The design started as a sketch drawing on a piece of cardboard. It was a collaboration between ITS, a vendor, and FS electricians Eric Hernandez and Joey Tovar on how to accomplish the large-scale project with Dr. Thomas Girke, Ph. D, professor of Bioinformatics.
Moving the High-Performance Computing Center, or HPCC, into a new server room successfully will be crucial. The installation of a UPS, or uninterrupted power supply, system will support over 1,000 users from nearly 200 research labs on campus.
“It was a game plan on how to wire it,” said Hernandez. “It went smoother than thought.” The vendor formalized the design and sent FS the specifications for the system, and FS carried out the instructions for the installation.
To begin, Hernandez and Tovar scoped out a path underneath the data center at the School of Medicine Education building to originate a power hookup for the UPS system.
With the power source determined, Hernandez and Tovar measured, drilled holes, and built out racks for the system inside the data center. They installed disconnects for each UPS rack, which allows for turning units on and off safely for scheduled maintenance.
Then the electricians installed plug strips to provide connections for each UPS. “Each plug strip is labeled. Everything is labeled and sequential,” said Hernandez. When looking at the daunting array of wires, the labels make for effortless identification. They hope this sets the bar for future projects.
Together, they accomplished the work in a week. “When ITS came out to test the system, the power came on and everything worked,” said Hernandez.
Dr. Girke noted, “Tovar and Hernandez’s technical expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail were outstanding. They worked efficiently and collaboratively with the HPCC and ITS teams to complete the project on time and with minimal disruption.”
The system should come online soon.
“Researchers, staff, and students are fortunate to have such an efficient and well-led Facilities Services department here at UCR. Their scope of responsibilities and workload is huge, yet they are extremely supportive and responsive, and make a true difference,” said Girke.
“It was fun. We’re good under pressure,” said Tovar of the project.
