The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Storage Tanks for Data Centers
Storage tanks are used for commercial applications to ensure various procedures run as expected. Among such institutions are data centers; IT-based plants involved in vast technical activities. Storage tanks for data centers serve different roles in data processing from storing backup fuel for generators to reserving water for cooling systems. Read on to learn more.
What is a Data Center?
A data center is a specialized facility that houses IT infrastructure like computer systems and associated hardware equipment. They provide the necessary computing infrastructure for various IT operations, such as remote storage, processing, or distributing large amounts of data.
The different types of data centers include enterprise, colocation, cloud, hyperscale, modular, micro, onsite, edge, managed, telecom, and wholesale data centers. Data centers have three primary functions;
- Store and manage large amounts of data for government agencies, cloud service providers, or enterprises.
- Facilitate internet and intranet communication.
- Run complex services and applications, e.g., healthcare systems and financial transactions.
Understanding Data Center Storage Needs
Efficient storage infrastructure is critical to the seamless operation of modern data centers. These facilities house an intricate ecosystem of servers, high-capacity storage systems, networking hardware, power distribution units, cooling mechanisms, and security frameworks—each playing a vital role in maintaining continuous uptime and operational stability.
With data now regarded as a strategic asset—some dubbing it the new gold—ensuring uninterrupted access, accuracy, and security demands a resilient and scalable infrastructure.
Beyond digital storage, data centers have essential operational dependencies that require strategic fluid management. Critical functions such as cooling, backup power, fire suppression, and water conservation all rely on the availability of stored liquids.
High-quality, durable storage tanks serve as a foundational component in these processes, ensuring efficient resource allocation, optimized energy consumption, and minimized environmental impact. By integrating reliable fluid storage solutions, data centers can enhance system efficiency, safeguard equipment longevity, and maintain sustainability goals in an increasingly resource-intensive environment.
Essential Storage Tank Applications in Data Centers
Data centers have various storage needs.
- Essential needs cover the basic operations of the data centers
- Non-essential needs cover other typical purposes
- Specialized needs are for specific tasks
The vital applications for storage tanks for data centers include:
Ethylene Glycol Storage for Cooling Systems
Glycol is a type of alcohol known for its ability to lower water's freezing point and has excellent thermal properties.
Data centers host many servers and networking equipment that generate significant amounts of heat. According to Hugh Hudson, the data center market manager at Daikin Applied, a standard mega data center can generate 20 to 50 MW of heat. On the other hand, a data center campus can generate up to 300 MW, which is enough to power a mid-sized city.
Effective cooling is crucial to avoiding overheating, which can potentially lead to equipment failure, data loss, and increased operational costs.
Glycol is usually mixed with water to form a solution that circulates throughout the cooling systems in data centers. Using glycol-based cooling systems contributes to the longevity and reliability of the infrastructure in data centers by maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Data centers must follow proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures for glycol because ethylene glycol is a toxic substance, and leaks or spills can pose serious health and environmental hazards. As such, glycol storage solutions must also be monitored and maintained regularly to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Glycol tanks guarantee the safety and quality of glycol.
Fuel Storage for Backup Generators
Data centers require reliable backup power because they rely on costly equipment that can't afford downtime. Power outages are unavoidable. However, a well-designed uninterruptible power supply ensures continuous operation in such instances.
Fuel reserves enable backup generators to kick in and keep critical operations running, avoiding data loss and business disruption. Fuel storage tanks help ensure that you have enough diesel for your generators.
Rainwater Harvesting for Sustainability
Data centers use a lot of water, primarily for cooling. According to Shehabi of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the average data center uses about 300,000 gallons of water per day. This is similar to the water consumption of 1000 homes.
Data centers can resort to harvesting rainwater, a cheaper alternative to tap water. Rainwater harvesting tanks are a crucial investment, as rainwater can supplement the large volumes required for daily procedures.
Rainwater can be collected from rooftops or other surfaces, and stored in rainwater harvesting tanks. Data centers can use it for non-potable purposes like supplying water to cooling systems and landscape irrigation. Rainwater collection is a smart way for data centers to lower their environmental footprint through the conservation of municipal and freshwater resources.
Water Storage for Cooling and Fire Suppression
Water tanks are crucial in data centers. They can be used for various applications, whether aboveground tanks to supply water to the cooling systems or tanks for storing water for fire suppression. Bulk industrial storage solutions like NFPA Fire Suppression Steel Tanks are necessary for storing the large volumes of water required for such applications.
Other Storage Tanks Used in Data Centers
Other than the essential storage solutions, data centers might require other tanks for their operations.
- DEF Tanks: AdBlue tanks could be needed in data centers to store diesel exhaust fluid for modern backup generators with Selective Catalytic Reduction systems that meet emissions standards. Read more on efficient DEF fluid storage systems for optimum diesel engine operations.
- Chemical Storage Tanks: To maintain their efficiency, cooling towers and other water systems in data centers must be routinely treated. Common chemicals used in these processes include biocides/algaecides to control microbial growth, corrosion and scale inhibitors to protect equipment, and pH adjusters to preserve ideal water chemistry. Since these chemicals are toxic and highly acidic, we recommend proper chemical storage tanks for effective containment.
- Potable Water Storage Tanks: Data centers, especially those in remote locations, use these tanks as temporary, flexible containment solutions for drinking water or emergency water supplies.
- Wastewater Holding Tanks: Data centers use these tanks to temporarily capture and store wastewater from the cooling system, enabling its reuse or treatment for reduced water consumption or before disposal, ensuring environmental compliance.
- Oil Storage Tanks: These tanks primarily help store various lubricants needed for operating generators, cooling systems, and other mechanical equipment.
Data centers might need specialized storage tanks, such as chilled water buffer tanks, condensate storage tanks, and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tanks for more complex applications.
Selecting the Right Storage Tank for Data Center Applications
Different tanks might fit various needs at a data center. However, there are several considerations before choosing a proper storage tank, including
- Capacity Considerations: You must consider the storage volume required based on your operational needs. A good practice for large facilities is to use tanks with a higher gallon capacity than what's typical in standard-sized facilities.
- Material Selection: The three main materials for tank construction are polyethylene, stainless steel, and fiberglass. Consider the cost, durability, and chemical resistance.
- Compliance and Safety: Always ensure that your storage setup adheres to industry regulations.
- Space and Installation Requirements: When buying a storage tank for a data center, consider the on-site space constraints. This will influence whether you’ll purchase an above-ground or underground tank. The installation logistics are equally important, as some will incur additional costs to set up.
- Maintenance Needs: Consider the maintenance needs and costs for each tank. Storage tanks in a data center are always in use and you must consider how much it takes to clean them and the time required for the process because that might affect the facility’s operations.
It is important to consult an expert in the field, such as Tank Depot, to get the best storage recommendations for your data center.
Enhancing Data Center Storage with Tank Depot
Tank Depot is a leading storage consultant and tank supplier. As seasoned storage consultants and suppliers, we bring a wealth of experience to address the unique challenges of data center storage. Whether you require dependable water tanks, specialized glycol tanks, or a variety of gallon-capacity options, our extensive catalog has you covered.
Contact Tank Depot today to get a quick consultation for storage tanks in data centers, recommendations, and access to professional installation assistance.
