2 Physical Site Planning
This chapter provides information about activities designed to ensure that the site is equipped to accommodate the power, safety, environmental, HVAC, and data handling requirements of VLE system equipment.
Key site readiness planning considerations include, but are not limited to:
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Site surveys to evaluate and eliminate or mitigate factors which could negatively affect delivery, installation, and operation of VLE system equipment.
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A plan for the layout and location of VLE system equipment and cabling that allows for efficient use and easy maintenance, plus adequate space and facilities for Oracle support personnel and their equipment.
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Facilities construction that provides an optimum operating environment for VLE system equipment and personnel, as well as safe flooring and protection from fire, flooding, contamination, and other potential hazards.
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Scheduling of key events and task completion dates for facilities upgrades, personnel training, and delivery, implementation, installation, testing, and certification activities.
Customers ultimately are responsible for ensuring that their site is physically prepared to receive and operate VLE system equipment, and that the site meets the minimum specifications for equipment operation as detailed in this guide.
Site Evaluation – External Considerations
Before delivery of VLE system equipment, a readiness planning team should identify and evaluate all external site factors that present existing or potential hazards, or which could adversely affect delivery, installation, or operation of the system. External factors that should be evaluated include:
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Reliability and quality of electrical power provided by the local utility, backup power generators, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), and so on.
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Proximity of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation sources (for example, high-voltage power lines; television, radio, and radar transmitters).
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Proximity of natural or man-made floodplains and the resultant potential for flooding in the data center.
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Potential effects of pollutants from nearby sources (for example, industrial plants). For more information, see Appendix B, "Controlling Contaminants".
If any existing or potential negative factors are discovered, the site readiness planning team should take appropriate steps to eliminate or mitigate those factors before VLE system equipment is delivered. Oracle Global Services offers consultation services and other assistance to identify and resolve such issues. Contact your Oracle account representative for more information.
Site Evaluation – Internal Considerations
Before delivery of VLE system equipment, a readiness planning team should identify and evaluate all internal site factors that present existing or potential hazards, or which could adversely affect delivery, installation, or operation of the system. Internal factors that should be evaluated include:
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Structural dimensions, elevator capacities, floor-load ratings, ramp inclines, and other considerations when transferring equipment point-to-point between the delivery dock, staging area, and data center installation site, as described in:
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"Requirements for Installing the VLE", which describes floor construction and loading requirements.
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Data center safety system design features and capabilities as described in "Data Center Safety".
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Site power system(s) design and capacity as described in "Site Power Distribution Systems"
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Data center HVAC design features and capabilities as described in "HVAC Requirements"
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Environmental requirements as described in:
If any existing or potential negative factors are discovered, the site readiness planning team should take appropriate steps to eliminate or mitigate those factors before VLE system equipment is delivered. Oracle Global Services offers consultation services and other assistance to identify and resolve such issues. Contact your Oracle account representative for more information.
VLE Environmental Specifications
The following sections discuss VLE environmental specifications.
Note:
Statistics for power and cooling data are approximate due to variations in data rates and the number of operations occurring.Base Configuration
The base configuration consists of a Sun Server X4-4, with two 1.2 TB internal SAS drives, four dual port 10 Gb Fibre NICs and one dual port 10Gb Copper NIC, plus two available 10Gb ports on the motherboard, one DE2-24C populated with 24 4TB SAS HDD, and the SunRack II 1242 Cabinet with dual 10KVA PDUs. The only option is additional capacity, in increments of one JBOD, up to a maximum total of 8.
Capacity
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Base Capacity - Native 50 TB, Effective 200 TB
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Max Capacity - Native 400 TB, Effective 1.6 PB
VLE Overall Dimensions - SunRack II 1242 Cabinet (inches)
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Height - 78.7
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Width - 23.6
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Depth - 47.2
Service Clearance (inches)
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Top - 36
Note:
36 inches is the generic Sun Rack II specification. VLE only requires access through the top if the power cables are routed through the top of the rack. Power cables may be routed top or bottom, depending on how the data center is set up. -
Front - 42
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Rear - 36
Weight (Pounds, Fully Populated with 8 JBODs)
Breakdown:
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Server - 85
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Cabinet - 332
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Each JBOD - 110.25
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8 JBODs - 882
Note:
Each JBOD - 110.25 -
Total Weight - 1299
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Total Weight plus shipping material - 1570
Requirements for Transferring the VLE Point-to-Point
Site conditions must be verified to ensure all VLE system equipment can be safely transported between the delivery dock, staging area, and data center without encountering dimensional restrictions, obstructions, safety hazards, or exceeding rated capacities of lifting and loading equipment, flooring, or other infrastructure. Conditions that must be verified are described below.
