40MW Data Centre - Bischofsheim, Germany
Client: International Technical Engineering and Construction Partner
Services: CxC (Contractor-Side)
Size: 40MW
Project Overview
This project involved the construction of a state-of-the-art Data Centre and Facilities/Administration building, located approximately 20 minutes from Frankfurt Airport. The facility consists of a two-storey structure with four 10MW data halls, delivering a total IT power capacity of 40MW. The project was designed with a phased sectional handover for each data hall.
Our role in the project was to act as the Independent Commissioning Authority (CxC) on behalf of the Main Contractor. The primary objective was to ensure the proper integration and validation of all systems in compliance with industry standards and client specifications.
Project Scope and Design Brief
The Data Centre features a lean architectural configuration to optimise space and functionality. The structure includes:
A two-storey layout with rooftop chiller deck
A data centre module with adjacent open technical areas to the north and south
An office wing serving as security, logistics, and control space
A fully integrated shell and core with a phased fit-out plan
A total data hall capacity of 40MW, with each hall supporting 10MW IT power
A mechanical and electrical infrastructure with 1.67MW capacity per string
A Chilled Water (CHW) cooling block system featuring a fan-wall solution
Intermediate Distribution Framework (IDF) rooms to support ICT functions
Peak Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of <1.5, with an annualised PUE target of <1.25
LEED Gold sustainability certification target
The project followed a structured phased approach:
Phase 1: Construction of the full building structure and the installation of the first 10MW data hall
Phases 2-4: Completion of the remaining data halls to reach the full 40MW IT capacity
Key Responsibilities
Liaising with OFCI Vendors, Contractor trades, and the Main Contractor to notify them of project progress and notable blockers.
Attendance of FWT (Factory Witness Testing) of OFCI Equipment.
Development of a detailed Cx Programme in conjunction with the Construction Programme.
Liaison with the Client’s CxA to ensure seamless certification and witnessing activities.
Commissioning and Value-Added Services
Our team introduced a highly effective commissioning strategy, leveraging a Cx Document Tracking Matrix integrated with Cx Alloy. This innovative approach streamlined the commissioning process by:
Mapping out Cx deliverables
Providing real-time tracking and uploading of documents
Offering a live document platform for vendors and contractors to upload, track, and manage issues both in documentation and field operations
Enhancing collaboration and transparency among all project stakeholders
Challenges and Solutions
Phased Sectional Handover: The requirement for staggered commissioning across four data halls required careful coordination. We implemented a structured milestone-based approach within Cx Alloy to ensure smooth transitions between phases.
High Security Requirements: The data centre’s stringent security protocols necessitated enhanced compliance measures. We worked closely with security teams to align commissioning activities with operational security requirements.
Sustainability Targets: Achieving LEED Gold certification required meticulous system validation and energy performance monitoring. Our commissioning process included rigorous testing of HVAC and power systems to meet efficiency targets.
Conclusion
This project highlights the importance of a structured commissioning approach in large-scale data centre developments. By implementing a comprehensive Cx strategy and leveraging technology-driven solutions, we contributed to the successful delivery of a high-performance, secure, and sustainable data centre facility.
