Critical facilities are evolving at a rapid pace as data centers expand to meet the demands of modern technology. With the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-intensive applications, these facilities require more power and scalable solutions to ensure uninterrupted operation. Companies are increasingly turning to innovative infrastructure solutions like e-houses, power modules and electrical SKIDs to maintain performance and overcome the skilled labor shortage in the United States while assisting the need for shorter construction durations. Keep reading to explore the key differences between these solutions, the impact of AI on data center power requirements and the benefits of data center campuses.
The Rise of AI and its Impact on Power Demand
AI is transforming industries across the board, from tech to healthcare and manufacturing. The algorithms driving AI require massive amounts of data and power, which places unprecedented pressure on data centers. As AI applications become more sophisticated, the energy needed to keep data centers running smoothly has skyrocketed.
This surge in demand poses a significant challenge, especially as the number of people entering skilled trades has decreased. The shortage of skilled labor makes it harder to meet the growing needs of data centers using traditional power infrastructure. However, the industry has found a solution in prefabricated systems that offer scalability and flexibility, requiring minimal on-site labor to install.
The Key Differences Between E-Houses, Power Modules and Electrical SKIDs
Although e-houses, power modules and electrical SKIDs all provide critical power infrastructure, they differ in design, functionality and ideal use cases. Understanding these differences can help companies make informed decisions when choosing the right solution for their needs.
1. E-Houses: Customization and Flexibility
– Design: E-houses, or electrical houses, are pre-assembled modular structures designed to house electrical equipment that provides power distribution for ancillary equipment outside the direct power needed for IT hardware. They’re fully customizable and can be configured to meet specific requirements based on the facility’s needs.
– Installation: While pre-assembled off-site, e-houses often require more on-site labor for installation and integration into the existing power infrastructure. This includes connecting external power and communication lines, as well as ensuring compatibility with other systems.
– Use Case: E-houses are typically used where the environment demands a high level of customization and protection from external elements. They’re ideal for projects requiring robust, specialized power distribution systems that might need extensive configuration.
2. Power Modules: Consistency and Scalability
– Design: Power modules are self-contained units that provide a modular approach to power distribution for critical loads within a data center. Each module typically includes components such as uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), switchgear, distribution panel boards, transfer switches, electrical power monitoring systems and self-contained HVAC systems, all housed within a single purpose-built enclosure. These modules are designed to be scalable, allowing data centers to expand their power capacity as their needs grow without significant infrastructure changes.
– Installation: Power modules are designed for rapid deployment and require minimal on-site labor. The modules arrive pre-wired and ready for quick connection, making them perfect for projects with tight timelines or labor shortages. While power connections and battery backups are typically housed within a data center, RK Mission Critical’s modular approach takes these functions and moves them outside the data center to free up space for revenue-generating activities.
– Use Case: Power modules are widely used in data centers and critical facilities where reliability and scalability are paramount. Their key function is to provide intermittent battery backup, ensuring continuous operation when the power goes out. When the power supply is interrupted, power modules kick in by switching to battery power, providing enough time for backup generators to get warmed up and running. As AI demands more power, power modules also allow companies to scale up their infrastructure quickly without lengthy construction periods, making them a preferred choice for high-growth environments like data centers.
3. Electrical SKIDs: Compact, Turnkey Solutions
– Design: Electrical SKIDs are pre-assembled platforms that house electrical components in a compact, easy-to-install package. While they share similarities with power modules, they’re often more compact and designed for plug-and-play functionality.
– Installation: Like power modules, electrical SKIDs require very little on-site labor. They’re engineered to be ready for immediate integration, which allows facilities to implement them rapidly with minimal downtime.
– Use Case: Electrical SKIDs are common in heavy industries such as oil & gas, power generation, and industrial applications. They’re increasingly being adopted in data centers where space is at a premium, offering a small footprint and quick installation. SKIDs are particularly useful in facilities requiring fast upgrades or expansions.
Summary of Differences
Customization: E-houses offer the highest level of customization, followed by power modules with semi-custom options, while electrical SKIDs are the most standardized, offering quick plug-and-play integration.
Speed of Deployment: Power modules and electrical SKIDs provide rapid deployment with minimal on-site labor, whereas e-houses can require more time for installation and integration.
