With thermal risks still accounting for 29 percent of unplanned data center outages, data center optimization company, EkkoSense, has detailed how organizations need a more structured thermal approach to kick their addiction to over-cooling — cooling now accounts for 35 percent of overall data center energy consumption.
“Research shows that thermal issues, such as over-heating, now accounts for almost a third of unplanned data center outages, even though the average utilization of cooling equipment (air handling units (AHUs), computer room air conditioners (CRACs), etc.) remains very low,” said James Kirkwood, head of services at EkkoSense.
“What’s required is a more structured, pragmatic, end-to-end approach to cooling — one that works directly to reduce thermal risk, while at the same time helping organizations to secure about 30 percent cooling energy savings,” he continued.
“To help data center operators address this challenge, EkkoSense has developed a distinctive five-stage approach to help deliver effective thermal strategies that maximize the performance of their cooling assets as part of an ongoing standards compliance management approach.”
EkkoSense’s five-stage approach to data center thermal optimization covers standards, measurement, visualization, airflow recovery, and ongoing cooling plant management.
- Standards — Whether it’s ASHRAE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), or the European Commission (EC) code of conduct, standards adherence provides a starting point for best practice optimization.
- Measurement — Using a broad range of scientific measurement techniques, mapping tools, and data analytics provides a benchmark to base an agreed program of works on.
- Visualization — If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Next generation visualization techniques are set to revolutionize thermal management.
- Recover airflow — By removing key hot and cold spots, organizations can achieve a significant reduction in supply variance and optimization of in-room airflow.
- Manage the cooling plant — With the traditional option of over-cooling becoming less and less sustainable, thermal optimization can deliver benefits for all types of data centers — from legacy halls to the latest state-of-the-art buildings.
Content for the European Spotlight is provided courtesy of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Magazine, London. For more information, visit www.racplus.com.
Publication date: 1/9/2017
