[2] Department of Energy. The office of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

[3] Torell, W. TCO Analysis of a Traditional Data Center vs. a Scalable, Prefabricated Data Center.