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What Fire Suppression Systems Are Used in Backup Generators at Data Centres?
A fire detection and suppression system are designed to work together to detect, alert and raise the alarm, as well as suppress fires in a way that minimises damage to property, equipment and protects all personnel. Whilst fire detection systems include heat detection, flame detection, aspirating systems and more, today we're going to focus on the fire suppression solutions which can be used in backup generators at data centres.
Data centres are the cornerstone of our digital infrastructure, hosting critical servers and storage systems that keep our connected world running. Continuous power is essential for these facilities, especially during unexpected outages, as even a brief interruption / failure can lead to data storage corruption, system failures, and lost connectivity, affecting millions of users, including business customers.
Back up generators are a critical utility to ensure continuous data centre operation - protecting valuable and vast data stores / big data, serving as a critical safeguard against power outages that could disrupt operations, compromise data and file integrity / information security, and result in significant financial losses. They provide an immediate and reliable power source, ensuring the continuity of cloud services, including cloud backup, and supporting countless businesses that depend on digital platforms. However, back up generators are prone to fires - a number of fires have been recorded previously, so this presents challenges too - a further consideration for data centre fire suppression systems.
By preserving data integrity and supporting ongoing business operations, i.e. business continuity, backup generators uphold the data centre's commitment to delivering consistent and reliable services. This is vital for disaster recovery planning and compliance with industry standards, making backup generators a cornerstone of data centre resilience and operational stability.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BACKUP GENERATORS
Whilst providing emergency power solutions, back up generators present a unique challenge for fire protection. The risks increase due to the flammable fuels required for their operation, be it diesel, natural gas and more. Furthermore, high temperatures, created by the generators themselves, which is above the auto ignition temperature of the fuels typically used, means that any fluid leaks can cause fires too. To complicate matters further, they are usually located externally away from buildings, which means that remote fire protection solutions are then required.
Historically, instances of fires originating from backup generators have resulted in significant downtime and financial losses for data centres.
Specific Fire Risks Presented by Backup Generators
- Fuel system leaks could lead to pooling of flammable substances.
- Overheating can occur if cooling systems fail or if there is an overload.
- Electrical short circuits may arise from faulty wiring or insulation breakdown.
- Faulty exhaust systems have the potential to accumulate heat or spew hot gases, which could come into contact with combustible materials.
Given the important role backup generators play, an effective fire suppression system designed specifically for data centre backup generators is crucial. This isn't just an optional add on, it's a key element in ensuring the resilience and reliability of vital data centres.
EXPLORING FIRE SUPPRESSION SOLUTIONS FOR BACKUP GENERATORS IN DATA CENTRES
Data centres rely on backup generators to maintain operations during power outages. Consequently, deploying effective fire suppression systems in these areas is critical. Fire suppression solutions must be efficient, fast-acting, and minimise potential damage to equipment. Diverse fire suppression systems nowadays offer a range of choice and benefits.
COMMON TYPES OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS USED FOR BACKUP GENERATORS
Gas suppression systems, utilising inert gases are common. These systems, designed to extinguish fires without harming electronic equipment, quickly reduce oxygen levels. However, there are considerations such as room integrity and agent storage.
Water mist systems, emitting fine droplets, absorb heat and replace oxygen around the fire. These systems are effective and less damaging than traditional sprinkler systems, but require specific designs to address varied hazards uniquely present in backup generator spaces.
INERT GAS EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS IN DATA CENTRE BACKUP GENERATORS
Inert gas extinguishing systems represent a modern fire suppression technology engineered for safeguarding environments, including those housing data centre backup generators. However, although inert gas systems are usually suitable for this type of fire hazard, there are usually issues containing the room integrity to achieve the required gas retention time, typically 10 minutes, due to the ventilation system.
Nevertheless, the system can be designed to incorporate an extended discharge, quantifying the agent loss and then including additional agent to accommodate for the loss - this makes inert systems a viable solution. Clean agent systems benefit from a quick discharge and extinguishing effect minimising potential fire damage. What's more, clean agent systems are a more seasoned fire extinguishing solution that have stood the test of time in comparison to water mist systems, being a newer technology.
