Consulting-Specifying Engineer - March 2009 - (Page 54) Case Study inhalers as the propellant to deliver medicine to an asthmatic’s lungs, the clean contractors were having trouble finding spare parts, plus the environmental impact of Halon was an obvious consideration. We also knew the consequences of an accidental discharge.” The data at Rush is maintained by Unix-based servers in tandem with 400 Intel-based blade and nonblade servers, which manage an average of 26 terabytes of data. The routers and network controls rest next to the servers and an automated, robotic system manages backup data storage routines. Additionally, the automated system readies data storage tapes for interim on-site, then eventual off-site, storage. “At one time, our data mounting took two and half minutes; now that task is done in six seconds. We have a triple-redundant system whereby everyday, every bit of data from all systems in our network is redundantly recorded. With over 14,000 workstations across the campus, that’s a considerable task,” said Raske. Comprised of Siemens Fireprint crosszone smoke detectors and Sinorix discharge nozzles, the 11,000-sq-ft system includes the data center, test center, and data storage vault. The dispensing tanks hold 4,480 lbs of clean agent and rest just off the main floor of the data center, tape vault, and test room. SBT provided total flooding, which includes the three-level floor/subfloor configuration, where lowand high-voltage wiring and networking cabling are separated by an 18-inch aircooled space. The two Fireprint smoke detectors operate only when smoke particles are present. The programmable detectors have 11 application-specific settings and perform a self-diagnostic check every four seconds. Siemens provided Rush with key-actuated fail-safe switches that physically lock out the Sinorix suppressant discharge system during detector networking testing and maintenance routines. A keyed switch interrupts the emergency power off actuating circuit, which sends a signal to the main power distribution circuit breakers. The interruption causes the circuits to shut down the power to the data center in the event of a fire. “We have zero tolerance for false alarms. Our former conventional systems would engage an EPO condition via relays in the panel in the event of an alarm. Every 20 minutes of EPO time translates into 48 to 72 hours of downtime to recover the facility’s operational status,” Raske said. The data center represents a substantial and ongoing investment, one whose contents must be preserved and protected. Critical data, network system integrity, and security are at the heart of Rush University’s ability to operate effectively, safely, and efficiently. Information provided by Siemens Building Technologies. Patient’s data at Rush University Hospital is maintained by Unix-based servers that work with 400 Intel-based blade and nonblade servers, which manage an average of 26 terabytes of data. Source Siemens Building Technologies. agent’s benign nature makes it eligible for credit toward LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In discussing Rush’s previous system, Raske said, “Our legacy systems were well past their anticipated service life, and we were very concerned about them becoming prone to false discharges. Our service Top: The main control room in the data center at Rush manages the information provided by the 14,000 workstations around the Rush facility. Source: Siemens Building Technologies Left: Director of data center operations Wil Raske stands in front of one of the updated, data servers that redundantly record every piece of data from Rush University Hospital. Source Siemens Building Technologies. 54 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • MARCH 2009
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