A Data Center for the 21st Century: Developing an Implementation Plan for Replacement of Racks at Gemini Observatory's Data Centers

Gemini Observatory’s four data centers provide mission-critical networking, storage, and remote operation capabilities. However, the facilities have remained virtually unchanged since their construction in the 90’s. The server racks currently in use in the data centers lack proper security, cable management, and mounting systems, and thus need to be replaced by newer models. Moreover, the existing racks are ill-protected against seismic events, and warm air is allowed to recirculate throughout the room, negatively impacting energy consumption and cooling efficiency. Because researchers and Gemini staff depend on the services provided by the data centers, any improvements must be completed with minimal downtime. Inventorying revealed that the same amount of equipment could be fit into six new racks, rather than the eight existing racks, while maintaining a 20 percent margin for growth. Construction of a 3-D SolidWorks model of the data centers allowed for optimal placement of the new server racks and the thermal containment curtain in relation to ducting, cabling, and clearance constraints. Stress analysis showed that concrete anchors provide an inexpensive solution for seismic restraint, while fulfilling criteria set by the Universal Building Code. Additionally, deployment of managed power controllers will allow tracking of power usage, and remote power-cycling of malfunctioning equipment. These findings will be compiled into an implementation plan that sets the framework for renovation of the Hilo Base Facility and Mauna Kea Observatory data centers later this year. Additional investigation is required to determine the viability of these improvements being applied at Gemini’s sister facilities in Chile.