By Mainstay Engineering Group, Inc.
The growing demand for AI and generative AI, as well as the migration of data from on-site servers to Cloud storage, is a major driver of the data center growth seen today. North America remains the largest market for data center construction, particularly in these four largest markets in the U.S. by inventory: Northern Virginia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Silicon Valley, California. According to CBRE’s Global Data Center Trends Report dated June 24, 2024, despite power supply issues, North American data center inventory grew by 24.4% year-over-year in Q1 2024, adding 807.5 MW across Northern Virginia, Chicago, Dallas, and Silicon Valley. Northern Virginia led with 391.1 MW of new supply.
This rising customer demand for higher density is also propelling innovation in both data center design and technology, and data center owners are looking to pack more of it into a smaller space. Providers that have built or are building with higher density in mind can respond faster to these needs.
As a Civil and Structural Engineering firm, our role at Mainstay Engineering Group is to help data center facility owners navigate the complexities of design and construction to ensure their facilities are not only robust and efficient today but also prepared for the demands of tomorrow.
Here are our top 10 focus areas to consider when designing data centers for long-term success:
1. Scalability & Flexibility – Future-Proofing Infrastructure
As technology evolves, so too will the demands on data centers. Designing data centers with scalability in mind ensures that the infrastructure can grow with your needs and support future technological advancements. Modular designs, which allow for incremental expansion, are essential for accommodating increasing data loads and technological advancements without major overhauls.
2. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Sustainability is a necessity. Designing with sustainable materials, implementing energy-saving technologies, and planning for efficient water use are all critical aspects of creating a green data center. Structural engineers can help by selecting low-impact materials and designing for long-term durability.
Data centers also consume vast amounts of energy, and as energy consumption and costs continue to rise, incorporating energy-efficient systems is vital. This may involve optimizing the building’s orientation and insulation, as well as utilizing advanced cooling techniques, high efficiency power supplies, and renewable energy sources to minimize operational costs and environmental impact.
3. Site Selection and Environmental Factors
Choosing the right location for your data center is foundational. Engineers must assess geological stability, climate risks, proximity to fiber optic networks, and access to power sources. A well-selected site can significantly reduce operational risks and costs, ensuring the facility’s long-term viability.
4. Structural Resilience & Redundancy
Structural integrity is key. Data centers must be designed to withstand a wide range of potential threats, from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, to digital threats such as cyberattacks. Reliability is non-negotiable and downtime is not an option in a data center. Designing for resilience means incorporating redundant systems, such as power supplies and cooling mechanisms that can take over in case of failure, ensuring that operations can continue uninterrupted.
5. Advanced Cooling & Thermal Management
Effective cooling is one of the biggest challenges in data center design. As server densities increase, so does the need for advanced cooling solutions. Innovative solutions such as liquid cooling, immersion cooling, or free cooling systems that leverage eternal air or water sources are essential. Designing efficient cooling systems that can manage high thermal load is critical to maintaining optimal performance and preventing equipment failure. Structural engineers play a key role in ensuring the building’s design supports these thermal management strategies.
6. Power Supply and Management
Reliable and sufficient power supply is the backbone of any data center. The design should focus on ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply, which includes considerations for backup power systems such as generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Additionally, power management strategies should be implemented to optimize energy use and reduce waste.
7. Security & Integration of Advanced Technologies
Data centers are prime targets for both physical and cyber-attacks. From a civil and structural engineering standpoint, security starts with the design of the facility itself. This includes controlled access points, reinforced structures, and perimeter defenses to protect against unauthorized entry or natural disasters that could compromise the facility. The integration of smart building technologies, such as loT devices for monitoring and automation, is becoming increasingly important in data center design. Structural engineers must design facilities that can accommodate these technologies, ensuring they are scalable and adaptable as technology evolves.
8. Modular Design for Scalability
As data demands grow, so too with the need for more space, power, and cooling capacity. Designing data centers with modularity in mind allows for easier scaling of operations. Modular designs can accommodate incremental growth without significant disruption, providing a cost-effective solution to expanding data center capabilities over time.
9. Regulatory Compliance
Data centers must adhere to a range of regulations, from local building codes to international standards for data security and environmental impact. Civil and structural engineers must ensure that all aspects of the design comply with these regulations, avoiding costly delays and fines during construction and operation. This also includes staying up-to-date with evolving regulations to ensure the facility remains compliant in the future.
10. Collaboration with Experts
Finally, designing a state-of-the-art data center requires collaboration with experts across various disciplines, including civil and structural engineering, electrical and mechanical systems, and IT infrastructure. Collaborating with specialized civil and structural engineering teams like Mainstay Engineering ensures that every aspect of the facility – from the foundation to the roof, and everything in between – is designed to meet the specific demands of a modern data center. Partnering with experienced experts who understand the nuances of data center operations can lead to better design decisions, optimized construction processes, and ultimately a facility that delivers long-term value.
CONCLUSION
With Data Centers evolving rapidly, staying ahead of the curve requires careful planning and a forward-thinking approach. Whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading an existing facility, by focusing on these top 10 considerations, data center facility owners can ensure their facilities are not only prepared for today’s challenges but are also equipped to handle the demands of tomorrow. At Mainstay Engineering, we are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that create lasting value for our clients and partners, helping them stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.
For more information about Mainstay Engineering Group and how we can help you with your mission-critical data center solutions, visit our website megr.com.