Introduction

In today's digital economy, data centers are the critical backbone, housing the servers, storage, and networking equipment that power cloud computing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and countless other essential services. The uninterrupted operation of these facilities hinges entirely on highly robust, resilient, and efficient electrical systems. From incoming utility feeds and high-voltage distribution to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, and power distribution units (PDUs) feeding individual racks, every component must be meticulously designed, installed, and maintained to ensure continuous uptime and protect sensitive IT equipment. The ever-increasing demand for computing power, coupled with stringent uptime requirements (often 99.999% or "five nines"), makes the electrical infrastructure of a data center incredibly complex and capital-intensive. Without specialized expertise in Data Center Electrical Design and Operations, organizations face the risk of costly outages, significant energy waste, regulatory non-compliance, and a failure to meet the escalating demands of digital transformation, underscoring the vital need for highly specialized training in this critical domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Data Center Electrical Design and Operations.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, data center managers, facility engineers, IT infrastructure professionals, project managers, and consulting engineers with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to effectively design, implement, and operate state-of-the-art electrical systems for data centers. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of power redundancy architectures, learn about various UPS technologies, delve into generator sizing and paralleling, and acquire hands-on experience in optimizing power distribution from the utility point of entry to the server rack. The course will cover topics such as fault current analysis, grounding and bonding, power quality management, energy efficiency strategies (PUE optimization), critical electrical safety procedures, and the crucial aspects of commissioning and testing data center electrical infrastructure. By mastering the principles and practical application of Data Center Electrical Design and Operations, participants will be prepared to enhance uptime, reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiency, ensure personnel safety, and contribute significantly to the reliable and sustainable functioning of mission-critical digital infrastructure.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Consulting, Utility, Corporate)
• Data Center Managers and Operators
• Facility Engineers and Technicians
• IT Infrastructure Managers
• Project Managers for Data Center Construction
• Solution Architects (Data Center)
• Reliability Engineers
• Commissioning Agents (CxA)
• Consulting Engineers specializing in Data Centers
• Power System Engineers

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of data center electrical infrastructure and its critical role.
• Learn about various data center power architectures (e.g., N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1).
• Acquire skills in designing and sizing Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.
• Comprehend techniques for selecting and integrating generator sets for backup power.
• Explore strategies for optimizing power distribution from utility to rack.
• Understand the importance of fault current analysis, selective coordination, and grounding.
• Gain insights into power quality issues and mitigation techniques specific to data centers.
• Develop a practical understanding of energy efficiency strategies (PUE optimization) in electrical design.
• Learn about critical electrical safety procedures in data center environments.
• Master the commissioning, testing, and maintenance processes for data center electrical systems.
• Acquire skills in capacity planning and managing power growth.
• Understand the role of DC power in data centers and future trends.
• Explore relevant codes, standards, and best practices for data center electrical systems.
• Develop proficiency in troubleshooting and incident response for electrical failures.
• Prepare to design, implement, and operate highly reliable and efficient data center electrical infrastructure.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Data Center Infrastructure and Uptime Tiers

• Overview of data center components: IT, electrical, mechanical, fire protection.
• Importance of electrical systems for data center reliability.
• Uptime Institute Tier classifications (Tier I to IV) and their electrical implications.
• Key metrics: PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness), DCiE (Data Center infrastructure Efficiency).
• Evolution of data center electrical designs.

Module 2: Utility Power Interface and Medium Voltage Distribution

• Understanding utility service requirements for data centers.
• Redundant utility feeds and diverse paths.
• Medium voltage (MV) switchgear and protective devices.
• MV/LV transformers: types, sizing, and protection.
• Arc flash hazards at the utility interface.

Module 3: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems - Types and Design

• Role of UPS in data center reliability.
• Types of UPS architectures: online (double conversion), line-interactive, offline.
• UPS topologies: modular, monolithic, distributed.
• Sizing UPS systems for critical load and future growth.
• Battery technologies for UPS (VRLA, Li-ion, flywheel) and autonomy calculations.

Module 4: Standby Generator Systems

• Sizing generators for data center loads (critical IT, mechanical, auxiliary).
• Fuel systems (diesel, natural gas) and storage.
• Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and paralleling switchgear.
• Generator control systems and black start capabilities.
• Testing and maintenance requirements for generators.

Module 5: Power Distribution Architecture (LV and Rack Level)

• Main switchboards and panel boards.
• Remote Power Panels (RPPs) and Power Distribution Units (PDUs).
• Busway vs. cable tray distribution.
• Rack power: outlets, Intelligent PDUs (iPDUs).
• Power redundancy at the rack level (A/B feeds).

Module 6: Fault Current Analysis and Selective Coordination

• Understanding short-circuit currents in data center electrical systems.
• Calculating fault currents at various points.
• Principles of selective coordination for circuit breakers and fuses.
• Arc flash risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Software tools for fault analysis and coordination studies.

Module 7: Grounding, Bonding, and Lightning Protection

• Importance of proper grounding and bonding for safety and equipment protection.
• Types of grounding systems (star, grid).
• Data center specific grounding requirements (single point ground, isolated ground).
• Lightning protection systems for data center buildings.
• Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) for transient voltage protection.

Module 8: Power Quality Management

• Common power quality issues in data centers: harmonics, voltage sags, swells, transients.
• Impact of power quality on IT equipment and UPS performance.
• Harmonic mitigation techniques (filters, active harmonic conditioners).
• Power factor correction in data centers.
• Power quality monitoring and analysis.

Module 9: Energy Efficiency in Electrical Design (PUE Optimization)

• Understanding PUE calculation and drivers.
• Energy efficient transformer selection.
• High-efficiency UPS systems and operating modes.
• Optimizing power distribution losses.
• Integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage.

Module 10: Critical Electrical Safety Procedures

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for data center electrical maintenance.
• Arc flash safety and PPE requirements.
• Electrical hazard assessment and risk mitigation.
• Emergency shutdown procedures.
• Relevant safety standards and regulations (e.g., NFPA 70E).

Module 11: Commissioning, Testing, and Validation

• Importance of a comprehensive commissioning process (Level 1-5).
• Integrated system testing (IST) for electrical infrastructure.
• Load bank testing for UPS and generators.
• Thermal scanning and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Documentation requirements for commissioning.

Module 12: Capacity Planning and Electrical Growth Management

• Forecasting power requirements for IT equipment growth.
• Strategies for modular and scalable electrical designs.
• Managing stranded power capacity.
• Impact of new IT technologies (e.g., high-density racks) on electrical design.
• Planning for future expansions and upgrades.

Module 13: Codes, Standards, and Best Practices

• Overview of relevant electrical codes (e.g., NFPA 70/NEC).
• Data center specific standards (e.g., TIA-942, BICSI 002).
• Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, and other industry best practices.
• Regulatory compliance for data center operations.
• International differences in electrical standards.

Module 14: Troubleshooting Electrical Failures and Incident Response

• Common electrical failure modes in data centers.
• Systematic troubleshooting methodologies.
• Utilizing alarm and event logs for diagnosis.
• Incident response planning for electrical outages.
• Root cause analysis (RCA) for electrical failures.

Module 15: Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

• DC power distribution within data centers (400V DC).
• Microgrids and grid interaction for data centers.
• Liquid cooling integration and its electrical implications.
• Energy storage beyond batteries (e.g., fuel cells).
• AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance and power optimization.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.