Cloud Exchange, a premier systems integrator based in Lagos, Nigeria, is renowned for delivering high-quality IT solutions across West Africa. In an ambitious project, the company set the objective of constructing a state-of-the-art colocation data centre in the upscale Ikoyi district, aiming to achieve Tier IV certification — the pinnacle of data centre reliability recognized worldwide.
As the power supply is fundamentally crucial for meeting Tier IV standards, Cloud Exchange sought a reliable power partner and turned to Cummins West Africa for their expertise.
Power partnership
Cummins West Africa offered a comprehensive proposal that included generator sets essential for primary power generation, as well as encompassing the electrical and mechanical balance of the facility. A significant factor in Cloud Exchange’s decision was Cummins’ provision of genuine parts backed by an extensive inventory management system, which is critical for maintaining power reliability. Additional factors included Cummins’ impressive response times, engineering capabilities, competitive pricing, and strong track record in executing complex projects.
The project’s complexity lay in the requirement to seamlessly integrate three different power sources: on-site diesel generators, independent gas power producers (IPPs), and the local utility grid as alternative energy sources. The Cummins team rose to the challenge by specifying two Cummins C1100D5B diesel generators. They meticulously designed an optimal system to manage the three power sources while ensuring compliance with Tier IV standards. This complicated endeavour was made more intricate due to pandemic-related restrictions that limited equipment sourcing and transportation from abroad.
Cummins was responsible for transporting the generators to the site and overseeing their installation and commissioning. Additionally, they provided a comprehensive exhaust system, a low-voltage automatic transfer switch panel, a step-down transformer, and a bulk fuel system equipped with fuel automation and monitoring capabilities. Changes in the initial generator location also required adjustments in layout planning, alongside accommodating Tier IV regulations and local standards.
Quality assurance and aesthetics
In the affluent area of Ikoyi, considerations regarding noise control, aesthetic appeal, and exhaust routing were paramount. Cummins implemented strategies to ensure that exhaust emissions were directed away from surrounding structures. Visually unobtrusive fuel piping was designed, and power cables were installed underground for a cleaner appearance. Sound attenuators were fitted to the generator enclosures to ensure noise levels remained within the acceptable threshold of 85 dBA at one meter. Moreover, container cladding was used to mitigate the risk of overheating and accidental tripping. A fuel leak monitoring system was also integrated to address any potential risks from fuel storage.
Cummins West Africa’s contributions were vital in achieving Tier IV certification for the Cloud Exchange data centre, allowing it to open on schedule. Impressed with the results, Cloud Exchange opted to extend their partnership with Cummins by entering into a Preventative Maintenance Contract with the Cummins aftermarket team, ensuring proactive measures are in place to safeguard against any future infrastructure issues.
