PhosAgro and Rostelecom to open digital horizon in Volkhov

PhosAgro, in cooperation with Rostelecom, is laying the foundation for a new data processing center (DPC) based on the Volkhov branch of Apatit JSC. This strategic project will become not just another element of the IT infrastructure, but a key factor in strengthening the company's digital sovereignty and technological leadership, and will also have a significant impact on related industries, including the industrial refrigeration equipment market. Completion of construction is scheduled for 2026.

Digital Fortress: Architecture and Tasks of a New Data Center

The new PhosAgro data center in Volkhov will be a modern facility equipped with high-performance server equipment and all necessary support systems. To ensure maximum fault tolerance, two redundant high-speed communication channels will be provided. This guarantees stable and uninterrupted access to critical information resources. The modular architecture will allow for flexible expansion of computing capacity to meet the growing needs of PhosAgro's enterprises. This data center will be the third in the company's IT infrastructure, complementing the existing facilities in Kirovsk and Cherepovets, and will provide a reliable platform for the company's digital transformation.

Cold calculation: benefits for industrial refrigeration suppliers

The construction and subsequent operation of the data center in Volkhov creates significant opportunities for companies specializing in industrial refrigeration equipment. Data centers, particularly those of this scale, are major consumers of cooling systems, as maintaining a stable temperature within the server rooms is crucial for the reliable and efficient operation of the equipment. This means that the demand for the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of these systems will continue to grow. The development of such projects stimulates competition in the industry, leading to the emergence of innovative and energy-efficient solutions.

The Refrigeration Heart of a Data Center: An Overview of the Required Equipment

Various types of industrial refrigeration equipment are used to ensure optimal temperature conditions in data centers. Here are some of them, along with their key features and functions:

• Chillers (Water Cooling Units):
  • Function: Cooling of water or glycol solution, which is then circulated through the server cooling system.
  • Features: Cooling capacity from hundreds of kilowatts to several megawatts, high energy efficiency (COP), precision temperature control. Chillers can be compression, absorption or free energy (freecooling).
  • Application: Cooling of server racks, distribution cabinets, and other data center components. Air-cooled condenser chillers are a popular option.
• Precision air conditioners (CRAC/CRAH):
  • Function: Maintaining precise temperature and humidity in server rooms and removing heat generated by servers.
  • Specifications: High temperature control accuracy (±1°C), high reliability, real-time monitoring and control. Can be either direct expansion (DX) or chiller-cooled (CW).
  • Application: Direct cooling of servers, especially in high-density racks.
• Dry Coolers:
  • Function: Cooling of a liquid (usually a glycol solution) by blowing air over it. Used to remove heat from the cooling system, especially in freecooling systems.
  • Specifications: High energy efficiency, easy maintenance, and no water consumption.
  • Application: As a component of free cooling systems (free-cooling), which reduce the energy consumption of chillers.
• Free Cooling systems:
  • Function: Using outdoor air to cool the data center when the ambient temperature is lower than the required temperature in the server rooms.
  • Features: Significant reduction in energy consumption, and modularity.
  • Application: A comprehensive solution that includes chillers, dry coolers, pumps, and control systems, allowing you to maximize the benefits of your climate. Especially relevant for regions with cold climates.
• Monitoring and management systems:
  • Function: Control and management of all cooling system parameters, optimization of energy consumption, and prevention of emergencies.
  • Features: Integration with BMS (Building Management System), remote monitoring and control capabilities, and automatic switching between different operating modes.
  • Application: Ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the data center's cooling system.

Given the scale of the PhosAgro and Rostelecom project in Volkhov, it can be expected that the most modern and energy-efficient cooling systems will be used in the construction of the data center. This opens up a wide range of opportunities for companies that offer a full range of services in the field of industrial cooling, from design and equipment supply to installation, commissioning, and service support. The development of Russia's digital infrastructure creates new opportunities for growth and innovation in related industries.