MCE completed the first phase of the Best Buy Data Center one year ago and is currently working on the second and third phases of the project. This data center is a 24x7 facility occupying 14,000 square feet of 36” raised floor area. The electrical system employs two 3,000 amp transformers. Redundant automatic load sharing allows either transformer to carry the full data center. There are three 1,500 KW diesel generators and three 2,000 amp UPS systems.

Cooling is by 24 CRAC units supplied by a 40% glycol/water piping loop and fluid coolers. The mechanical system is designed for a N+1 scenario and the piping distribution is divided into two separate loops for redundancy and maintenance purposes. A well was installed for back-up cooling in the case of city water failure.

A pre-action sprinkler and FM-200 full-flood fire protection system were installed for above and below the raised floor, along with an air exhaust system in the event of FM-200 release. Early warning and water detection systems were also installed. An exhaust system was also designed for the UPS rooms to remove hydrogen from the area if elevated levels occur. The entire system is controlled with a building automation system (BAS) containing dial-out alarms to alert the service contractor of any potential problems.