Data centre upgrade
Location: South Auckland
Start date: January 2024
Completion date: June 2024
Project client: Vector
Project partners: Dreadnought Civil
We have more than 25 years’ experience in delivering high-quality critical infrastructure projects for Vector.
We have more than 25 years’ experience in delivering high-quality infrastructure projects for Vector. We are trusted to deliver critical infrastructure of national significance.
Vector’s network supplies a data centre in South Auckland. Vector looked to Northpower to deliver several upgrades to their network.
3761
person-hours invested
13
Northpower specialists delivering the project
3800m
11kV cable installed
The expansion of the data centre needed increased electricity supply which required new electrical equipment to be installed within the data centre, and additional high voltage cabling from Vector’s Manurewa substation to supply the data centre’s needs.
Upgrading data centre capacity
A specialist cable team completed the installation of three new 24kV switchgear units, the new switchgear was part of a wider upgrade which increased the centre’s capacity from 7.6MVA to 17.2MVA. The team also installed equipment that automatically controls and monitors the switchgear units. The equipment was fitted with fibre to enable Vector to control the power supply remotely.
Upgrades to the wider network
A new 3.8km high voltage circuit of 11kV cable was laid by Northpower’s specialist underground team, connecting Manurewa substation to the data centre. These high voltage cables were laid along roads that experience high volumes of traffic, including Great South Road which links to State Highway 1. To minimise the impact upon motorists, the team navigated the cable installation and jointing works at night, with civil work undertaken by Dreadnought Civil.
The team also terminated the existing circuit that supplied the data centre with power from the Takanini substation.
Outcomes
We delivered this project according to Vector’s technical specifications. This upgrade has increased the capacity of the data centre to grow the services it provides to New Zealanders.
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