Structural Dimensions and Obstructions
Dimensions of elevators, doors, hallways, and so on, must be sufficient to allow unimpeded transit of VLE cabinets (in shipping containers, where appropriate) from the delivery dock to the data center installation location. See "VLE Overall Dimensions - SunRack II 1242 Cabinet (inches)" for VLE cabinet-dimension details.
Elevator Lifting Capacities
Any elevators that will be used to transfer VLE cabinets must have a certified load rating of at least 1000 kg (2200 lbs.). This provides adequate capacity to lift the heaviest packaged, fully-populated VLE cabinet, a pallet jack (allow 100 kg/220 lbs.), and two persons (allow 200 kg/440 lbs.). See "Weight (Pounds, Fully Populated with 8 JBODs)" for additional cabinet-weight details.
Requirements for Installing the VLE
The following sections describe requirements for installing the VLE.
Floor Construction Requirements
VLE system equipment is designed for use on either raised or solid floors. Carpeted surfaces are not recommended since these retain dust and contribute to the buildup of potentially damaging electrostatic charges. A raised floor is preferable to a solid floor since it permits power and data cables to be located safely away from floor traffic and other potential floor-level hazards.
Floor-Load Ratings
Solid floors, raised floors, and ramps located along the transfer path for VLE cabinets must be able to withstand concentrated and rolling loads generated by the weight of a populated cabinet, equipment used to lift a cabinet (for example, a pallet jack), and personnel who are moving the cabinet from point-to-point.
Raised floor panels located along a transfer path must be able to resist a concentrated load of 620 kg (1365 lbs.) and a rolling load of 181 kg (400 lbs.) anywhere on the panel, with a maximum deflection of 2 mm (0.08 in.). Raised floor pedestals must be able to resist an axial load of 2268 kg (5000 lbs.). See "Floor Loading Requirements" for additional floor-loading details.
When being moved from one location to another, a VLE cabinet generates roughly twice the floor load as in a static state. Using 19 mm (0.75 in.) plywood along a transfer path reduces the rolling load produced by a cabinet.
Floor Loading Requirements
Note:
Exceeding recommended raised-floor loads can cause a floor collapse, which could result in severe injury or death, equipment damage, and/or infrastructure damage. It is advisable to have a structural engineer perform a floor-load analysis before beginning installation of VLE system equipment.Caution:
When being moved, a VLE cabinet creates almost twice the floor load as when static. To reduce floor load and stress, and the potential for damage or injury when moving a VLE (for example, during installation), consider using 19 mm/0.75 in. plywood on the floor along the path where the cabinet will be moved.Flooring with an overall (superimposed) load rating of 490 kg per square meter (100 lbs per square foot) is recommended. If floors do not meet this rating, a site engineer or facilities manager must consult the floor manufacturer or a structural engineer to calculate actual loads and determine if the weight of a particular VLE system configuration can be safely supported.
Specific information on floor construction requirements is available from the VLE Backline Support group.
Floor Loading Specifications and References
A basic floor load* comprised of 695 kg per square meter (142 lbs. per square foot) to a maximum, superimposed floor load # of 462 kg per square meter (94 lbs. per square foot).
Note:
* Load over footprint surface area (7093.7 square centimeter/1099.5 square inch) of an unpackaged VLE cabinet, with a maximum weight of 590 kg/1299 lbs., that is, a VLE with 192 array disk drives.# Assumes minimum Z+Z axis dimension of 185.3 cm/73.0 in. (that is, cabinet depth 77.1 cm/30.4 in. + front service clearance of 54.1 cm/21.3 in. + rear service clearance of 54.1 cm/21.3 in.), minimum X+X axis dimension of 104.9 cm/41.2 in. (that is, cabinet width 92.1 cm/36.3 in. + left clearance of 6.4 cm/2.5 in. + right clearance of 6.4 cm/2.5 in.).