Footprint: Electrical SKIDs offer the smallest footprint, making them ideal for space-constrained environments. Power modules also offer a compact solution, while e-houses tend to be larger and more expansive due to their customizable nature.
Best Fit: E-houses are suited for specialized industries with unique power requirements, power modules excel in fast-growing sectors like data centers and electrical SKIDs provide a compact, ready-to-use solution for industries needing quick upgrades or expansions.
By understanding these key differences, businesses can choose the most suitable power infrastructure solution that aligns with their operational demands, available space and future growth.
The Growing Appeal of Data Center Campuses
As AI continues to drive demand for data processing, companies are increasingly building data center campuses—large, multi-building complexes designed to support massive amounts of computing power. These campuses offer several advantages over traditional, smaller data centers.
– Scalability: Data center campuses allow companies to scale up quickly, adding new power modules, e-houses or electrical SKIDs as needed.
– Efficiency: The centralization of multiple data centers within a single campus reduces operational complexity, allowing for more streamlined power and cooling management.
– Future-Proofing: With AI poised to drive exponential growth in data processing, campuses are a forward-looking solution that can accommodate future demand without constant, disruptive upgrades.
The Keys to a Sustainable Future
The rise of AI has fundamentally changed the power landscape for data centers. With power demands growing rapidly and skilled labor in short supply, companies need fast, scalable solutions to keep up. Power modules stand out as the ideal answer to this challenge, offering speed, efficiency, and minimal labor requirements. When combined with the benefits of data center campuses, these solutions provide a pathway to sustainable, future-proof data center operations that can meet the evolving needs of AI-driven industries.
To wrap it up…
As technology continues to advance, the infrastructure supporting critical facilities must also evolve. By leveraging the strengths of e-houses, power modules and electrical SKIDs, companies can stay ahead of the curve and keep their data centers running at peak performance—no matter what the future holds. If you’re looking to explore the possibilities of e-houses, power modules or electrical SKIDs, the experts at RK Mission Critical are ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us today at 303.355.9696 or email Jesse Davern, VP—Commercial Services, at jesse.davern@rkmissioncritical.com.
In a data-driven world where uptime is critical and efficiency is paramount, power modules have emerged as a key component in ensuring data centers operate smoothly. These vital building blocks are essential for maintaining the high levels of reliability and productivity that modern data centers demand. If you’re unfamiliar with power modules and how they’re becoming increasingly relevant, let’s start with the basics and learn what power modules are, how they’re used and the benefits of using power modules in data centers.
What are Power Modules?
Power modules are self-contained units that provide a modular approach to power distribution for critical loads within a data center. These modules package electrical equipment together to support mechanical and IT loads. Each module typically includes components such as uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), switchgear, distribution panel boards, transfer switches, electrical power monitoring systems and self-contained HVAC systems, all housed within a single purpose-built enclosure. These modules are designed to be scalable, allowing data centers to expand their power capacity as their needs grow without significant infrastructure changes.
How Do Power Modules Work?
At their core, power modules function by distributing electrical power to various components of the data center, such as servers, networking equipment and cooling systems. They’re designed to handle high loads and provide the data center with stable power during utility blackouts or brownouts. In both cases, power modules provide the critical load while on-site power generation has time to turn on.
Power modules are highly scalable, and their modularity allows data centers to expand their power capacity incrementally, adding critical infrastructure as they grow. The flexibility of power modules also extends to their placement—many modern data centers now house these modules outside the main facility, freeing up valuable space within the data center for revenue-generating activities.
Benefits of Using Power Modules in Data Centers
– Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS): Power modules provide intermittent battery backup, ensuring continuous operation when the power goes out. When the power supply is interrupted, power modules kick in by switching over to battery power, providing enough time for backup generators to get warmed up and running.
– Scalable and Modular: Unlike traditional stick-built electrical rooms, power modules allow data centers to bring new capacity online quickly, all while conserving capital by not over-building on day one. This scalable and modular approach simplifies the installation process and allows for less-skilled electricians on-site, which can help projects stay on schedule. This is especially important given the current shortage of skilled labor in the United States.
– Reliable and Stable: Power modules are designed with redundancy in mind, including features like dual power inputs and automatic transfer switchgear. This ensures that the data center remains operational even if one component fails. This level of reliability is essential for maintaining the continuous operation of critical services.
