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Trentino Digitale S.p.A.
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CyberHub Plant.OPT
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ICT
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Data Centre
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Strict security and reliability requirements
A critical infrastructure transformed into a model of efficiency and sustainability
The combination of an analytical approach focused on efficient resource management and a constant commitment to sustainability enabled the achievement of ambitious goals, setting a new standard for cooling
system management in data centers. Operational continuity was maintained without interruption, and the client strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability, achieving excellent results in terms of reduced operating costs.
The customer
Trentino Digitale S.p.A., an in-house ICT company, serves as the operational arm of the Autonomous Province of Trento and local entities for the digital transformation of the Trentino region.
The company manages the province’s fiber optic and radio telecommunications networks, including emergency networks, data centers, and the transition to cloud-based solutions. Additionally, it develops and manages software and applications, both conventional and innovative, to support Trentino’s digitalization.
Trentino Digitale’s activities also include cybersecurity and supporting the province’s strategies for expanding ultra-broadband connectivity across the region.
The primary data center managed by the client is a critical reference point for Trentino’s electronic information system. Operational since 2015, the facility was carefully designed for future scalability, capable of reaching an IT power of approximately 300 kW with a 2N redundancy model.
The infrastructure consists of multiple rooms and technical areas equipped with dedicated cooling units, structured as follows:
- 2 server rooms with 8 installed InRow units
- 2 telecom rooms with 2 perimeter cooling units
- 2 electrical rooms (QE) with 2 perimeter cooling units
- 2 UPS rooms with 2 perimeter cooling units
The fully redundant system operates on a variable-flow hydronic setup. Heat dissipation is managed through ultra-silent dry coolers with EC fans installed on the rooftop.
The room units are equipped with an indirect water-based free cooling system, integrated with a water-condensed direct expansion circuit featuring inverter-driven compressors.
A data center is traditionally characterized by strict security and reliability requirements. These features are essential to ensure uninterrupted operation and to protect the hosted data and applications.
Policies aimed at reducing environmental impact and lowering operating costs have encouraged the client to seek an innovative solution capable of achieving the following objectives:
- Environmental Sustainability (Minimizing pollutant emissions)
- Service continuity (Implementing operations without any system downtime)
- Energy efficiency (Increasing efficiency and reducing waste)
One of the main challenges of the project was to reduce electricity consumption while maintaining an already high level of energy efficiency. Additionally, it was imperative to avoid any interference with the continuous operation of the data center.
To achieve the project’s objectives, the CyberHub Plant.OPT software solution was introduced. This system goes beyond merely monitoring operating conditions—it actively optimizes each component within the cooling system to enhance efficiency and performance.
The first phase involved an energy and process audit to map the load profile of the system and understand how these loads were being utilized. This was followed by the implementation of dedicated control strategies aimed at optimizing the production, distribution, and utilization of cooling energy. Each adjustment was carefully monitored to verify its effectiveness.
Without shutting down the system and with minimal modifications to the existing installation, the control algorithms were redesigned to maximize cooperation between components. These optimizations included adjustments to the dry cooler fan speeds, modulation of pump flow rates, and the prioritization management between free cooling and compressor operation in the internal units.
