Upgrades to the heating and cooling system have been completed at one of the main ICN Network hubs, which is located at Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ). This Johnston facility supports the ICN Network across the State, facilitating broadband and other services for customers, including connectivity for 911 services, the Iowa Rural Health Telecommunications Program (IRHTP) healthcare network, and connectivity for education and government facilities. JFHQ also serves as the ICN’s 24/7 Network Operation Center (NOC) and contains network equipment for other agencies within the State of Iowa.
Installed in 1992, the previous HVAC system was well past its expected useful life and was dealing with significant and recurring maintenance issues. Keeping equipment in the data room at a consistent, regular cooling level is an important aspect for the Network and providing services to our customers. Usually, after about 15 years, it's common to consider replacing such equipment, but employees of the ICN managed to keep the previous equipment well-maintained and functional for an additional 15 years, far beyond the life expectancy of the equipment which has been running 24 hours a day seven days a week since 1992 other than for brief maintenance periods. Given the critical nature of the facilities that the Network hub supports and the age of the equipment, it was necessary to replace it to maintain reliability and ensure continued operations.
The HVAC upgrades consisted of electrical work, installing the replacement of four outdoor chiller units, along with upgrading pipes, pumps, and Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units, which distribute the cooling throughout the building. Installing the CRAC units was quite an undertaking. The black CRAC units were too large for the freight elevator, so a ramp was constructed in the Iowa National Guard’s enhanced classroom to move the large equipment pieces to the basement. The CRAC units will regulate the temperature, air distribution, and humidity in the room, allowing for better airflow and preventing low humidity conditions.
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A huge shout out to all the agencies and employees who played a role in this significant and necessary upgrade. Everyone at ICN appreciates the collaboration with the Iowa National Guard, Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management, along with various outside contractors. With these upgrades, the statewide Network will be able to accommodate today’s needs, future growth, and increased heat loads as our colocation space continues to grow.
This heating and cooling upgrade will ensure ICN’s network security and ability to provide necessary broadband service to our customers and stakeholders, so they can better serve their stakeholders and Iowa citizens.