Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center

Transcription

1 Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center Chapter One: Cooling Assessments Click a section below You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap

2 Today s data center managers must respond to the constant state of change in the IT industry and look at strategies for optimizing a data center through management and planning. In this ebook we focus on energy efficiency via thermal management. Energy efficiency has become a top concern because of the demand within nearly every organization for greater computing capacity, and the trend toward IT centralization has increased data center energy consumption significantly. With both energy consumption and costs on the rise, data center efficiency has been elevated to a strategy for reducing costs. Based on a 600kW load, each percentage point in efficiency improvement translates into $6,000 in annual savings in operating expenses. Additionally, efficiency is viewed as a strategy to manage capacity possibly saving capital costs and promote environmental responsibility. From grid to chip, the data center offers a number of possibilities for lowering energy usage, with the cooling system being an opportunity for significant improvement. In a typical data center, cooling accounts for 38 percent of total energy consumption. This means the cooling system is where the biggest efficiency impact can be made. You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap The typical practice of making cooling unit improvements one at a time misses the opportunity to optimize the cooling system. In turn, maximum efficiency benefits and operational savings are not realized. By taking a more holistic approach, cooling system energy consumption can be reduced by up to 70 percent. Continue... Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 2

3 38% The first step toward realizing efficiency without compromising availability ultimately leading to major energy savings is the subject of this chapter: cooling assessments. A cooling assessment will reveal the information needed to understand your data center s cooling performance and to make informed decisions on how to improve it. A professional cooling assessment will identify hot spots, air flow issues, and inefficiencies in existing room conditions and practices that, when improved, will reduce energy consumption significantly. 1% 1% 3% 5% 48% 4% 4% Power and Cooling 38% Cooling 5% UPS 3% MV Transformer and Switchgear 1% Lighting 1% PDU 14% 15% 15% 52% Computing Equipment 15% Processor 15% Other Services 14% Server Power Supply 4% Storage 4% Communication Equipment You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap < Back to Top of Article Category Power Draw * FIGURE 1. Analysis of a typical 5,000 square foot data center shows that demand-side computing equipment accounts for 52 percent of energy usage and supply-side systems account for 48 percent. *This represents the average power draw (kw). Daily energy consumption (kwh) can be captured by multiplying the power draw by 24. Processor Lighting UPS and distribution losses Cooling power draw for computing and UPS losses Building switchgear/mv transformer/other losses TOTAL 588 kw 10kW 72kW 429 kw 28 kw 1,127 kw Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 3

4 You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When A cooling assessment is recommended when an organization experiences any of the following: Higher-than-normal data center operating costs that limit your ability to invest in infrastructure improvements needed to support business objectives Sub-optimal energy efficiency based on the need to meet organizational or environmental guidelines or as identified through an efficiency assessment Previously identified data center hot spots that can lead to equipment failure and outages Limited or no additional cooling capacity as realized during an IT equipment deployment or other infrastructure changes Server consolidation and/or virtualization which requires up-to-date cooling data for better infrastructure change management You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap Think of a cooling assessment as an investigative report into how effectively the data center s critical equipment is being cooled. As part of a holistic approach to thermal management, this investigation will uncover information to help solve the challenges listed above. The cooling assessment also provides a baseline for determining expansion solutions, optimizing rack or HVAC layouts and identifying cooling failure scenarios. Having the data gathered during an assessment will help you move beyond break-fix mode by enabling better decision making and planning, and it will also give you specific information about return on investment (ROI) to justify spending. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 4

5 Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future As suggested previously, improving efficiency is one way to save money and increase capacity, and there are other benefits as well. Following are some top benefits of using information from a professional cooling assessment to increase efficiency. Improved Performance, Availability and Capacity Assessments will identify the location and cause(s) of hot spots, allowing them to be eliminated before they cause IT equipment failure that results in downtime. Hot spots are areas where the temperature of the air being drawn into the server or other data center equipment is above the recommended range. The process of identifying inefficiencies often uncovers ways to optimize current cooling to unlock capacity you don t know you have. For example, an assessment may show that abandoned cables have built up under a raised floor and are restricting airflow. This restriction can cause undesired low pressure areas or even completely channel supply air away from critical data center assets. Removing cables will ensure supply air is going where it should, in effect, increasing cooling capacity. Ultimately, improved capacity allows the cooling system to do the same amount of work with less energy being consumed. You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap An assessment can lead to gaining data center space as well. Emerson Network Power has seen data centers in which better cooling efficiency drove the recovery of raised floor space. In one case, 60 percent of the raised floor was recovered. Continue... Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 5

6 Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future Greater Ability to Plan for the Future Based on the current state of your data center cooling system, the professional who conducts the assessment can offer vital recommendations for data center expansion and optimization planning. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, discussed on page 8, provides reliable information to support expansion plans by modeling future data center space. It maps out opportunities for future growth, allowing you to see where heat can and cannot be added which helps you make decisions on where to place additional equipment. For example, cooling improvements enable higher rack density, freeing up physical space. By increasing the rack density in a typical 5,000 square foot data center from an average of 5 kw to 12 kw, the number of server racks is slashed from 161 to 27, creating the potential for an 83 percent savings in data center space. Cost Savings Improvements made as a result of a cooling assessment produce significantly higher energy efficiency that reduces the utility bill. Increased efficiency may come in the form of higher cooling capacities for existing cooling units or in the form of less cooling being needed because of improved airflow. The improvements can allow deployment of additional IT equipment without increasing cooling costs or can let you turn some cooling units off. You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap A typical cooling assessment includes recommendations that can save data center managers at least 15 percent in cooling energy or approximately six percent of the total energy consumption. For a facility with a load of 1,543 kw and energy costs of $.08 per kilowatt hour, the annual energy costs would be $1,081,334. Implementing the findings of a cooling assessment could save this facility more than $64,880 a year. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 6

