Pictured is an infrared image (warmer temperatures are red, cooler are blue) of two sections of the cold aisle in a data centre. In the foreground, the grilles are arranged in a continuous line across the front of the grilles. In the background, the grilles have been arranged in a chess board arrangement. This shows clearly the effect of the two different arrangements.
The cabinets in the foreground show a uniform distribution of cold air across the front with the hot air being kept at the top where it can be extracted. The cabinets in the background show a non-uniform distribution of cold air.
The hot air is re-circulating and coming out the front of the cabinet at low level, while some of the cold air is bypassing the front of the cabinet and punching through the hot air at high level to cool the ceiling.
This graphically answers the question that if you use a chessboard pattern for the floor grilles, the effectiveness of the cooling is compromised. More generally, uniformity in cooling requires uniformity in air distribution.
Data Centre Operation
Q. How can you troubleshoot the operation of a data centre?
Troubleshooting the operation of a data centre requires a logical approach. This may appear a daunting task for a live data centre, but successful treatment can only result from a correct diagnosis.
The precise approach taken will depend on whether a step-change in performance has been noted, newly-installed equipment is not being cooled as expected, a non-resilient response to a computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit or chiller failure has occurred, or there is a gradual fall in performance. Perhaps the operator wishes to take a proactive approach to performance and efficiency levels.
BSRIA's BG 5/2003 Cooling Solutions for IT provides more guidance, but the three golden rules of thumb are: think of warm air as a pollutant, don't cut holes in the floor, and don't over-promise or over-demand. BSRIA can provide assistance by testing prototype cabinet systems, perform validation by testing mock-ups, and provide on-site trouble-shooting services.
Validating performance
Q. How can I validate performance at commissioning?The performance of a data centre depends on supplying the correct cooling to all the installed equipment.
A range of acceptable conditions for the cooling supply will be set for the commissioning tests to keep the equipment running efficiently without interruption. Supply conditions need to be measured to establish if they are correct (particularly temperature and humidity), and validated for all foreseeable eventualities, such as failure modes, at full and part-load operation.
A versatile testing system is needed to validate the large range of layouts of data centres and the different types of installed cabinets used. An independent validation check of the BMS and associated control and monitoring strategy allows the operator to go into the operational phase with greater confidence.
Key temperatures
Q. How and where can you measure the key temperatures in a data centre?
Maintaining an environment appropriate for the IT equipment, coupled with an uninteruptible electrical power supply within a secure space, are the primary purposes of a data centre. Whether for monitoring for compliance or control purposes, temperature measurements must be appropriate, accurate and averaged. Temperatures can vary widely depending on where readings are taken. This is important to know, as taking temperature readings in the wrong spot can lead down the wrong path, resulting in wasted time and money and potential damage to business-critical equipment.
BSRIA can help with the design, build and operation of data centres. For more information visit our Cooling of data centres web pages or contact BSRIA MicroClimate:
T: +44 (0)1344 465600
E:: microclimate@bsria.co.uk