– Off-Site Manufactured: Off-site manufactured power modules increase the overall quality of a data center’s power distribution system. Off-site manufacturing in a controlled environment, with key manufacturing quality hold points and test stations, gives the data center operator the comfort of knowing that their critical power load won’t be dropped in the event of a power outage.
– Easy to Maintain: The modular nature of power modules means that individual power modules or components can be serviced or replaced without disrupting the entire power distribution system. This reduces downtime and allows for more straightforward maintenance procedures.
What Sets RK Mission Critical Apart?
RK Mission Critical is renowned for its operational excellence and innovative modular solutions. With facilities spanning 422,000 square feet (including 11 40-ft. wide production lanes!) and a commitment to Lean Six Sigma principles, RK Mission Critical excels in delivering high-quality, high-volume, scalable power modules that meet the most demanding project needs and expedited timelines. Our proprietary product development process, integrated with real-time micro-metrics and built-in quality, safety and productivity, ensures that each project phase is meticulously managed. This process not only reduces concept-to-production time but also guarantees a competitive advantage in the market.
RK Mission Critical is also one of seven business units under the RK Industries umbrella, which provides comprehensive service offerings to ensure that work is kept in-house and rarely subcontracted outside RK Industries. This holistic approach—encompassing in-house structural steel through RK Steel and other trades—enhances efficiency and quality control, which is just one reason why RK Mission Critical is a leading global provider of power module capabilities.
To wrap it up…
Power modules are truly the backbone of modern data centers, providing the flexibility, reliability and efficiency needed to meet the demands of today’s digital landscape. As data centers continue to evolve, the adoption of power modules—and the innovative solutions provided by RK—will become even more widespread, ensuring that these critical infrastructures remain operational and efficient in the face of growing challenges.
If you’re looking to explore the possibilities of power modules, the experts at RK Mission Critical are ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us today at 303.355.9696 or email Jesse Davern, VP—Commercial Services, at jesse.davern@rkmissioncritical.com.
Most people automatically picture a man when thinking of a construction worker. However, women are just as qualified and capable of being successful in the industry. Construction careers require high levels of skill and determination, perfect for anyone who enjoys creating and working with their hands.
Currently, women make up 10.3% of the construction workforce in the U.S. Just two years ago, that number was closer to 9%. While that number has not jumped significantly, it has steadily increased over the past decade.
Although still inadequately represented, 31% of women in the industry hold professional or management roles, many of which have moved into those roles in recent years. This shows that companies have been increasing efforts to promote and educate women about the benefits of working in construction.
Technological advancements, such as hydraulic equipment, have also made brute strength less important to get the job done. Regardless, some men still feel that women cannot carry their share of the workload and some women are concerned they might be considered masculine for working in the industry. Recruitment bias and non-inclusive work cultures also remain a concern.
Despite stigmas, more women are seeing the earning potential and diverse opportunities available in the industry. They are steadily working towards changing views about gender norms and leveling the playing field. Additionally, nearly 87% of women who work in the industry hold office positions, squashing most of the gender concerns.
In recent years, the construction labor shortage has presented an opportunity to hire more women than ever. Diversity is important in solving the labor shortage crisis and research has shown that gender diversity brings economic benefit to companies. Those companies with higher gender diversity in their workforce who have proved to be much more likely to outperform the industry average. Hiring more women in construction is a win-win situation.
Many organizations, like Professional Women in Construction, provide mentorship, networking and opportunities for growth and business development to women in the industry. The goal of Women in Construction Week is to bring awareness to those opportunities, directing interested women to training programs and local mentorship groups, and encouraging women to become role models. By highlighting the value of construction jobs for women, other women and young girls can see the industry as a viable career path.
The RK Apprenticeship Program began an all-female apprentice class last year with great success. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about our apprenticeship program, click here.
The Rise of Women in the Construction Field, National Center for Construction Education & Research, December 3, 2020
How Women in Construction Positively Impact Profits and Collaboration, Digital Builder, March 5, 2020
Just 9.1% of America’s construction workers are women—here’s what it’s like to be one of them, CNBC Make It, January 29, 2019
Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2021, Big Rentz, January 19, 2021
By: RK Mission Critical
Anyone who works with electricity knows how important it is to be aware of potential safety hazards. These hazards include shock, arc flash heat and explosions that can take place due to electrical mishaps. Predicting the level of hazard can be calculated thanks to the NFPA 70e Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
The NFPA 70e was officially adopted by OSHA and is now a standard that employers and employees must abide by, in addition to ensuing all electrical equipment complies. This compliance is required on any equipment emitting over 50 volts and can effect solar DC systems and UPS batteries.