7 Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future Additionally, if you pay a penalty for using more energy than allowed by state regulations, efficiency improvements can bring your power usage back in line and eliminate these extra fees. Similarly, many utility companies also offer rebates for customers that keep power usage below specified values, show efficiency improvements or obtain a certain efficiency rating. These programs vary by state and should be verified with your local utility company. Better ROI If you upgrade cooling equipment without first getting a professional assessment, you miss the opportunity to achieve the best ROI from the new equipment. An assessment lets you see beyond the equipment to issues, that if remedied, will improve its performance, such as unlocking cooling capacity by improving under-floor airflow or changing the new equipment setpoints to more energy efficient settings. For example, adding a ceiling return plenum improves the efficiency of a computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit by returning higher temperature air to the CRAC unit. If the CRAC unit is still trying to control based on the return air with a lower temperature that existed before the plenum installation, much of the gains will be lost. Adding variable speed drives to the unit at this time could also multiply the savings. You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap < Back to Top of Article > To learn how Emerson Network Power conducts assessments, check out this video. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 7

8 CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible CFD modeling is a key tool used in a cooling assessment. CFD reveals the shortcomings of the current cooling system performance, which enables the assessment professional to develop solutions. It s important to work with data center experts for your CFD modeling, and preferably the original cooling equipment manufacturer, in order to get realistic results. With CFD, simulation software modeling is used to show thermal, airflow and pressure characteristics throughout the room. This provides an as-is model that can be calibrated to match actual conditions in the data center. The purpose of the CFD model is to illustrate how air flows throughout the under-floor, as well as through servers and cooling units, so that problems can be identified. With this information in hand, solutions can be found to improve efficiency and lower operating costs. In a CFD image, colors indicate relative temperature. Reds, oranges and yellows indicate hot air while blues and greens indicate cold air. Figure 2 is from a data center with eight DS cooling units arranged in a hot-aisle/cold-aisle configuration. You can see there was too much cooling, and cold air was leaking into the hot aisles. The average return air temperature from the units was only 70 degrees, which was inefficient and worked against the hot-aisle/cold-aisle arrangement. You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap FIGURE 2 Continue... Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 8

9 CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Once this problem is known, an easy solution was identified that involved optimizing the cooling system by shutting down four units and resetting return air temperatures to 78 degrees F. This temperature is near the upper limit recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Figure 3 shows the same data center after this solution was applied. Temperatures in the cold aisles dropped 10 degrees, showing the overcooling problem had been resolved. In this case, optimizing the existing cooling system produced an estimated $15,758 in annual savings in utility bills. < Back to Top of Article You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap FIGURE 3 Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 9

10 Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible The final step in a cooling assessment is developing a report with site survey data and detailed recommendations based on comprehensive site analysis and CFD modeling to improve cooling performance and efficiency. The data provides quantifiable justification for making cooling system improvements or capital expenditures. Options can be compared based on ROI such as comparing the ROI of electrically commutated (EC) fans with the ROI of variable speed drives (VSD). Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap Overall, you can expect an assessment report to document areas of success and areas of improvement. It will contain the information needed to optimize today s precision cooling infrastructure and to expand that infrastructure in support of future IT needs. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 10

11 As organizations respond to demands for more and more IT applications, energy efficiency will remain a top priority. A professional cooling assessment is an indispensable method of identifying cooling system inefficiencies and providing answers to questions about current and future capacity. The efficiency improvements that result from a cooling assessment also enable organizations to improve overall performance and availability and capacity, as well as save money, achieve better ROI and improve decision making. You Know You Need a Cooling Assessment When Cooling Assessments Yield Benefits Now and in the Future CFD Makes Cooling Performance Visible Assessment Report: Your Decision Roadmap What if your cooling assessment uncovers inefficient airflow? Stay tuned. Chapter 2 in our energy efficiency ebook will examine options for addressing that issue. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness in this literature, Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services and Emerson Electric Co. assume no responsibility, and disclaim all liability for damages resulting from use of this information or for any errors or omissions. Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services is a division of Emerson Electric Co. The Emerson Network Power logo is trademarks and service marks of Emerson Electric Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners Emerson Electric Co. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 11

12 Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center Chapter Two: VSD and EC Fans Click a section below VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance

13 In chapter one of Emerson Network Power s ebook entitled Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center, we noted that cooling accounts for 38 percent of data center energy consumption, concluding that improvements to the cooling system will make the biggest impact on efficiency. We also explained that taking a holistic approach to making improvements, starting with a professional cooling assessment, will allow you to make changes that provide many benefits including improvement in overall performance, availability and capacity; better return on investment (ROI); and improved decision making for future expansion. In chapter two, we will focus on cooling system fan improvements that can save fan energy consumption by as much as 76 percent. This is important, because fans that move air and pressurize the data center s raised floor are a significant component of cooling system energy use. In fact, on computer room air condition (CRAC) units, they are the biggest energy consumer. VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance The best approach to maximizing efficiency in a cooling system is to match needs with load requirements. This is a challenge in the data center because cooling units are sized for peak demand which rarely occurs in most applications. To reduce energy consumption, cooling units can be equipped with technologies that enable them to operate more efficiently when not at peak load. Variable speed drives (VSDs) and electrically commutated (EC) fans are two of these technologies. VSDs are also often referred to as variable frequency drives or VFDs. We ll discuss why and how much these fans improve cooling efficiency and consider how to choose between the two options. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 2

