Cummins package is first choice for Data Center pair KBC Bank and its Hungarian subsidiary K&H
Cummins power solution for KBC Bank
| Challenge: |
KBC Bank and its Hungarian subsidiary K&H selected Cummins for standby power at two of the bank’s mirrored data center sites in Hungary. |
| Solution: | Each of the mirrored sites were equipped with two C3000 D5 generator sets per site, both with QSK78 engines and PCC 3.3 controls. |
| Result: |
The Cummins solution perfectly met the bank’s needs, providing a tailor-made package. Forward-looking planning has ensured both data center buildings have enough free area in preparation for future expansion. |
KBC Bank and its Hungarian subsidiary K&H selected Cummins for standby power at two of the bank’s data center sites in Hungary. The 500 m2 sites – one of them at Törökbálint in the Pest part of the country, around 15 km from the capital Budapest, the other at Baracska, 37 km south west of the capital in the Buda part of the country – operate as a mirrored pair. Utility grid supply is not unreliable, but a data center in the financial sector must never be at risk of downtime.
Cummins became the supplier of choice thanks principally to the competitiveness of the overall package. Main contractor CFE Hungary consulted closely with Cummins’ Hungarian distributor CADServer and with project architect Arcadis, to put together a proposal that came ahead of rival bids.
CAD-Server’s experienced team worked side-by-side with Arcadis to understand the overall project requirements and limitations. With the further support of Cummins technical staff, and regular meetings with the bank’s data center management, the Cummins distributor was in the position to offer a tailor-made solution. 
Each of the mirrored sites were equipped with two C3000 D5 generator sets per site, both with QSK78 engines and PCC 3.3 controls. The Cummins solution featured a simple direct-cooling approach without heat exchangers or secondary circulating pumps. Because only a small footprint was allowed for mounting coolers on the rooftops, meeting the sound level requirement of the project was a particular challenge. At each site there was a night-time noise level limit of 50 dB (A) at 2m distance from the next building. CAD-Server’s acoustic engineer provided a fully compliant sound attenuation design. In total, the Cummins package met every requirement at a lower EUR/kW for the complete installation, including the price of the generator sets.
The installed fuel system consisted of a double-layered construction daily fuel tank, placed close to the diesel engine, with a capacity of 2300 L. Double skinned sub-base fuel tanks of 40,000 L capacity at each side of each data center building supply fuel to the engines via the daily tanks, allowing for a minimum of 72 hours of operation at 100% of rated load. Redundant fuel pipe systems have been installed, complying with Tier IV regulations. Each site had a continuous rating (base load) of at least 2000 kW by cos phi = 0.8 during at least 250 hours continuous operation, and 100% of that load continuous without time restriction.
Automatic transmission and remote control plus floor standing control panels completed the picture, allowing the bank’s Data Center Facility Operation Department to operate the two sites seamlessly. Monthly load tests ensured all parts of the system are operating correctly. The Cummins solution met the bank’s present needs, and those needs may increase in the future. Forward-looking planning has ensured both data center buildings have enough free area on each side to increase capacity by 50%.
For more information about integrated standby power systems, contact your local Cummins distributor or visit Cummins Generators and Power Systems.
Cummins Inc.
Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.
