- Name of Partner: Technical University Shannon, Limerick
- Contact: Liam O’Reilly
- Service Offered:
Equipment Specification UPS and Cooling System Installation All Electrical and Mechanical Works Maintenance - Product: Schneider Electric Galaxy VS 40kW UPS with internal redundant power module and batteries. 3x ACRD 30kW InRow Cooling Units and new Condensing Units.
Background
Total Power Solutions has supplied and maintained the UPS and cooling systems at TUS (formerly LIT), for over 15 years. So, when Senior Technical Officer Liam O’Reilly tendered for new systems, TPS were invited to submit a quote, in Spring 2024.
Liam explains “When it comes to swapping out critical infrastructure like that, we needed a safe pair of hands, with the right expertise to make sure the transition went smoothly.”
Detailed Project Plan
Each supplier that tendered for the project was invited to the visit the facility, and the proposed Project Plan was a key element of the tender process. TPS were already familiar with the premises, and they proposed a practical, detailed plan that took account of the many “moving parts” involved in the project.
“A lot of co-ordination was needed for the works to be completed, the tender included a comprehensive set of services, and requirements. We wanted the chosen supplier to manage everything – specifying and supplying the equipment, managing the electrical works and the pipework, and installing and commissioning the UPS and Cooling system.”
Ultimately, the tenders were scored and TPS was appointed to deliver the project. Liam was confident in their ability to supply the best equipment and to manage the sub-contractors. “It was useful that not only did TPS themselves know our setup well, but they also sourced local sub-contractors that we had already worked with, so everyone was familiar with the facility.”
Project Challenges
While the obvious main challenge was to swap out the old equipment for the new solution, all while maintaining power and cooling during the swap-out there were other considerations to be addressed.
“Space was problematic. We had to use a crane to get the 3 old condenser units off the external raised gantry and get the 3 new ones onto it. We had to de-commission the units and replace them in a phased process , without impacting power and cooling to the Data Centre. It was a nervous time. But Paul Kavanagh was brilliant – a lot of careful scheduling and planning was needed, he managed the detail in a really hands-on, flexible way. He was always available at the end of a phoneline and that was very re-assuring. It’s great to find a supplier that gives you total confidence. We have that with TPS.”
Because TPS are EcoXpert certified by Schneider Electric as a Critical IT Infrastructure Master, TUS also benefits from the company continuing to maintain the equipment, in line with best practice.
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