14 VSD Fixed speed fans, both centrifugal and backward curved impeller (plug fan), have traditionally been used in precision cooling units. VSDs can be added to fixed speed fans, enabling the speed to be adjusted based on operating conditions significantly improving energy efficiency. Adjusting fan speed to meet the changing load requirements is the most efficient method of control that allows for maximum savings at the fan while also impacting thermal efficiency, which will be addressed in detail in the next chapter of this ebook. Adding a VSD to the fan motor of a chilled-water precision cooling unit allows the fan s speed and power draw to be reduced as load decreases, resulting in a dramatic impact on fan energy consumption. A 20 percent reduction in fan speed provides almost 50 percent savings in fan power consumption. However, VSDs are limited to reducing fan speed up to 80 percent because they are not efficient when operating near or at peak load. VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 3

15 EC Fans Like VSDs, EC fans are more efficient at partial loads because less fan power is needed. However, unlike VSDs, EC fans save energy even when the cooling unit is at full load. EC fans use a brushless EC motor in a backward curved motorized impeller (plug fan). The EC motor is actually a DC motor that can be connected to an AC supply line because there is a rectifier inside the motor drive. Speed control is achieved by varying the voltage direct current from zero to 10. EC fans are inherently more efficient than traditional centrifugal fans because of their design and how they are integrated into the cooling unit. EC fans are direct drive and don t have belts. This means there are no belt losses, which constitute approximately five percent of the fan s total energy consumption. VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 4

16 Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Independent testing of EC fan energy consumption compared to VSD found that EC fans mounted inside the cooling unit created an 18 percent savings. With new units, fans can be located under the floor which could increase this savings. The table below shows the results of independent analysis comparing the efficiency of centrifugal fans with VSD to EC fans mounted under the floor. The tests were conducted using a Liebert CW chilled water precision cooling unit. VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Speed Model FH 600C, 72F /50% RH, 45E WT, 10 Water TD 0.3 External Static Pressure Net Sensible Cooling Capacity (kbtuh) Motor kw EER (kbtuh/kw) CFM Savings from Base Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance 100% 90% 80% 70% Centrifugal blowers w/vsd --- EC motorized impeller under floor , , % , % , % , % , % , % , % *Energy analysis of fan system options based on Intertek testing labs comparison using ASHRAE Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 5

17 Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Benefits EC Fans VSD Operational Considerations Most efficient for reduced operating costs Save energy even when the cooling unit is running fully loaded Suitable for ducted upflow cooling units which require higher static pressures Distribute air more evenly under the floor resulting in more balanced cooling Easy component access for maintenance; requires less time to perform preventive maintenance activities Have no fan belts that wear and have integrated motors that virtually eliminate fan dust thus requiring less maintenance VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance Investment & Payback Considerations Lowest total cost of ownership over lifetime of unit; can cost 50% more but offers overall reduced maintenance costs and greater energy savings Offers faster payback on initial investment fewer than 10 months when operated at 75% (See Figure 1 on page 7) Provides better long-term ROI (between 7-10 years) due to greater energy cost savings Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 6

18 Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Payback, Months VSD PAYBACK $0.06/kWHR $0.08/kWHR $0.10/kWHR VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans 0 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% % of full capacity FIGURE 1. Installation and Maintenance If the shortest payback is your priority, then VSDs are more likely the better solution. To know for sure, a cooling assessment will allow your service professional to analyze payback and gauge the impact on the data center of both VSDs and EC fans. The assessment provides all the information needed to allow you to make a decision that effectively meets your organization s goals. If saving the greater amount of energy is your primary objective, the EC fan is the better solution. < Back to Top of Article Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 7

19 Installation and Maintenance Both VSDs and EC fans can be installed on existing cooling units or specified in new units. When installing on existing units, insist on a factory-grade installation. The service professional should be able to adjust the fan speed to match changing requirements, thus providing the most efficient amount of cooling to the servers. All set points (thermostat, pressure, transducer, etc.) should also be checked to ensure everything works together to deliver maximum efficiency. Maintaining maximum efficiency requires that VSDs and EC fans be a part of an overarching preventive maintenance program. It s important that these components are serviced according to the strictest standards as determined by the original equipment manufacturer. Specifically, impellers need to be regularly inspected and cleaned of debris; belt tensions need to be checked and adjusted; and the operation of the fan safety switch needs to be verified. Additionally, you ll want to work with a service professional who understands how all the other components of the precision cooling infrastructure can affect VSD or EC fan performance. VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance Working with service professionals to install these cooling fan technologies and modify them based on conditions in the data center creates the foundation for a data center in which efficiency can be optimized in ways that simply weren t possible five years ago. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 8

20 VSD EC Fans Comparing VSD and EC Fan Efficiency Choosing Between VSD and EC Fans Installation and Maintenance Cooling efficiency can be improved significantly with the seamless integration of VSDs or EC fans which adjust speeds based on changing needs. Although EC fans are more efficient and provide a better long-term ROI, VSDs offer a faster ROI. Getting a cooling assessment before you decide on which fan technology to select will allow your service professional to compare ROI for each option. Ultimately, the best approach to achieving maximum cooling unit efficiency is having the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service team, which has direct access to the engineering group who built the equipment and is specifically trained to optimize the performance of precision cooling systems, provide a factory-grade installation. Ideally, the OEM will also adjust set points to meet room requirements, as well as maintain the equipment over time as part of a holistic approach to improving energy efficiency. Both EC fans and VSDs can be used with a cooling system controller. Watch for chapter three to learn how to multiply fan efficiency by pairing them with Liebert icom controls. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness in this literature, Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services and Emerson Electric Co. assume no responsibility, and disclaim all liability for damages resulting from use of this information or for any errors or omissions. Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services is a division of Emerson Electric Co. The Emerson Network Power logo is a trademark and service marks of Emerson Electric Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners Emerson Electric Co. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 9

