Inwi Improves Cooling Performance at Technopolis Rabat
In a significant advancement for Morocco's telecommunications landscape, Inwi, a leading provider in the region, has partnered with Vertiv to enhance the cooling performance at its Technopolis Rabat data center. This initiative follows the successful implementation of thermal management solutions at Inwi's data centers in Marrakech and Settat, showcasing a commitment to operational excellence and innovation. The focus of this latest deployment is on improving cooling efficiency, ensuring redundancy, and bolstering resilience, which are critical factors in supporting Africa's rapidly expanding digital economy.
The growth of digital services across Africa relies heavily on robust data center infrastructures that facilitate cloud computing, mobile networks, and various digital innovations. Inwi's role in this ecosystem is pivotal, and the enhancements at the Technopolis Rabat site are designed to meet the increasing demands for data processing and storage capabilities. By integrating advanced chilled water systems and precision cooling units, Inwi aims to build upon the successes achieved in its previous projects with Vertiv.
Addressing Unique Challenges with Advanced Solutions
The project at Technopolis Rabat presented unique technical challenges, particularly the necessity of maintaining optimal cooling in extreme temperatures, which can soar above 45°C during the summer months. Inwi required a solution that would seamlessly integrate new cooling systems into their existing infrastructure without disrupting ongoing operations. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with Inwi's sustainability goals by aiming to reduce its carbon footprint through improved energy efficiency.
Vertiv's solution involved the installation of state-of-the-art chilled water systems, including the Vertiv Liebert AFC air-cooled chiller, which boasts a cooling capacity of 715 kW. This system is equipped with integrated free cooling capabilities and is configured with both primary and redundant units, ensuring that data center operations remain uninterrupted during maintenance or unexpected downtimes. Supporting this infrastructure are the Vertiv Liebert PCW CRAH units, designed specifically for IT environments to sustain stable temperature and humidity levels, complemented by the Vertiv Liebert iCOM control systems for real-time performance optimization.
In addition to the cutting-edge cooling systems, Vertiv provided comprehensive lifecycle services, which included installation, commissioning, technical consultancy, and ongoing maintenance. This holistic approach guarantees that the cooling solutions will deliver optimal performance over time, enhancing reliability and operational stability at the Technopolis Rabat site.
As a result of these enhancements, Inwi has seen improvements in several key areas: cooling efficiency has increased, energy consumption and operating costs have decreased thanks to free-cooling capabilities, and the design incorporates N+1 redundancy to uphold availability during component failures. The modular design further supports scalability, allowing Inwi to accommodate future growth without causing disruption to operations.
Abdelilah Idrissi, head of data centers design and operations at Inwi, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, stating, "By implementing advanced chilled water and precision cooling solutions at our Technopolis Rabat site, Vertiv has played a key role in our strategic initiative to upgrade and modernize Inwi’s data center facilities, enabling us to meet the growing demands for data processing and storage." Zineb Kamri, Vertiv’s regional director for Northwest Africa, added, "Africa is undergoing a significant transformation in both its energy and digital infrastructure sectors, and the continent’s increasing demand for advanced digital infrastructure aligns with Vertiv’s expertise in enabling resilient, critical infrastructure technologies." The successful outcomes of the projects in Marrakech and Settat have solidified Vertiv's position as a trusted provider for Inwi, reinforcing their collaborative efforts in shaping the future of data center infrastructure in Morocco and throughout the region.
As reported by it-online.co.za.
