WA Telecommunications Exchange – High-Density Cooling Upgrade
Ryan Wilks have completed the delivery of a high-density cooling upgrade at a telecommunications exchange in Western Australia, completed for a national telecommunications provider. The works were delivered to a high standard, reflecting the quality workmanship of the local installation team and the close collaboration achieved with the customer and their onsite operations team throughout delivery in a live, exchange environment.
The scope encompassed the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and certification of new high-density cooling infrastructure to support additional IT rack capacity. The upgrade was carefully integrated with the existing chilled water plant and electrical infrastructure, delivering a resilient, energy-efficient and fully automated cooling solution aligned with N+1 design principles.
Mechanical works included the installation of 3 x 150 kW heat exchanger and pump units connected to the existing chilled water flow and return headers, along with 2 cooling distribution units supplying 9 in-row rack cooling units within nominated equipment suites. New chilled water pipework, valves, leak detection systems and automated controls were installed with a strong focus on workmanship, accessibility and long-term maintainability, incorporating redundant distribution pathways to enhance system resilience.
The electrical scope formed a critical part of the overall redundancy strategy. 9 ATS units were installed to provide N+1 power supply redundancy to each of the in-row rack cooling units. Each ATS allows automatic changeover between two independent power sources, ensuring continuous cooling in the event of a supply failure. A 10th ATS was installed to provide dual power supply redundancy to Heat Exchanger Unit 03, further strengthening system resilience and aligning the electrical and mechanical design philosophies across the installation.
Upgrades to the Building Management and Control System were completed to provide comprehensive monitoring, control and alarm integration, including dew point management and leak detection. New Mechanical Services Switchboards MSSB 1 and MSSB 2 were installed, each fitted with ATS main switches to provide appropriate electrical supply redundancy for the high-density cooling systems. Associated modifications to air distribution systems, fire interfaces and containment arrangements were also undertaken to suit the new high-density cooling configuration.
Economy cycle enhancements included the installation of new double doors and dampers to the AHU room to promote increased airflow, along with modifications to louvred openings to allow the relief function to operate as intended.
The completed project reflects a well-coordinated delivery achieved through strong collaboration, attention to detail and a shared commitment between the local delivery team and the customer to deliver a reliable, resilient and professionally finished high-density cooling solution.