21 Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center Chapter Three: Intelligent Controls + Fan Technology Click a section below Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance

22 In chapter one we discussed that taking a holistic approach to making cooling system improvements, instead of making disparate adjustments, will allow you to make changes that complement each other; improve overall performance, availability and capacity; save money; achieve better return on investment; and improve decision making for future expansion. This holistic approach starts with getting a professional cooling assessment to find out the actual conditions in your data center, which was also covered in chapter one. Another element is varying the cooling unit fan speed by employing electrically commutated (EC) fan or variable speed drives (VSD), as discussed in chapter two. In this chapter, we look at a third element: using intelligent controls to bring high-level supervision to multiple cooling units. Additionally, we ll show how coupling intelligent controls with fan technology results in greater energy efficiency than using either intelligent controls or variable speed fans alone. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance In fact, pairing the two will provide the biggest reduction in cooling system energy consumption for most data centers. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 2

23 Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Integrating intelligent control capabilities into data center cooling brings high-level supervision to multiple cooling units, allowing up to 32 units to work together as a single system to optimize room environments and drive data center infrastructure performance. A unified cooling environment can improve efficiency by 28 to 40 percent, depending on data center specifications and existing equipment. Intelligent controls let you shift from cooling control based on return air temperature to control based on conditions at the servers, which is essential to optimizing efficiency. The controls ensure the optimum combination of compressor/chiller capacity and airflow, and they also often allow temperatures in the cold aisle to be raised closer to the safe operating threshold recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (max 80.5 F; 27 C) for class A1-A4 data centers. According to an Emerson Network Power study, a 10 F (5.6 C) increase in cold-aisle temperature can generate a 20 percent reduction in cooling system energy usage. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Advanced intelligent controls such as the Liebert icom, featured on Liebert cooling products such as the Liebert DSE, Liebert DS, Liebert CRV and Liebert CW, provide unit control, communication and monitoring to help optimize cooling performance and efficiently remove heat. A cooling control system can ensure all cooling fans work together to provide optimum efficiency and shift workload to units operating at peak efficiency while preventing units in different locations from working at cross-purposes. Without this type of system, a unit in one area of the data center may add humidity to the room at the same time another unit is extracting humidity from the room (unit fighting ). The control system provides visibility into conditions across the room and the intelligence to determine whether humidification, dehumidification or no action is required to maintain conditions at target levels and match airflow to the load. Liebert icom controls without Optimized Aisle Control, discussed in the next section, offer two teamwork modes. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 3

24 Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Teamwork Mode 1 Teamwork Mode 1 (Figure 1) is designed for small rooms with balanced heat loads. All network temperature and humidity sensor readings are averaged by the master unit. The master unit determines which operation the system is to perform (cooling, heating, humidifying or dehumidifying) and determines how much of the operation each individual unit is to perform (none, partial or full capacity). Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Cooling Half Capacity CR AC CR AC Cooling Half Capacity Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Cooling Half Capacity CR AC CR AC Cooling Half Capacity Unit-to-Unit Network Established FIGURE 1. In Teamwork Mode 1, the master unit has set all cooling units to cooling and half capacity. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 4

25 Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Teamwork Mode 2 Teamwork Mode 2 (Figure 2) is designed for large rooms with unbalanced heat loads. All network temperature and humidity sensor readings are averaged by the master unit, which determines which operation the system is to perform. However, unlike Teamwork Mode 1, each individual unit determines how much of the operation to perform based on its local sensor readings. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Off Cooling Full Capacity CRAC CRAC CRAC CR AC Cooling Half Capacity Cooling Full Capacity Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Unit-to-Unit Network Established FIGURE 2. In Teamwork Mode 2, the master unit has set all units to cooling. However, based on varying heat loads to the units, two individual units have set themselves at full capacity, one at half capacity, and one has turned itself off. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 5

26 Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Intelligent controls allow you to recover hours of energy that would be wasted due to unit fighting which amounts to significant annual savings. This energy efficiency case study reresents a customer with 32 cooling units operating as a single zone by utilizing the Liebert icom control teamwork mode. Percent of Operating Time with Unit Recovered Hours Annual Savings Fighting $1, $3, ,628 $10,406 Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance FIGURE 3. The example assumes $0.10 per kw energy cost. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 6

27 Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans The Liebert icom control system featured on Liebert perimeter or row-based precision cooling products is available with Optimized Aisle Control algorithms to provide enhanced airflow management and cost savings to data centers with row-based infrastructures. Liebert icom with Optimized Aisle Control decouples the compressor and fan operation. These components operate independently to match the IT load and the airflow requirements but are coordinated to maximize the efficiency of each component. Matching operation to room requirements results in warmer air returning to the cooling units allowing the fan and the mechanical cooling to operate more efficiently, which eliminates overcooling and saves energy. Variable Fan Speed M1 100% loss of cold air Server Rack Server Rack F F F FIGURE 4. The fan speed is too high in this data center, resulting in wasted energy from the loss of cold air. 25 F Each unit within the Liebert icom system operates both independently and as a team providing optimal control and redundancy. If communication is ever lost, the units will operate independently to cool the head load as efficiently as possible. Each controller supports multiple rack temperature sensors, as well as sensors for supply air temperature, return temperature and humidity in order to optimize operation based on user-defined temperature and humidity targets. Liebert icom leverages the variable capacity fans and compressors in Liebert cooling systems, which allows the units to dynamically adjust capacity based on changing conditions and control airflow based on conditions at the rack. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 7

