Edenaire fast tracks test sites for BT’s 21st century network
Edenaire’s latest range of air handlers specifically designed for the communications industry are playing an important role in the development of BT’s 21st Century Network (21CN) programme which is set to transform the UK’s traditional telephone network.
In addition to addressing BT’s cooling needs, Edenaire, part of Eaton-Williams has successfully completed construction of two purpose built data rooms that are being used to test equipment prior to construction and roll out of the new network.
The 21CN programme will create the enabling infrastructure for the future of the UK’s telecommunications industry. It will completely transform the existing BT network by enabling all technologies to be delivered over a common network and offer end users greater choice and flexibility.
“As part of BT’s 21CN strategy to transform its network to deliver the next generation of communications services, BT is adopting IP as the common transport method for delivering all technologies, systems, products and services – including voice” says Matt Beal, BT’s Wholesale director of 21st century network implementation.
Edenaire was already midway through a three-year enabling contract when asked to transform exchanges designated as test sites for the network in Cambridge and Woolwich.
BT’s brief called for Edenaire to take on the role as prime contractor for all the mechanical and electrical work on site. This included the creation of turnkey facilities with fresh air cooling as the prime medium for cooling equipment. In addition a comprehensive range of services were required as part of the site build.
Edenaire undertook the provision of all mains panel wiring, DC power supply, UPS supply and installation, lighting, fire protection security, builders work, partitioning and raised floor modules. Four 30kW eBTX air handlers were then installed in each data room delivering a cooling capacity of 120kW on an N+1 principal.
The eBTX is Edenaire’s next generation of packaged air handlers designed to provide air conditioning with very low running costs. The eBTX incorporates the latest advances in fans, controllers, software and mechanical components.
The Cambridge and Woolwich test sites were subject to short lead times. Their availability for testing the technology determined how quickly BT could start diverting voice calls between these two network nodes to the 21CN specific IP network as a precursor to the roll-out of other sites across the country.
“This project is a precursor to a programme that is going to shape the UK’s future telephony needs. Critical timing required Edenaire to fast track the creation of a turnkey facility and project manage throughout” comments Rob Jones, Edenaire Telecomms Cooling Manager.