In the past, data centers have been designed for capacity, performance, and reliability and often at the expense of efficiency. With the rising standards of energy efficiency, it’s essential to know just how your unit can function most effectively. According to a recent study, data centers are estimated to consume around 2% of all power in the United States and cooling these rooms is responsible for roughly 37-40% of a commercial facility’s total electricity use. That’s why it comes as no surprise that many facility managers are beginning to crack down on data center efficiency.
Reduce Cooling Power Consumption
In a typical data center, only about half of the power available is actually used by the IT equipment. The rest goes mostly to cooling. Much of that power can be reclaimed by eliminating cooling inefficiencies, upgrading the cooling system to allow for variable cooling and making greater use of outside air.
Airflow Management
A better and more consistent management of airflow can help address energy efficiency and the issues that come with heat density.
-Unorganized cabling under a raised floor and behind servers can significantly diminish airflow, degrade cooling performance, increase heat, and, thus, hurt overall data center efficiency.
-Floor grommets can be used to better maintain airflow patterns where cabling comes through the floor.
-When servers are taken out of a rack, it is important to put in a blanking panel to prevent cold air from the aisle to short circuit through the empty server slot.
Server Consolidation
Running multiple servers at part loads uses more power than running a few servers on higher loads. Running different applications on the same server helps cut down in overall server use, which also helps cut down on the heat. These practices also save valuable space.
Consistent Monitoring
It is important to constantly monitor power loads and HVAC temperatures in your data center. This will help you identify potential issues as they arise, such as hot spots, allowing you to quickly correct the problem and, once again, maximize efficiency.
Data Center Cooling Services
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. is an award-winning mechanical contractor servicing Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. When we manage the maintenance and operations of your buildings, we constantly identify and implement measures that reduce energy usage and improve the operating efficiency of the mechanical and HVAC equipment.
Plus, as a preventive maintenance customer, you will receive priority service when emergencies arise, ensuring your tenants are comfortable and issues are resolved quickly.
To learn more about how Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. can help improve your Commercial Building Energy Efficiency, please contact CFSI at 202.600.2787 orsales@crockett-facilities.com.
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