28 Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Variable Fan Speed Failed Servers at top of racks due to hot spots Server Rack Recirculation Server Rack F 25 F Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans M1 100% F F Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance FIGURE 5. Hot spots result when there is not enough airflow. The right airflow is important to the performance of the data center. Figure 4 shows what happens when there is too much cool air flowing through the rows. Notice the blue arrows that designate cold air. They extend above the racks, which means that there is a loss of cold air mixing with the return air which lowers the overall efficiency of the cooling unit. Figure 5 shows how not enough cool air can create hot spots in the data center. This time the blue arrows barely reach the servers in the middle of the rack, which means virtually no cool air is reaching the top racks. The tops of the racks are at risk of overheating. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 8

29 Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Variable Fan Speed Server Rack Fan Speed Control Sensor Server Rack F 10 F Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans M1 100% F F Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Temp Control Sensor FIGURE 6. Liebert icom fan speed control sensors on the server racks match airflow to the conditions at the servers. Figure 6 shows the even distribution of airflow that can be achieved by utilizing intelligent controls with Optimized Aisle Control. Discharge temperature control maintains the cooling capacity of the cooling unit. Remote sensors in both the hot and cold aisles allow the intelligent controls to modulate compressor operation and cooling system fan speed to ensure proper temperature, humidity and airflow to the inlet of the servers. A dedicated temperature control loop repositions the cooling capacity based on the temperature set point entered. A dedicated fan speed control loop repositions the fan based on the fan speed set point entered. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 9

30 Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans CRAC CRAC CRAC CRAC Fixed Speed 3 units on, 1 in standby Fans must operate at 100% to meet demand 3 units x 8.1kWH = 24.3kW per hour CRAC CRAC CRAC CRAC Variable Speed 4 units operating together Fans can operate at 75% to meet demand 4 units x 3.43kWH = 13.72kW per hour FIGURE 7.Typically, operating four fans at partial load (3.43kWh) takes less energy than to run three fans at full load (8.1kWh). In this scenario, variable speed saves a total of 10.58kW per hour. Teamwork Mode 3 When the units are set to operate with Optimized Aisle Control and have been connected in a unit-to-unit network, the more sophisticated control of Teamwork Mode 3 can be selected. This mode allows the cooling capacity (supply sensor) to operate as a local control by removing only the amount of load required to maintain the discharge air temperature at each unit. This adjustment allows the room load to be unbalanced while a consistent discharge air temperature is maintained. The fan speed is controlled by the remote rack sensors of all units, providing controlled air delivery to the cold aisle. In raised floor applications, units will share sensor information to achieve even underfloor air distribution. This distribution is achieved by operating all fans in parallel, which also provides the greatest energy efficiency. Figure 7 shows the difference in both under-floor air distribution and energy consumption when variable fan speed and Teamwork Mode 3 are applied to Liebert cooling units. The example on the left is using the standard standby configuration and the example on the right is utilizing Teamwork Mode 3. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 10

31 Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Besides enabling teamwork, unit-to-unit communication allows cooling capacity coordination, zoned airflow distribution, failover protection and different modes of standby operation, as described below. Cascade: When data center environments require the cooling equipment to modulate from very low loads to the full-design load, Liebert icom can coordinate unit capacity and unit activation in accordance with the Teamwork Mode 3 operation previously described. The Liebert icom controlled units that are placed into standby mode will activate as the room environment demands more cooling capacity. Liebert icom will monitor the rack sensors and current operating state of each unit to determine when to activate a standby unit. To provide the most efficient operation from a system perspective, the Liebert icom will first adjust the fans and chilled water valve of the operating units to compensate for the increased heat load. Once the operating units have reached a set fan speed, the supply compensation will be activated to determine if a lower supply temperature can compensate for the load increase. Once the supply compensation routine has reached its threshold then the Liebert icom will activate a standby unit within the group. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Lead/Lag Failure Scenarios: When redundancy configurations are required, the Liebert icom unit-to-unit network has built in fail-over conditions so you won t have to interact with the system should a failure occur. The first and probably most common failure scenario is a single unit or component failure. In this situation, the Liebert icom will automatically activate a standby unit in the place of the failed unit. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 11

32 Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Unit-to-unit and sensor failure scenarios have also been programmed into the Liebert icom controller. For example, if the remote sensors fail at the unit level, the unit will continue to operate using the other unit s remote sensor values. If all remote sensors fail then the fan speed will begin to operate from the supply sensor. If the supply air sensor fails then the unit will default to 100 percent fan and cooling capacity. In the event of a unit-to-unit failure, each unit will operate from its individual sensor network. Additional energy-saving features offered by the Liebert icom controller include back-draft fan damper and advanced DX freeze protection. The controller can operate EC fans at very low revolutions per minute (RPM) to effectively act as a backdraft damper. The power used to prevent airflow from entering a standby unit from the raised floor by spinning the fans at a low RPM is much less expensive than the additional static that conventional mechanical dampers introduce while the unit is in operation. Advanced DX freeze protection provides the ability to predict freeze conditions and correct this condition automatically by adjusting the fan speed and compressor capacity. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 12

33 Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Beyond the significant energy efficiency benefits intelligent controls afford, facility managers can look forward to performance-based maintenance. Because the controls provide more information for every data center infrastructure component, you can break out of break-fix mode. You ll have predictive information based on component performance, to help you eliminate downtime. To ensure most data centers can benefit from the energy efficiency of intelligent controls now and in the future, Liebert icom is compatible with building management systems (BMS) or data center infrastructure management (DCIM) systems via many open and/or proprietary communication protocols. It also enables remote service delivery and future technologies such as wireless, and can interface with the latest condenser to optimize the efficiency of air-cooled units. If you have Liebert cooling that is not equipped with the Liebert icom control or a variable speed fan, it is likely there is an upgrade for your unit. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Traditional Approach Break-fix, non-performance-based maintenance Up Down Up Down Time Up React Repair React Repair Liebert icom s Approach Predictive, performance-based maintenance Up No Downtime Time FIGURE 8. Information from intelligent controls enables performance-based maintenance and helps data center managers be better prepared for the unit repairs needed to keep their infrastructure up and running. Predict & React Repair Performance Degradation Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 13

