#Japan #Schneider Electric #IT Solutions #Ryukyu University Hospital #Ginowan

Schneider Electric's Comprehensive IT Solutions at Ryukyu University Hospital

Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has recently integrated a holistic IT infrastructure solution at Ryukyu University Hospital in Ginowan City, Okinawa. This deployment includes high-efficiency cooling and a consolidated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, aimed at optimizing both energy efficiency and management processes.

Background on Ryukyu University Hospital

Ryukyu University Hospital, the only university hospital in Okinawa, plays a critical role in providing advanced medical care in the region. It has received numerous designations, such as being a core hospital for cancer treatment and a key center for AIDS treatment. The new hospital, constructed on the site of the former Nishihara housing area, boasts 620 beds, making it the largest facility of its kind in the prefecture. Set to officially open its doors in early 2025, the new hospital is prepared to enhance emergency medical services significantly.

Given the recent construction, there was a pressing need for an overhaul of the hospital's IT infrastructure, particularly the server room. Previously, servers were distributed across multiple rooms, complicating management for the medical staff, who had relied on a centralized information system since 2016. Unfortunately, the old server room, converted from standard rooms, employed an inefficient general cooling method which led to excessive power consumption. Although approximately 100 individual UPS units were in place for various systems, these units operated at below 10% of their power capacity, highlighting a significant inefficiency.

Schneider Electric's Optimized Solution

In response to these issues, Schneider Electric proposed a solution to optimize space, cooling, power capacity, and management efficiency comprehensively. The design of the new hospital's server room capitalizes on the available space while achieving the desired number of racks. The introduction of a High Availability Cooling System (HACS) allows for the optimization of cooling efficiency by accommodating rack clusters for localized cooling, thus improving overall energy use.

Enhanced Cooling and Power Management

The integration of the InRow cooling units and the NetShelter racks allows for the confinement of exhaust heat from the rack rows, thereby boosting cooling effectiveness. On the power management front, Schneider consolidated the previously dispersed UPS units into a single, integrated unit known as the Symmetra™ PX. This significant reduction in the number of UPS units not only optimizes the power capacity but also enhances maintenance capabilities.

Additionally, tools such as the Intelligent PDU for power monitoring at the rack level and the NetBotz system for monitoring rack temperature and humidity have been implemented, allowing for real-time visibility into each rack's condition. These integrations, along with the EcoStruxure™ IT Data Center Expert for overall system monitoring and EcoStruxure™ IT Advisor for centralized management, facilitate comprehensive oversight and control across the entire infrastructure.

Conclusion

Schneider Electric’s commitment to enhancing energy management and operational efficiencies at Ryukyu University Hospital reflects its broader mission of ensuring that everyone maximizes the use of energy and resources. By providing innovative digital solutions that align with sustainability and performance goals, Schneider Electric continues to lead the way in digital transformation for critical infrastructure in healthcare.

For more detailed case studies and video documentation, please visit the provided links: Case Study Document and Case Study Video.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric aims to empower individuals to make the most of energy and resources and to advance the world toward positive progress and sustainability. Their guiding mantra, “Life Is On,” encapsulates their mission to be a digital partner for sustainability and efficiency. Known for their leading technologies in process and energy management, Schneider Electric integrates techniques and products across the lifecycle of homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and various industries to drive digital transformation. Notably, they emphasize local relevance in a global context, fostering inclusivity and collaboration through open standards and a partnership ecosystem.