This Edge project underscores nLighten’s commitment to innovation, efficiency and tailored data centre solutions, reinforcing its position as a leader in next-generation digital infrastructure.
Having been first engaged on October 1st with a firm delivery date of December 15th, 2bm successfully delivered the project on time and within budget.
With access to 3MW of dedicated IT compute power, the end client can now efficiently deliver AI-driven services to their customers, benefiting from a high-performance, scalable and future-proof data centre solution.
The solution involved deploying 72 high-density racks, each capable of providing 45kW, within a strict 10-week timeframe from project initiation to client handover. A bold undertaking that required meticulous planning, precise execution and seamless coordination.
Additionally, the project required the integration of new LV panels, UPS systems, and an HV supply, along with new busbar systems and rear-door heat exchange cooling, all of which had to be installed and operational before the client’s occupation.
To support the extensive cabling installation, high-level ladder containment was required, mounted on custom-built ‘goal post’ steel structures, each of which had to be precisely measured, cut and assembled on-site.
To meet the deadline, 2bm deployed a 24/7 shift pattern, with two shifts per day, ensuring continuous progress.
The project presented multiple challenges, primarily the scale and timeline of delivering protected and fully diverse 4 x 1MW power streams providing 3MW of power and cooling at N+1 redundancy in line with Uptime Tier III standards.
A significant hurdle was the decommissioning of all existing HV/LV power cables, sourcing new cabling, and installing it across four switch rooms – without any pre-existing ladder racks, cable trays or containment infrastructure.
Given the facility’s ceiling height of approximately eight metres within the corridors and switch room areas, installing and commissioning over 22km of new power cabling within the timeframe seemed impossible.
The challenge was further intensified by the client’s requirement for early access to the data hall to begin racking and stacking their AI equipment and network cabling infrastructure.
The sheer scale and complexity of the project within an ambitious 10-week timeframe made it truly exceptional. The installation of new support superstructures to accommodate 22km of LV cabling required meticulous planning and execution.
Managing a workforce of over 75 electricians, 30 mechanical pipe fitters, and multiple project and site managers added another layer of logistical complexity.
Key milestones included fitting and testing new LV panels across four switch rooms, installing and commissioning state-of-the-art lithium-ion UPS systems, and integrating new mechanical pipework to support high-density cooling of 45kW per rack across 72 racks.
Additionally, the project required the implementation of temporary cooling solutions, new generator wiring infrastructure, advanced control systems and the installation of a 3-phase busbar system to deliver reliable power to each rack.
This project’s success was a testament to precise co-ordination, technical expertise, and the ability to execute large-scale data centre upgrades under tight deadlines.
The project was subsequently voted ‘Data Centre Edge Project of the Year’ at an industry awards ceremony in London.
2bm played a critical role in enabling this transformation, delivering expert infrastructure solutions that ensured the site met the power, cooling, and operational requirements for high-performance AI workloads.
Their commitment to precision and efficiency was instrumental in the successful and timely delivery of this cutting-edge data centre upgrade.
Gary Mills, VP Construction & Capital Projects, nLighten