34 Each change made to a data center cooling infrastructure provides incremental energy and cost savings. However, a robust and holistic approach is ideal. For example, variable speed fans (VSD or EC fan) improve the energy consumption of just the fan. Having the fan technology alone doesn t measure the impact that changing fan speed has on the overall data center cooling or whether a compressor has increased power consumption to account for lower cooling. Therefore, integrating variable speed fans into the controller is key to ensuring optimal performance of the fan itself, as well as optimal cooling for individual units and the data center as a whole. This integration ensures ideal cooling with the least energy usage by the fans and compressors. Adding in teamwork functionality then compounds the savings. Through teamwork, the Liebert icom control optimizes component performance while reducing energy consumption of all networked units. Teamwork Mode 3, in particular, allows the Liebert icom to further reduce energy consumption by providing just enough airflow and just enough cooling at the server inlets to create the best cooling environment with the least possible energy consumption of the fans and compressors. Increase Energy Efficiency with Smarter Cooling Gaining More Efficiency by Coupling Intelligent Controls with Variable Speed Fans Moving to Performance-Based Maintenance Designing intelligence into the infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in the data center. By significantly increasing the data gathered through performance-based monitoring, leveraging variable capacity technology and applying proprietary algorithms, Optimized Aisle Control is able to save energy while protecting IT equipment and data center operations. Want to ratchet your energy efficiency up another notch? Check out chapter four to learn about the benefits of cooling control optimization. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness in this literature, Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services and Emerson Electric Co. assume no responsibility, and disclaim all liability for damages resulting from use of this information or for any errors or omissions. Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services is a division of Emerson Electric Co. The Emerson Network Power logo is a trademark and service marks of Emerson Electric Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners Emerson Electric Co. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 14

35 Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center Chapter Four: Cooling Control Optimization Click a section below Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode

36 Energy efficiency has become a top concern because of the demand within nearly every organization for greater computing capacity. In addition, the trend toward IT centralization has increased data center energy consumption significantly. With both energy consumption and costs on the rise, data center efficiency has been elevated to a strategy for reducing costs. However, the typical practice of making cooling unit improvements one at a time misses the opportunity to optimize the total cooling system. In previous chapters of this ebook, we ve discussed a more holistic approach to improving energy efficiency via thermal management. We highlighted cooling assessments, the use of variable speed fans, and the combination of that fan technology with intelligent controls. The use of intelligent controls brings high-level supervision to multiple cooling units and is an excellent approach to achieving energy efficiency goals. In this chapter, we go beyond the importance of having intelligent controls to discussing the need for optimizing those controls to realize peak performance. Additionally, we highlight the importance of working with precision cooling experts during this optimization process in order to benefit from a fully integrated cooling system that supports the entire data center infrastructure. Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 2

37 Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Cooling systems have become increasingly complex over the years, moving from single-unit rooms to data centers with multiple systems that work together to provide cooling to the critical space. This increased complexity, along with the constant changes in the data center environment (including frequent changes in load requirements and external weather conditions), make it even more important to have a way to adjust in order to operate efficiently. Cooling control optimization, when done properly, optimizes a cooling unit to the load and room conditions. Doing this helps configure data center precision cooling systems for peak performance based on your specific application by eliminating unit fighting, improving load sharing and reducing energy consumption. Emerson has found that our unified cooling system with intelligent control capability provides the added flexibility to help customers realize improved efficiency by 10 to 20 percent. Humidifier ON UNIT 1 Humidifier ON UNIT 2 Dehumidification ON UNIT 3 Control disables heaters in "cold zone." Compressors ON UNIT 1 UNIT 2 UNIT 3 Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode SWITCH UNBALANCED LOAD NO LOAD OR HUB UNBALANCED LOAD NO LOAD UNIT 6 Humidifier ON UNIT 5 Dehumidification ON UNIT 4 UNIT 6 UNIT 5 UNIT 4 Compressors ON FIGURE 1. System-level control after optimization reduces conflict between room air conditioning units operating in different zones in the data center. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 3

38 Getting Started The first step in cooling control optimization is working with a specialist to review your existing infrastructure. This will typically include the gathering of your equipment s models and serial numbers. Next, an on-site consultation in which a technician walks with you through the data center, allows for a thorough assessment, and better understanding of the goals and priorities for the critical infrastructure. The technician will then review various cooling controls and make recommendations based on what is found. For example, if the room is designed for a 200kW load but only 25 percent of capacity is being used, infrastructure equipment can be configured to operate at 25 percent load so that capacity isn t wasted. The technician will also describe how recommended changes will affect equipment performance and solicit your feedback. Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Geting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 4

39 Getting Started Specific cooling controls that may be optimized, depending on your precision cooling system, include: Temperature and humidity set points Proper set points help to reduce energy consumption, improve compressor life, and reduce fighting between units due to excessive humidification or dehumidification. Networking and teamwork mode These advanced controls need to be set based on equipment type, options utilized, thermal load, location and other factors in order to eliminate excessive dehumidification, maximize free cooling and cut down on wear due to the start and stop of compressors. Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Geting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode Optimized Aisle Control mode If part of your data center, this optimization will include recommendations for sensor locations, and help with configuring remote sensors and teamwork mode. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 5

