University Data Center

Client: University Data Center

Project Goals

Ehvert was retained to design, build and manage the University Data Center expansion to house their core administrative servers and internetworking infrastructure. The expansion was to be constructed adjacent to the existing data center and would be in the vicinity of classes and sensitive research labs; it was critical that the construction work would not impact operations in these areas.

Ehvert, in coordination with the University’s Facilities, IT, and Academic programs, successfully built out the new area of raised floor space with an area-specific power density of 175W/ft2 without any impact to existing operations.
The cooling plant installed in this facility is a closed-loop, free-cooling chilled-water system. Hot-aisle containment increases the system efficiency and the use of dry-coolers allow for waterside economization, drastically reducing energy consumption.
The electrical and mechanical infrastructure installed in this facility is monitored and controlled by an open-platform, Ehvert-designed control system. Ehvert has since been engaged to manage all preventive maintenance and upgrade the electrical infrastructure to provide even further reliability and robustness.
The University has over 7000 employees and 59,000 students. Ehvert has been working with the university for over 7 years.

Project Results

The project was executed adjacent to the existing data center and in the vicinity of classes and sensitive research labs; it was critical that the construction work would not impact operations in these areas.
Project was completed in Ontario.
Ehvert gained experience and understanding for the project and stakeholder structure unique to post-secondary institutional clients.
Ehvert originally provided feasibility planning and budgeting in order to allow the University to obtain funding and construction budget.
The project was completed on time and on budget.
The only project change orders were based on client directed scope changes.
The University Data Center has become an ongoing client because of this project.