ADC Green 1 McClellan Data Center

This next-generation, high-density data center is being planned as a 20 megawatt, highly energy efficient facility, with an extremely low estimated PUE (Power Utilization Efficiency) of 1.1 (0.90 DCIE), perhaps the lowest for a facility of its kind in the US A standard high-efficiency data center has a PUE of 1.6 (0.625 DCIE). Annual energy savings for this project are projected to be in the neighborhood of 21%, or $2,150,000. The primary energy efficiency strategies for the mechanical system will reduce cooling energy use compared to a typical data center by approximately 73%.

The chief mechanical strategies are the airside economizer, a high-efficiency chiller plant, and high-efficiency fan systems. The design for the 156,600 ft² facility is targeting a LEED Platinum certification from the USGBC. When constructed, the data center will become the second largest customer for the local utility, the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD). The most dramatic energy savings are realized from the unique building-integrated outside air economizer system. Peak cooling loads in summer are very high, which was overcome by an airside design that can utilize free cooling in a wide range of temperatures. Full airside economizing operates at temperatures up to 70°F, and partial economizing operates between 70°F and 95°F OSAT.

The electrical system features 97% efficient Hitec flywheel generators; Powersmiths e-Saver power distributors, which are 50% more efficient when partly loaded (at a 40% load) compared to double conversion battery UPSs and standard efficiency PDUs; and loop electrical feeds with automatic transfer switches for redundant 2N distribution design. A key goal of the design team is to keep construction costs for the project comparable to standard data center designs while designing an innovative and efficient system, rather than simply paying whatever it takes to get the most efficient conventional components. In other words, the most important initial investment is in a whole-systems design approach, which optimizes the performance of all components.