384 m³ GRP Water Tank Project for a Data Center in Malaysia

This project is located in Malaysia, Southeast Asia. The water tank is mainly used for the storage and supply of cooling water for an Internet company’s data center.

Based on the site conditions and water storage requirements, the customer selected a 12 m × 8 m × 4 m GRP modular water tank, with a total capacity of approximately 384 m³. As the core water storage equipment of the cooling system, the tank works together with the pump and valve system and the circulation system to provide a stable water supply for the data center.

As we all know, the operation of data center servers, network equipment, and the rapidly developing AI computing infrastructure generates a significant amount of heat, which requires continuous and reliable cooling. To support their global business operations, major Internet companies are building data centers in different regions around the world. They generally select locations with favorable conditions, such as abundant water resources, and adopt efficient and cost-effective cooling circulation systems.

Cooling systems typically include precision air conditioning systems, air-cooled/liquid-cooled cooling equipment, indirect evaporative cooling systems, cold-plate liquid cooling, immersion cooling units, waste heat recovery systems, and energy-efficient ventilation equipment. Modular sectional water tanks serve as water storage equipment for liquid cooling systems.

Project Parameters

Item	Specification
Project Country	Malaysia
Application	Cooling Water for Data Center
Tank Type	GRP Modular Water Tank
Tank Dimensions	12 × 8 × 4 m
Tank Capacity	Approx. 384 m³
Tank Structure	Modular Assembly Structure
Connection Method	Bolted Connection
Installation Method	On-site Assembly

Project Requirements

Data centers have high requirements for infrastructure reliability. The cooling system must operate continuously and reliably, while the water storage equipment needs to provide sufficient storage capacity and maintain a certain level of redundancy based on the maximum planned computing capacity.

During the water tank selection process, the customer mainly considered the following factors:

1. Large-Capacity Cooling Water Storage

The 12 × 8 × 4 m water tank provides approximately 384 m³ of water storage capacity, ensuring an adequate water reserve for the data center cooling system.

2. Suitable for Hot and Humid Climates

The data center is located in Southeast Asia, where temperatures and humidity are relatively high. Since the water tank will be exposed to a humid environment for a long period, excellent corrosion resistance is essential.

Therefore, this project uses highly corrosion-resistant GRP panels as the main tank panels. Compared with steel panels such as hot-dip galvanized panels, GRP offers excellent corrosion resistance and relatively low cost, making it suitable for long-term use in hot and humid environments.

3. Easy On-Site Installation and Future Expansion

Due to the large size of the 384 m³ water tank, using an integrated welded structure would increase transportation and on-site construction difficulties. Therefore, the customer selected a modular panel design, which significantly reduces transportation costs and makes future expansion of the data center easier.

The modular water tank uses bolted connections, allowing flexible on-site assembly without being significantly restricted by site conditions.

Water Tank Installation

The water tank was installed next to the data center, with a dedicated cooling equipment room reserved nearby. The foundation consists of strip concrete foundations with a 100 mm spacing, combined with channel steel supports.

We dispatched installation workers to the project site to complete the installation and provide training to local workers.

Installation Process:

1. Inspect the tank foundation and installation conditions.
2. Position the bottom tank panels.
3. Install the side panels layer by layer.
4. Install the internal reinforcement structure and tie-rod system.
5. Install the top structure and accessories.
6. Apply sealant to all connection points.
7. Install the inlet, outlet, overflow, drain, and other pipe connections.
8. Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the completed tank.
9. Perform a full-water test and check the tank for watertightness.
10. After acceptance, connect the tank to the data center cooling water system.

After being connected to the data center cooling system, the water tank has provided a stable water supply with no leakage, and the customer was highly satisfied with the project.

The customer is also planning to add an additional emergency fire water tank, providing an extra layer of protection for the data center’s water supply and fire safety.

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