Raised-Floor Lateral Stability Ratings
In areas of high earthquake activity, the lateral stability of raised floors must be considered. Raised floors where VLE system equipment is installed must be able to resist the horizontal-stress levels, shown in the listing of horizontal force, below.
Seismic Risk Zone: Horizontal Force (V) Applied at Top of Pedestal
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1: 13.5 kg/29.7 lbs
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2A: 20.2 kg/44.6 lbs
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2B: 26.9 kg/59.4 lbs
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3: 10.4 kg/89.1 lbs
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4: 53.9 kg/118.8 lbs
Note:
Horizontal forces are based on the 1991 Uniform Building Code (UBC) Sections 2336 and 2337, and assume minimum operating clearances for multiple VLE cabinets. Installations in areas not covered by the UBC should be engineered to meet seismic code provisions of the local jurisdiction.Raised-Floor Panel Ratings
Raised floor panels must be able to resist a concentrated load of 590 kg (1299 lbs.) and a rolling load of 181 kg (400 lbs.) anywhere on the panel with a maximum deflection of 2 mm (0.08 in.). Perforated floor panels are not required for VLE system equipment, but if used, must comply with the same ratings.
Data Center Safety
Safety must be a primary consideration in planning installation of VLE system equipment, and is reflected in such choices as where equipment will be located, the rating and capability of electrical, HVAC, fire-prevention systems that support the operating environment, and the level of personnel training. Requirements of local authorities and insurance carriers will drive decisions regarding what constitutes appropriate safety levels in a given environment.
Occupancy levels, property values, business interruption potential, as well as fire-protection system operating and maintenance costs should also be evaluated. The Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer / Data Processing Equipment (NFPA 75), the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and local and national codes and regulations can be referenced to address these issues.
Emergency Power Control
The data center should be equipped with readily-accessible emergency power-off switches to allow immediate disconnection of electrical power from VLE system equipment. One switch should be installed near each principal exit door so that the power-off system can be quickly activated in an emergency. Consult local and national codes to determine requirements for power disconnection systems.
Fire Prevention
The following fire-prevention guidelines should be considered in the construction, maintenance, and use of a data center:
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Store gases and other explosives away from the data center environment.
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Ensure data center walls, floors, and ceilings are fireproof and waterproof.
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Install smoke alarms and fire suppression systems as required by local or national codes, and perform all scheduled maintenance on the systems.
Note:
Halon 1301 is the extinguishing agent most commonly used for data center fire suppression systems. The agent is stored as a liquid and is discharged as a colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive vapor. It can be safely discharged in occupied areas without harm to personnel. Additionally, it leaves no residue, and has not been found to cause damage to computer storage media. -
Install only shatterproof windows, in code-compliant walls and doors.
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Install carbon dioxide fire extinguishers for electrical fires and pressurized water extinguishers for ordinary combustible materials.
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Provide flame-suppressant trash containers, and train personnel to discard combustible waste only into approved containers.
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Observe good housekeeping practices to prevent potential fire hazards.
Site Power Distribution Systems
The following elements of the site power distribution system should be evaluated when planning an installation of VLE system equipment.
System Design
A properly installed power distribution system is required to ensure safe operation of VLE system equipment. Power should be supplied from a feeder separate from one used for lighting, air conditioning and other electrical systems.
A typical input power configuration, shown in Figure 2-1, is either a five-wire, high-voltage or a four-wire, low-voltage type, with three-phase service coming from a service entrance or separately derived source, with overcurrent protection and suitable grounding. A three-phase, five-wire distribution system provides the greatest configuration flexibility, allowing power to be provided to both three-phase and single-phase equipment.
