Powering a 2MW modular data centre in multiple modular prefabricated enclosures

Data centre projects are complex real-estate ventures that require engineers, contractors, power infrastructure and much more. A respected edge computing firm wanted to simplify this, and speed up data centre deployment, backed by a group of global hyperscalers. 

This company’s single container, 0.2MW fully mobile data centre was a step towards this vision, but larger, more established organisations need more computing power and higher performance.  

The engineers wanted to develop a larger, more rugged modular data centre that could be deployed quickly anywhere, used in remote environments, and be durable enough to last for many years. 

Again, it chose to work with Capital, having built a strong relationship with the switchgear company over several years. 

Mike Sinkey, Managing Director and co-founder of Capital says, “The first 0.2MW data centre was almost like a testing ground for this flagship project. This company is transforming the way companies access and use data, and the fact that we’re trusted to provide the switchgear element is a source of pride to us.” 

A new approach to data centre builds 

The new data centre took six months to develop, and is capable of handling an impressive 2MW of computing power.  

The company had a direct line to Mike throughout design and manufacturing, as Capital recognised the need for always-on support: “These are mission-critical data centres, and the technology and approach is very new. It’s important that all parties knew they could call on us for electrical expertise. We invested considerable resource into the design, and our team was committed to ensuring the highest standards for our part of this cutting-edge project.” 

The modular data centre is fully contained in multiple modular prefabricated enclosures, with generous redundancy built in to ensure continuous service in the event of a failure: 

• 5000A power via two sources 
• N+1 redundancy in the cooling 
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems throughout 

Capital worked closely with the data centre operator to create a powerful, secure and reliable switchgear solution.  

Each data centre contains: 

• Main LV distribution switchboard 
• Mechanical distribution switchboard
• Network distribution switchboard
• Nvidia network racks
• UPS units
• Chillers

The next generation AI servers are liquid cooled directly to the chip via a closed liquid loop running through the chillers.  

The switchboard solution from Capital

Capital designed and manufactured the power solution for the data centres. 

These switchboards incorporate UPS input and output, direct feeds to the AI server racks and all associated protection and metering. 

They supply power to all internal mechanical services, including fan coil units, pumps, heating, lighting and general services. 

Continuing to work together globally 

Capital continues to supply the switchgear for this project, which has been rolled to multiple continents. 

Each unit ships as separate modular prefabricated enclosures and is assembled on site in weeks.

This type of data centre is also proving profitable for property owners looking to increase the value of their land, providing secure, readymade AI infrastructure for organisations looking for a new site.