40 Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings IT systems are critically sensitive to extreme variations in temperature and humidity, so making proper set point/setting adjustments is very important to the operation of your cooling system. High heat or humidity can cause failure, degrade performance and shorten equipment life. Too low humidity can cause static electricity to build up and discharge (electrostatic discharge), which can shut down electronic equipment, possibly damaging it and/or causing data loss. Additionally, excess cooling wastes energy. Often, temperatures in the cold aisle can be raised if current temperatures are below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The safe operating threshold recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is maximum 80.5 F (27 C) for class A1-A4 data centers. ASHRAE also recommends 20 to 80 percent humidity. Keep in mind that your specific situation may require tighter controls in order to be more efficient. Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 6

41 Networking and Teamwork Mode Rising equipment densities have increased diversity within the data center causing rack densities to rarely be uniform thus leading to cooling inefficiencies. However, this issue is resolved by control coordination and optimization. Cooling control systems can function based on conditions across the data center and enable cooling based on conditions at the servers, which is essential to optimizing efficiency. The controls ensure the optimum combination of compressor/chiller capacity and air flow, and often allow the temperature to be raised in the cold aisle. This functionality also contributes to efficiency by allowing multiple cooling units to work together as a single system utilizing teamwork. The control system can ensure all cooling fans are running at the same speed for optimum efficiency; shift workload to units operating at peak efficiency; and prevent units in different locations from working at cross-purposes. Without this type of system, a unit in one area of the data center may add humidity to the room at the same time another unit is extracting humidity from the room. Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode When optimizing network and teamwork modes, a technician will check the network connections and configure the appropriate IP address for the mechanical network. He or she will also do the following: Determine the correct teamwork mode based on room design and your input Configure appropriate teamwork mode, lead/lag-standby, rotation and cascade Confirm proper operation Document the teamwork settings in the electronic report Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 7

42 Optimized Aisle Control Mode If you have the Liebert icom control system with Optimized Aisle Control, it will be configured to match your room requirements and deliver maximum efficiency based on your application. Liebert icom controls on Liebert cooling units communicate with each other through a private mechanical network to coordinate the following: Cooling capacity Zoned air-flow distribution Failover protection Different modes of standby operation Sensible Cooling Capacity (kbtuh) Power Consumption (kw) Customer Configured Control Optimized Control w/optimized Aisle Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode FIGURE 2. Over time, utilizing the Liebert icom control system with an optimized aisle configuration and control setting improves efficiency. Having those controls optimized properly by a factory-trained technician provides more capacity with similar levels of power consumption than if those controls were configured by the customer alone. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 8

43 Optimized Aisle Control Mode Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode Units connected in a unit-to-unit network and set to operate in Optimized Aisle Control mode can utilize a teamwork mode to share sensory data and provide coordinated cooling and humidity control among cooling units. This provides efficiency improvement of 10 to 30 percent, depending on row or aisle configuration, aisle containment and proper set-up. The sensors that tie units together are key to Optimized Aisle Control functioning. When this aisle configuration is part of your data center, optimization confirms the sensor array is properly installed and configured, and includes setting the sensors and control type. The units are then configured for Optimized Aisle Control. Lastly, proper operation is confirmed and all settings documented in the report. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 9

44 Cooling technologies are evolving quickly to meet the needs of data center operators. Systems with more advanced and often more complex technologies are introduced to the market frequently. Setting up the features of these systems takes knowledge and time. Top-quality cooling control optimization should include the following: Consultation with a service provider to determine the goals and priorities of the critical infrastructure, and understand how changes will affect equipment performance. Configuration of settings to extend equipment life, improve availability and boost overall efficiency. Networking of controls and establishing the proper teamwork mode to allow coordination among multiple cooling units. Documentation of control settings and work completed during the optimization. While optimizing cooling system controls when new equipment is installed offers the most benefits, optimization can be completed at any point. It is important to remember that a technician who is data-center focused and factory-trained by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) knows the technology and works with it every day. Why Conduct Cooling Control Optimization? Getting Started Temperature and Humidity Set Points/Settings Networking and Teamwork Mode Optimized Aisle Control Mode Many service providers understand how to install precision cooling equipment, but the experts of Emerson s Liebert Services team have the experience needed to ensure peak performance of these systems after they are installed and to integrate them into the data center infrastructure support strategy for maximum efficiency and reduced costs. Next, energy efficiency ebook chapter five will show you how you can get a professional data center assessment every day, without the actual cost of getting a professional data center assessment every day. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy and completeness in this literature, Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services and Emerson Electric Co. assume no responsibility, and disclaim all liability for damages resulting from use of this information or for any errors or omissions. Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services is a division of Emerson Electric Co. The Emerson Network Power logo is a trademark and service marks of Emerson Electric Co. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners Emerson Electric Co. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 10

45 Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center Chapter Five: Dynamic Cooling Assessments Click a section below Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance

46 In previous chapters of this ebook, we ve discussed a holistic approach to improving energy efficiency via thermal management. This process often starts with completing a cooling assessment in order to better understand your data center s cooling performance and to make informed decisions on how to improve it. While this assessment identifies hot spots, air flow issues, and inefficiencies, that information is based on one specific point in time. As we all know, data centers are often dynamic, ever-changing spaces that require evaluation more than once a year. In this chapter, we discuss how to have real-time cooling performance insight with dynamic cooling assessments. Compared to a periodic assessment, a dynamic cooling assessment continuously collects information for analysis that will help you manage change and maintain an optimal environment for your data center. A dynamic cooling assessment provides the same performance and planning benefits as a periodic cooling assessment. However, it also allows you to evaluate seasonal changes that impact the cooling system and recognize temperature variations in the heat load caused by server load fluctuations or the addition of new IT equipment. Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance If energy efficiency is a top priority, you ll want ongoing insight in order to proactively manage the thermal conditions of your data center, and that is what a dynamic cooling assessment delivers. > To learn how Emerson Network Power conducts assessments, check out this video. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 2

