University of Chichester overhauls data center to boost efficiency and meet rising tech demands
The University of Chichester has completed a major upgrade to its Bishop Otter Campus data center, replacing air handling units (AHUs) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
The seven-week project, carried out by Secure I.T. Environments (SITE), was phased to ensure continuous operation while improving energy efficiency and system resilience.
The university has recently been in the headlines after students were awarded compensation following the abrupt closure of its master’s program in the history of Africa and the African diaspora. The decision to discontinue the course in 2023 led to complaints from affected students, who argued they had been misled about its future. The university later agreed to financial settlements for those impacted by the closure.
Modernizing critical infrastructure
Originally designed and installed by SITE in 2008, the Bishop Otter data center supports nearly 7,000 students and 600 staff across two campuses. The latest upgrades involved decommissioning four existing AHUs and replacing them with Multi-DENCO close-control air conditioning units, designed to enhance temperature and humidity management. Four external condensers, along with sensors and energy monitoring equipment, were also replaced as part of the modernization efforts.
The project included necessary groundwork and flooring adjustments, with all work completed in a live environment to avoid disruption to university operations.
UPS system enhancements
Alongside cooling system improvements, SITE upgraded the data center’s power protection by replacing three existing UPS units with two 20kVA Riello Sentryum UPS units. The transition was phased to maintain redundancy and ensure uninterrupted service in the event of a power failure.
Hayden Tarr, IT Services Development Manager at the University of Chichester, noted the efficiency of the project delivery, “We're very pleased with how the project went, which was delivered on time, and within the parameters agreed before the work commenced."
Keeping pace with data center advancements
With data center infrastructure evolving rapidly, the university’s investment in new HVAC and UPS systems reflects a broader industry trend of upgrading aging equipment to improve efficiency and reliability.
Chris Wellfair, Projects Director at Secure I.T. Environments, highlighted the significance of proactive modernization:
"Data center technology moves quickly, and when HVAC equipment begins to reach end of life there are great opportunities to benefit from new innovations and improve the resilience and energy efficiency of a data center. We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with University of Chichester, and that they continue to entrust their critical data centers to our care."
