Building services, energy and environment of data centers (10 cr)

Objective

After completion of the course, students knows the most common electrical power supply systems and can determine the power supply requirements, including the stability of electricity. They know the technologies for uninterrupted power supply and the automation systems related to the power supply.

Students know the most common solutions for cooling, ventilation and heating of data centers, and their operating principles. The know the design principles and special features of these systems. Students know the indoor environmental requirements and target levels of data centers. The know the technologies to ensure the operation of the cooling systems and the specific features of the building automation systems.

After completing the course, students can calculate the life cycle costs. the primary energy consumption and the carbon footprint of the data center. They know the main components of energy auditing and the certificates related to the energy use. The know the possibilities to use renewable energy sources and connection to the local energy grids.

Content

Power supply (3 cr): The most common electrical systems of data centers. Availability and quality of electricity. Ensuring the power supply. Automation systems for power supply.

Cooling, ventilation and heating (4 cr): Indoor environmental requirements and target levels. The theory of cooling process. Solutions for air distribution and use of free cooling. Space heating and use of excess heat. Ensuring the operation of cooling systems. Principles and specific features of building automation systems.

Energy and environment (3 cr): Life cycle cost calculations, energy auditing, primary energy and carbon footprint calculations. Distributed energy systems (electricity, district heating and cooling), use of local renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal). Energy certificates.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student is able to identify, define and use the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student has completed the required learning exercises in minimum required level. His/her competences have developed in a way that he/she may increase his/her knowledge in the given field of technology and finally work in job positions related to this field of technology.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has achieved the course objectives well, even though the knowledge and skills need to be enhanced on some areas. The student has completed the required learning exercises in good or satisfactory level. The student is able to define the course concepts and models and is able to justify the analysis. The student is able to apply the knowledge of the course in study and work situations.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the objectives of the course with excellent marks. The student master commendably the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student has completed the required learning exercises in good or excellent level. The student is able to make justified and fluent analysis and to present concrete development measures. The student is well prepared to apply the knowledge of the course in the study and work situations.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has achieved the course objectives fairly. The student is able to identify, define and use the course subject area’s concepts and models. The student has completed the required learning exercises in minimum required level. His/her competences have developed in a way that he/she may increase his/her knowledge in the given field of technology and finally work in job positions related to this field of technology.