Leonardo Helicopters – Building 155 Data Centre

Leonardo’s Building 155 contains the main site-wide data centre and is naturally a highly sensitive and important area within the factory. The scope of works was to replace the existing refrigerant cooling systems, with new Hybrid refrigerant and “free cooling” systems, in a phased manner, whilst keeping the data centre fully operational at all times.

No production time was lost throughout this very challenging project.
Watertite were instrumental in assisting the main contractor and the client’s consultant with the planning, execution, co-ordination and phasing of the 4 individual 45kW Cooling Systems.

The 180kW overall Cooling Capacity obviously has some resilience factored in and the project took place in the Autumn/Winter months, enabling the existing systems to be replaced one at a time, minimising the risk of overheating.

As one would expect, security and access arrangements played a key role, and Watertite’s operatives began the security clearance checks well in advance of contract commencement.

The new more energy efficient Close Control Units were manufactured by FlaktGroup UK Ltd and were from their Multi-Denco range.
The increased energy efficiency comes from built in Glycol Circuits that operate a “free cooling mode” when external conditions are suitable.

Upon successful completion, all parties (The Data Centre Manager, The Site Facilities Manager, The Main Contractor and the FlaktGroup Commissioning Engineers) were extremely complimentary towards Watertite’s on site installation team, on a difficult job being done to the highest standards, with minimum disruption or fuss.