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Efficient computer centres for the energy sector
Experience – Information technology

Container data center with multi-layered security

Energy sector.ene't is the first company in Germany to map the entire German electricity grid. The end result of this in-depth work is a platform for mapping the business processes of energy providers. The company runs its operations at its site in Hückelhoven, North Rhine-Westphalia, using a high-availability container data center from Rittal. Since it hosts the entire development and productive environment of ene't, it is equipped with a multi-layered security system.

Text Sophie Bruns ––– Photography

Everything from a single source – All the solutions in the container come from Rittal – from the room itself, the racks and the IT cooling solutions to the monitoring system and power supply. The generous room planning means the IT racks can be extended. There are currently four IT racks in the new data center and there is the option of extending these to twelve.No fires to fight – The container system features a special solution for preventing fires. Reducing the oxygen content in the atmosphere to keep it below a maximum of 15 percent creates conditions in which a fire cannot burn. Oxygen analysers continuously monitor the oxygen content.Access for authorised personnel only – Several doors, a modified entry system and a permanent alarm system keep the confidential data in the container safe and secure.Discrete, mobile and rapidly available – Thanks to its inconspicuous appearance and its location on a lawned area, the container doesn’t give any outward indication that it houses a data center. The entire system could also be very easily relocated elsewhere and reconnected to the grid in next to no time. As a compact, turnkey solution, it can be supplied with a short delivery time of just six weeks.Always live and very available – Ensuring all components such as the electricity supply and climate control system feature a redundant design safeguards operations and prevents failures. Each server and storage system has at least two power supply units that are connected to different cables backed up with a UPS.Highly sensitive – Physical sensors measure the oxygen levels and temperature, while the fire early detection system detects smoke particles. Every single sensor is marked on a digital map of the container and, if there are any changes in the atmosphere, operators in the control centre can see straight away.

 

  • Three questions to

    Three questions to

    Falk Heinen
    Project manager for information technology at ene't

    Why did ene't decide to build a new data center? CDs are becoming less popular as a data storage medium for our software solutions. Increasingly, our customers expect direct, uninterrupted online access to our servers. Our “software as a service” model ensures the databases are always up to date and secure.

    What persuaded you to opt for the solution from Rittal? Keeping up with our huge volumes of data often poses problems for classic data centers. We needed a turnkey solution, which is why we chose Rittal. From negotiating the quotation to putting the project into action, Rittal put in a sterling performance.

    What benefits does the container offer? Security and safety standards in the new data center are better across the board. That is most striking in terms of fire prevention, which has been optimised by the low-oxygen atmosphere in the container. We could never get a reduced-oxygen system like that to work in house.

     
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