47 Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Continuous thermal study of the live data center through a dynamic cooling assessment allows for real-time engineering analysis of your cooling infrastructure. Because temperatures are tracked continuously, the resulting trending can act as an early warning of issues that could lead to a data center outage. Examples include future hot spots caused by increasing heat loads and cooling system capacity issues. On the positive side, continuous temperature tracking can highlight areas where layout changes could increase efficiency. Additionally, it can enable energy saving by providing insight into over-cooled areas and where changes to settings and setpoints are needed. With a dynamic cooling assessment, solutions are recommended to address any concerning environmental conditions that are found. A dynamic cooling assessment works through the installation of wireless sensors that transmit data via a wireless communications gateway. These components enable secure access to your data and can be installed without disrupting data center operations. Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 3

48 Continuous Environmental Data and Insight A typical dynamic cooling assessment would include the following elements: Equipment Installation Placement of temperature and humidity sensors and their respective transmitters/adaptors on identified racks and cooling units Installation of sensor network manager and communications gateway Quarterly Environmental Reports Performance evaluation by a customer engineer Identification of current and potential cooling problems Prioritization of issues regarding data center availability and efficiency Recommendations for resolving any problems identified Annual Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling Update Analysis of the impact of future data center changes on cooling effectiveness Annual On-Site Visit Root cause analysis of cooling problems FIGURE 1. CFD modeling uses powerful simulation software to precisely predict cooling effectiveness based on your data center design specifications. Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance The resulting benefits of a dynamic cooling assessment, such as increased capacity and lower energy consumption, can give you a return on investment (ROI) of less than two years. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 4

49 Engineering Analysis for the Data Center With a dynamic cooling assessment, you don t just get hardware and software. You also benefit from a cooling expert who collects, reviews, and analyzes environmental data and assesses cooling effectiveness and efficiency. The quarterly reports you receive are grounded in your data and include trending analysis, identification of potential cooling problems, and specific recommendations to improve the availability and efficiency of your cooling infrastructure. When a problem is identified through ongoing assessment, cooling experts can perform on-site analysis of your cooling infrastructure to identify the root cause of hot spots and inefficiencies. Identifying the root cause increases the chance that a problem can be remedied. Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 5

50 Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning A dynamic cooling assessment provides a long-term view of your changing data center environment. With this perspective, availability and efficiency problems can be identified and prioritized to ensure your cooling infrastructure and strategies keep pace with change. Cooling experts can analyze the impact of upcoming equipment or infrastructure changes before you implement them, which makes a dynamic cooling assessment a valuable tool for future planning. You will be able to replace or upgrade equipment with the knowledge that your cooling infrastructure can handle changes in IT loads. You also can be prepared to respond to airflow and temperature changes when data center inventory ages, is moved, or is enhanced with new technologies. Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Additionally, you ll be able to solve existing or potential cooling problems to support critical system availability and energy efficiency, as well as prevent costly issues before they occur. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 6

51 Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment Dynamic conditions in the data center environment can cause problems. One example of these changing conditions is inlet air temperature. If temperatures drift too high, IT equipment failure or data corruption can result. A dynamic cooling assessment monitors rack inlet air temperature trends through sensors placed at the top, middle, and bottom of the rack which can then be analyzed to help you avoid these often costly issues. The data analysis component of a dynamic cooling assessment enables greater control in the following areas: Energy Waste Provides details about critical equipment that is being over-cooled Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning IT Availability Risk Rack Analysis Threshold Summary Event Summary Provides details about critical equipment that is not being cooled to your specifications Presents problems such as trending hot spots and recommends solutions for resolving issues and boosting energy savings Details the length of time rack inlet temperatures were in acceptable ranges Identifies highest and lowest rack inlet temperatures and the time, date, and duration they occurred Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 7

52 Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment Example of Dynamic Cooling Assessment Analysis Following is an example of how a dynamic cooling assessment allows you to control the constantly changing data center environment. This example is based on sensor data for inlet air temperatures. A report is generated that, among other things, provides rack analysis and problem identification, as well as recommendations to correct the situation as seen below: Rack Analysis The high inlet air temperatures that reached 83 F at the bottom of the rack were present for most of the month. There may be an opening in the rack that is allowing hot exhaust air to short circuit back to the front side. Other problems such as misaligned equipment inside the rack and exhaust air short circuiting around the rack should be checked. Problem Identification A hot spot at rack FF-22 was identified. The temperatures observed at this rack, were as high as 83 F, exceeding the ASHRAE recommended range of F. Long term exposure to excessive temperatures can lead to IT equipment failure and/or data corruption. Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Recommendations Emerson recommends the following remedial actions: Installing blanking plates at all open U slots inside the rack. Place two additional perforated tiles at locations FD22 and FE22. A customer engineer will contact you shortly to schedule a follow up visit to confirm problem resolution. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 8

53 The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Continuous Environmental Data and Insight Engineering Analysis for the Data Center Optimized Data Center Efficiency, Availability and Planning Ideally, a dynamic cooling assessment should be combined with preventive maintenance. Where dynamic cooling assessments continuously transmit information about room conditions, preventive maintenance focuses on the physical equipment. As organizations become increasingly dependent on data center systems, there is a need for greater reliability in the critical infrastructure. Preventive maintenance ensures maximum data center equipment reliability through systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures, either before they occur or before they develop into major issues that result in costly downtime. It is critical for minimizing unit-related failures, maintaining system cooling efficiencies, and managing operating costs. Preventive maintenance can include activities such as inspections, tests, adjustments, and parts cleaning or replacement. Control of the Constantly Changing Data Center Environment The Importance of Preventive Maintenance The number of preventive maintenance visits in a data center has a substantial impact on system reliability, and that translates into direct savings for data center managers. Emerson Network Power Energy Efficiency Solutions for Your Data Center PG 9