Now Possible: Standardized Data Centre Construction

With a system called "RiMatrix S" the systems supplier of IT infrastructure solutions Rittal is introducing the world's first concept for standardized data centre construction. While data centres previously used to be planned solely on a made-to-measure basis and were correspondingly time-consuming and costly, ­Rittal is now setting new standards with its RiMatrix S. Based on pre-planned, pre-configured and coordinated data centre modules, both new data centres can be built and extensions to existing ones made quickly and easily and at any time. Indeed, this makes Rittal the world's first provider of standardized data centre construction.

In the past, the individual planning and configuration of data centres was complex and time consuming. Highly variable demands on availability and safety, as well as a variety of structural conditions and budgets, have made planning and construction phases that lasted several months an inevitability.

"With the RiMatrix S, Rittal is making a paradigm shift in the IT world, because never before has a complete data centre been available under a single article number," explained Bernd Hanstein, Vice President, Product Management IT at Rittal. "RiMatrix S is the answer to such IT requirements as speed, efficiency, security, and flexibility." In future, customers will no longer have to reckon with long planning and delivery times: RiMatrix S can be delivered within six weeks of ordering.

By concentrating on standardised data centre modules and perfectly coordinated components, RiMatrix S achieves a very low PUE (power usage effectiveness) value of 1.15.

Complete Server Modules
RiMatrix S is a complete data centre that comprises the following standard components: a defined number of so called "TS IT" server and network racks, climate control, power supply, and back-up, as well as monitoring features. Together, they form a complete server module.

To allow a higher packing density of the server and network components, Rittal has developed a new climate control system (zero-U-space cooling system, ZUCS) for the RiMatrix S, completely implemented within a false floor. The air/water heat exchangers are located directly below the server frame. The related fans blow the cool air through a perforated base plate directly in front of the server level. Because the doors and side panels, and the server racks would only impede the flow of air, only frames are installed in the RiMatrix S. The cold and warm air zones are carefully separated from each other by the partitioning between frame, ceiling, and the 19" level. High availability is also achieved in terms of climate control by an n+1 redundancy.

The Emphasis Is on Customer Benefit
Rittal also focuses benefits to the customer when it comes to uninterruptible power supply: Power supply and distribution are already preconfigured in the RiMatrix S, so either the customer existing UPS can be used or a new UPS can be easily installed. The power distribution in the RiMatrix S is designed for the redundant A and B supply paths, where the B path is backed up by a UPS system. The UPS is a rack-mounted modular system and follows the principle of n+1 redundancy. When the "Rittal PDU Managed" power distribution unit is installed, it is even possible to measure the power consumption right down to the individual socket.

The Rittal CMC III (Computer Multi Control) monitoring system takes over the entire monitoring procedure: Consisting of a processing unit and up to 32 interacting sensors, it records every physical parameter such as temperature, humidity, or smoke. All these measured values are displayed via the RiZone software, which the administrator can also use to intervene. A fire extinguishing system for the server module can also be provided as an option.

Larger Units Through Combination
The smallest RiMatrix S variant, the Single 6, consists of six racks to accommodate servers and an additional frame for network technology. The larger version, the Single 9, has nine server racks. One major aspect is the compatibility of the server modules with larger units: Both the mirrored arrangement, which leads to a joint cold or hot zone, as well as arranging servers in bays to form long rows, can be easily and quickly implemented. RiMatrix S is both perfectly suited for the construction of a new data centre in permanent structures with additional aisle containment, as well as for the installation of a new data centre in an outdoor area using high-cube containers. The extension of an existing data centre and its accommodation in the security room by Rittal are easily possible with this global innovation.

Expansion And Addition
Rittal is expanding its IT infrastructure range with the concept of a standardised data centre. "A data centre planned and built by the customer with individual RiMatrix components is a choice that still remains, of course. This is the only way we can offer a data centre that best fits the needs of each customer," Mr Hanstein stressed.