Electrical safety standards are constantly improving and the NFPA 70e committee updates their standards every few years. David Weszely of Lewellyn Technology highlights changes to the standards for the upcoming year in his article: The Most Important 2018 Changes in NFPA 70e.
Here’s a synopsis of his review:
- A qualified person will need to complete a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) before work or troubleshooting is performed.
- Adding a personal protective equipment (PPE) conformity assessment to promote consistency.
- Arc flash and shock hazard risk assessment now include the “potential of human error.”
Weszely suggests that companies make sure all qualified workers have access to the 2018 NFPA 70e standard, update their electrical safety program and schedule on-site NFPA 70E electrical safety training.
RK Mission Critical offers prefabricated modular facilities and skidded MEP equipment for multiple industries. The facilities and equipment we produce require complex electrical system installation and commissioning – meaning our team understands the importance of the NFPA 70E standard and requires all team members working on electrical systems to be properly trained. RK Mission Critical has a certified electrical safety professional and Electrical Engineers on staff that can personally answer questions on electrical safety integration of our systems with theirs. Contact us at info@rkmissioncritical.com.
By: RK Mission Critical
HISTORY OF DATA CENTERS
Since the late 1990s, when data centers became mainstream, to now, companies struggle with:
- Building their own data centers from the ground up
- Leasing space in an existing data center
- Buying or leasing an existing building and renovating it
Each of these options comes with some drawbacks. Companies that build their own data centers often experience sticker shock when they realize the hard costs involved, such as acquiring land in a suitable location, hiring an experienced construction team to build the facility and investing in the right mechanical, electrical and security systems. Weather and other construction-related delays often lead to budget overages and missed deadlines. In addition, executives have to make an educated guess as to how much capacity they will need over the next several years making growth or reduction difficult.
Organizations that outsource their data center needs don’t always fare better. Finding a data center provider in the right location is often a challenge. Some IT teams want their technology assets in close proximity to their organization’s headquarters. There are also concerns that moving to an outsourced data center means having to use pre-set technology and vendor services from the data center provider, making customization impossible.
Another challenge with outsourcing data center needs is that IT teams have very specific location requirements. For example, data centers should be located away from certain industrial operations or commercial flight patterns. Plus, not all data center providers are created equal, so finding an experienced partner with the right infrastructure and systems in place is also challenging.
Some enterprises lease or purchase existing buildings and perform tenant improvements to transform them into data centers. One benefit of this approach is that they don’t have to build the structure themselves, which saves money and shortens timelines. However, since these structures are not purpose-built to serve as data centers, there are often physical limitations that force the enterprise to compromise their standards. Finally, leasing a building exposes enterprises to rent increases as well as the possibility of being pushed out by their landlord.
MODULAR DATA CENTERS ALLOW FOR GROWTH
Modular data centers, or what the industry often refers to as prefabricated modular (PFM) data centers, are the solution to traditional data center downfalls. Using the same technology and components found in traditional data centers, PFM data centers are constructed in a climate-controlled facility with mechanical and electrical systems integrated prior to shipment, as well as varying levels of the IT stack. The data center components are then transported to the customer site and assembled like building blocks that accelerate the construction schedule while providing potential cost savings. The resulting data centers are fully self-contained, weather-tight and only require utilities and network connections.
High costs, capacity and systems limitations found in traditional data centers have caused enterprises to turn to PFM data centers for their flexibility and scalability. Compute space, power and cooling are matched to current IT demands, so organizations only pay for the facilities they need at any time. And as IT demands change, modules can be added like building blocks. This keeps IT and facilities continually aligned without risk of over- or under-investing in data center resources. Finally, some PFM data centers are technology and vendor agnostic, so IT teams have the freedom to use any technology suppliers they choose without fear of vendor lock-in.
RK Mission Critical is an expert in prefabricating modular data centers. We construct the major components in our quality-controlled fabrication shop, then quickly assemble everything at the customer’s site. This not only accelerates the construction schedule but can also offer financial benefits over traditional construction. Contact us for a free consultation on the many benefits of prefabricated construction at info@rkmissioncritical.com.