Berlin Data Centre shifts to Siphonic

illustration of Data Centre interior

Berlin Data Centre

Data hall space is maximised by switching from a pitch roof with traditional external gravity drainage to a flat roof and siphonic drainage system.
  • Project
    Berlin Data Centre
  • Client
    NDA
  • Location
    Germany
  • Lead Consultant
    B&W Engineering
  • Technology
    Siphonic and Gravity
  • Scope
    Design Consultancy

Project Overview

Capcon Engineering was engaged late in the design phase of a data centre project in Berlin, where a major design issue was developing fitting the required plant upon the roof while staying under the permissible building height, as stipulated in planning conditions, due to the large roof pitch required to facilitate the falls required for a traditional external gravity drainage system.

The original roof design for the data centre, typical of many data centres, was a pitched roof with a standard external gravity drainage system. The issue arising was the roof height, combined with roof mounted plant equipment, exceeded the maximum permissible heights as governed by the local municipality. Lowering the height of the data centre would have reduced the size of the data halls and, in turn the value of the data centre. The design team was looking to explore alternatives, including a flat roof design to maximise the space available for data halls, while keeping within height requirements. Capcon were appointed to provide a siphonic drainage solution for the flat roof, which not only resolved the height issue but significantly improved overall drainage efficiency and rainwater harvesting potential.

Challenges with Gravity

Siphonic Solution

Key Features

  • Flat Roof Design
    By using a siphonic system, Capcon enabled the design of a completely flat roof, which maintained the required height for the data halls and adhered to municipal height restrictions.
  • Increased Water Harvesting
    The siphonic system allowed for 100% rainwater harvesting, doubling the amount that would have been possible with the original gravity system. This eliminated the need for pumping water back to the harvesting tanks.
  • Elimination of Below-Ground Drainage
    The siphonic solution removed the need for below-ground drainage infrastructure entirely, reducing the project’s complexity, C02 emissions and costs associated with manholes, excavation, and installation.
  • Extreme Weather Protection
    The siphonic system also provided better protection against extreme weather events than a traditional gravity drainage system.

Results

Capcon’s innovative siphonic drainage solution enabled this Berlin located data centre to retain its optimal data hall size and height while ensuring efficient rainwater drainage and harvesting. The solution not only resolved the height issue but also enhanced the project’s sustainability objectives and resilience to weather events.

Image of DC for illustrative purposes only.