Energy Fact – Data centers consume up to 50 times as much electricity per square foot as standard office space, according to Energy Star.
According to Standard University, 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. Needless to say, Data Center Efficiency is at the top of many facility managers’ minds. And while high-tech server hardware is important, to be efficient, facility maintenance must also come into play.
Several Ways to Increase Efficiency in Data Centers
Open the Lines of Communication
One of the biggest problems in terms of managing data center efficiency is the fact that it falls between two departments – IT and facilities management. In order to maximize efficiency, these two departments must be willing to work with one another. It is up to upper management to facilitate this relationship. The energy efficiency of your data center hangs in the balance.
Good Air Flow Management
According to Emerson Network Power’s most recent semiannual survey of its Data Center Users’ Group (DCUG), “heat density is again one of the three biggest concerns for data center professionals.” Energy efficiency also cracked the top three. Better managing air flow can help address both.
- Unorganized cabling under a raised floor and behind servers can significantly diminish air flow, degrade cooling performance, increase heat, and, thus, hurt overall data center efficiency.
- Floor grommets can be used to better maintain air flow 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.
- Perforated tiles in cold aisles should not be covered.
- Cover unused computer room air conditioners (CRAC). Cold underfloor air can backflow out the top of these units if they are uncovered.
Server Consolidation
Consolidation simply means running different applications on the same server. This helps cut down on overall server use, which also helps cut down on heat. Basically, running multiple servers at part loads uses more power than running a few servers on higher loads.
This can also help save space.
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
Consider implementing a preventative maintenance plan to address data center efficiency and cooling. According to Consortium of Energy Efficiency, a preventive maintenance program can cut energy use by as much as 20%, and prevent 30-40% of all downtime events.
Energy Efficient Data Center Cooling Services from Crockett Facilities Services, Inc.
With our mission-critical data center cooling services, we ensure your data centers, server rooms and network operating centers remain operational and functional. Our service technicians are certified by Emerson, Liebert and Stulz.
Request a Quote
To learn more about how Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. can help you with your mission-critical data center cooling needs for your CRAC units, please contact CFSI at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com.
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Source:
Don’t Overlook Operational Efficiencies in Your Data Center, Buildings.com