Legend:
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Service entrance ground or suitable building ground
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Only valid at service entrance or separately derived system (transformer)
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Ground Terminal Bar (bound to enclosure) same size as neutral
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Remotely Operated Power Service Disconnect
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Neutral Bus
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Circuit Breakers of Appropriate Size
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Branch Circuits
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120V Single phase
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208/240V Single Phase
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208/240V 3-Phase (4 wire)
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208/240V 3-Phase (5 wire)
Equipment Grounding
For safety and ESD protection, VLE system equipment must be properly grounded. VLE cabinet power cables contain an insulated green/yellow grounding wire that connects the frame to the ground terminal at the AC source power outlet. A similar insulated green or green/yellow wire ground, of at least the same diameter as the phase wire, is required between the branch circuit panel and the power receptacle that attaches to each cabinet.
Source Power Input
Voltage and frequency ranges at the AC source power receptacle(s) that will supply power to VLE system equipment must be measured and verified to meet the specifications shown in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3 Source Power Requirements for VLE Equipment
| Source Power | Voltage Range | Frequency Range (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
|
AC, single-phase, 3-wire |
170-240 |
47-63 |
If you are installing the VLE in North America, South America, Japan and/or Taiwan, ensure that the designated power sources are NEMA L6-30R receptacles, and that the cabinet power cords are terminated with the required NEMA L6-30P plugs. The factory ships power cords with NEMA L6-30P plugs to North and South America, Japan and Taiwan. Shipments to EMEA and APAC will ship with IEC309 32A 3 PIN 250VAC IP44 plugs.
The figure below shows a NEMA L6-30P plug and L6-30R receptacle.
If you are installing the VLE outside North America, South America, Japan and/or Taiwan, ensure that the designated source-power receptacles meet all applicable local and national electrical code requirements. Then, attach the required connectors to the three-wire ends of the cabinet power cords.
Dual Independent Source Power Supplies
VLE cabinets have a redundant power distribution architecture designed to prevent disruption of system operations from single-source power failures. Four 30 Amp power plugs are required.
To ensure continuous operation, all power cables must be connected to separate, independent power sources that are unlikely to fail simultaneously (for example, one to local utility power, the others to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system). Connecting multiple power cables to the same power source will not enable this redundant power capability.
Transient Electrical Noise and Power Line Disturbances
Reliable AC source power free from interference or disturbance is required for optimum performance of VLE system equipment. Most utility companies provide power that can properly operate system equipment. However, equipment errors or failures can be caused when outside (radiated or conducted) transient electrical noise signals are superimposed on power provided to equipment.
Additionally, while VLE system equipment is designed to withstand most common types of power line disturbances with little or no effect on operations, extreme power disturbances (such as lightning strikes) can cause equipment power failures or errors if steps are not taken to mitigate such disturbances.
To mitigate the effects of outside electrical noise signals and power disturbances, data center source power panels should be equipped with a transient grounding plate similar to that shown in Figure 2-2.
Legend:
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Flat Braided/Strained Wire
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Power Panel
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Plate
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Concrete Floor
Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD; static electricity) is caused by movement of people, furniture, and equipment. ESD can damage circuit card components, alter information on magnetic media, and cause other equipment problems. The following steps are recommended to minimize ESD potential in the data center:
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Provide a conductive path from raised floors to ground.
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Use floor panels with nonconducting cores.
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Maintain humidity levels within recommended control parameters.
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Use grounded anti-static work mats and wrist straps to work on equipment.
HVAC Requirements
Cooling and air-handling systems must have sufficient capacity to remove heat generated by equipment and data center personnel. Raised-floor areas should have positive underfloor air pressure to facilitate airflow. If conditions change within a data center (for example, when new equipment is added, or existing equipment is rearranged), airflow checks should be done to verify sufficient airflow.
Environmental Requirements and Hazards
VLE system components are sensitive to corrosion, vibration, and electrical interference in enclosed environments such as data centers. Because of this sensitivity, equipment should not be located near areas where hazardous and/or corrosive materials are manufactured, used, stored, or are in areas with above-average electrical interference or vibration levels.
For best performance, equipment should be operated at nominal environmental conditions. If VLE system equipment must be located in or near adverse environments, additional environmental controls should be considered (and implemented where practicable) to mitigate those factors before installation of the equipment.