When downtime is a disaster [CHP for Internet service providers]

As Internet traffic grows and more business is done on-line, many service providers and large companies are turning to third parties who can house their mission-critical servers in specialised facilities with secure power supplies, computer grade air conditioning and adequate protection against fire and intruders. One company, 186k Ltd, has opted for packaged combined cooling and power (CCP) plant at two of its telehouses. It has signed contract with Lattice Energy Services (LES), which will finance, own and operate the plant under the 20-year agreement, and provide electricity and cooling to 186k with suitable guarantees of performance and reliability. The primary energy source at both sites is the CCP system, sized to meet peak demand even with one engine on standby. This n+1 configuration means that planned maintenance and minor breakdowns can be accommodated without resorting to the back-up supply. This combined heat and power technology provides secure, cost-effective electricity and air conditioning for the telehouses.