The primary mechanism of action for inert gas systems lies in their ability to reduce the oxygen concentration within the protected space swiftly. By lowering oxygen levels to below the threshold required to sustain combustion, these systems effectively smother fires without causing damage to delicate components or leaving residue that could impact equipment functionality.
- Inert gas extinguishing systems effectively target and suppress the fire by swiftly reducing the oxygen levels in the protected area.
- These systems operate without introducing moisture, minimising any potential damage to backup generators and related electronic equipment.
- Deployment of inert gas systems enhances safety for data centre personnel during fire incidents by maintaining a non-toxic and non-conductive environment.
The installation of inert gas extinguishing systems necessitates customisation to suit the specific needs of the site. The design and layout of the area housing backup generators are crucial to ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency. Developers of these systems continually innovate to meet the stringent requirements of protecting high-value assets such as backup generators within data centres.
WATER MIST SYSTEMS IN DATA CENTRE BACKUP GENERATORS
Water mist systems represent a sophisticated technology designed to extinguish fires in critical environments, such as data centres with backup generators. Cylinder based water mist systems are ideal in this environment as they are stand alone with cylinder-based water storage so pipework isn't required to be installed from the buildings main fire protection system.
These systems discharge a fine spray of micro water droplets. Due to their small size, these droplets have a larger surface area to volume ratio than those produced by traditional sprinkler systems. Water mist systems are ideal for high heat output hazards, such as with backup generators, as the water quickly turns to steam displacing the oxygen.
In comparison with traditional water-based systems, water mist systems offer a significant advantage due to the reduced amount of water needed to achieve fire suppression. This reduces the risk of water damage to sensitive equipment, which is a paramount concern in data centre operations where backup generators are present.
- Water mist systems target the fire's heat source directly and quickly.
- These systems use substantially less water, mitigating potential water damage to backup generators and related equipment.
- Deployment of water mist can create a safer environment for data centre personnel during a fire event.
The installation of water mist systems must be customised to the specific needs of each data centre. The area housing backup generators requires proper design and layout to ensure the maximum effectiveness of the system. Developers of these systems continuously innovate to ensure they meet the stringent demands of protecting high-value assets such as backup generators within data centres. Note that system approvals are available for this type of application and system - FM5560 for example.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Both water mist and inert gas extinguishing systems offer fire protection solutions for backup generators at data centres. Water mist systems discharge micro water droplets that absorb heat efficiently and reduce oxygen levels, using significantly less water to minimise potential damage to sensitive equipment. Their standalone cylinder-based design makes them practical and easy to install. Inert gas systems, on the other hand, reduce oxygen concentration to smother fires without moisture, protecting electronic components without leaving residue. They are highly effective, though they may require extended discharge designs in ventilated areas. It is worth noting that clean agent systems are a more seasoned fire extinguishing solution that have stood the test of time in comparison to water mist systems, being a newer technology. However, regardless of the system chosen, customisation is crucial for both systems to ensure optimal performance in their operating location.
WHY CHOOSE MEP FIRE FOR YOUR FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS IN BACKUP GENERATOR AREAS?
Our expertise and our innovative approach in this industry have revolutionised our clients' experiences, particularly those who have installed relevant systems in their customers' data centres.
MEP Fire's integrity, experience, expertise and proven track record ensure the ideal solution for selecting the most suitable fire suppression system to enhance safety in this high stakes environment.
Only the best is enough here at MEP Fire. Based in the United Kingdom, our commitment to paying attention to every detail ensures that clients consistently receive the best advice and products, resulting in optimal workplace outcomes. This dedication is fundamental to our ethos.
If you're in the market for a fire suppression system within backup generators or other areas of a data centre such as a server room, we recommend you speak to a professional expert here at MEP Fire to equip you with a plan moving forward. If you have an enquiry, simply call us on
01628 963415 or proceed to the
contact us section in the top right-hand corner of our website and submit the relevant information.
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