Keysource, the global datacentre and critical environment specialist has completed a major design and expansion project for Datum Datacentres at its site on Cody Technology Park, Farnborough. The expansion supports Datum’s ambitious growth plans and commitment to providing high levels of security and client support.

Part of a £7 million investment, the project involves the creation of a new data hall and associated ancillary areas. Located in the fallow space on the first floor, it operates alongside the ground floor and first floor facilities, providing 380 rack positions, a cooling infrastructure for 1000kW of IT load with N+1 resilience and a power infrastructure for 1000kW of IT load with 2N resilience.

Sustainability was a key driver in this expansion project, so the solution has been designed to deliver efficiency and support net zero targets. It includes generators that use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, reducing the CO2 emissions during testing or emergency operation. The UPS solution uses lithium-ion batteries which removes the need for the additional cooling required when using traditional lead-acid battery banks, and providing an extended life expectancy which will result in less frequent lifecycle replacements. In addition, the cooling solution is highly optimised to dynamically respond to demand and external ambient conditions for high levels of free cooling.

Working closely with the Datum team, Keysource initially produced a performance specification and associated RIBA Stage 3 design. The preconstruction package was scoped and programmed to reduce the overall delivery programme by expediting LLE (Long Lead Equipment) procurement and mitigating other risks inherent of a data centre project, such as permissions and approvals.

Keysource delivered the project  along with a range of specialist services associated with design, cost management, engineering and commissioning. This included a combined Building Management System (BMS) and Power Management System (PMS) to provide analytics and insight into solution and sub-system operation, allowing for changes to be made in operation which maximise operational efficiency and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.

Dominic Phillips, CEO at Datum said: “Keysource has been our trusted advisor since 2013 and our partnership continues to grow. Keysource has completed a range of projects for us including a number of upgrades and fit outs to meet the requirements of both our new and existing clients. They were also part of the team behind our recent acquisition of Teledata UK, a colocation data centre in Manchester.”

Jon Healy, Operations Director at Keysource, said: “Planning during the preconstruction phase ensured there was zero risk of downtime and operational disruption and that existing client SLAs and OLAs were maintained. We also understand and support Datum’s sustainability ambitions and those of their clients. These are reflected throughout our collaborative projects, which aim to reduce the amount of scope 2 and 3 emissions.”