Digital modernization has led to an explosion in data, driving companies to increasingly seek out reliable, secure data centers that are both resource-efficient and sustainable. Black & Veatch (Overland Park, Kan.) has completed commissioning oversight for the world’s first zero water consumption commercial data center.
“It was important for us to know our equipment functions as intended. Black & Veatch worked diligently and efficiently to give us the confidence we needed to move forward and begin accepting new tenants who value energy efficiency, sustainability and scalability.”
Nautilus Data Technologies (Nautilus) retained Black & Veatch to conduct a third-party due diligence report and commissioning oversight at its 7-megawatt (MW) Northern California data center, located in the Port of Stockton. Black & Veatch verified the cooling, electrical and machinery systems functioned as designed.
Nautilus develops data centers that use its patented TRUE™ (Total Resource Usage Effectiveness) technology to use recirculated water from a nearby ocean, river or lake to cool the data center environment. Utilizing a body of water as a heat sink, the facility consumes no water, produces no wastewater, and requires no refrigerants or water treatment chemicals, cooling towers or computer room air handlers.
“We commend Nautilus’ forethought and innovation to efficiently operate data centers with minimal environmental impact,” says Katie Schultz, Director of Data Center Services at Black & Veatch. “In a time where water scarcity is an issue in many areas, and energy costs continue to rise, it was exciting to use our skills and experience to help launch this highly sustainable solution and continue to impact the growth of critical infrastructure.”
During commissioning of the first of four data halls, the IT equipment load was observed at 1.45 MW. At this load, the room temperature remained consistent at 73 degrees. When power was switched to generator the room remained cool and power to IT was continuous.
“Commissioning was the final step in bringing our vision of delivering an energy and cost-efficient data center to the market,” says Rob Pfleging, President of Nautilus Data Technologies. “It was important for us to know our equipment functions as intended. Black & Veatch worked diligently and efficiently to give us the confidence we needed to move forward and begin accepting new tenants who value energy efficiency, sustainability and scalability.”