Safely Increase Set-Points in a Hyperscale Environment
Overview
In this case study, our client, operating a hyperscale data center, aimed to increase set points in alignment with a company-wide Green Initiative. Despite already operating within a few degrees of the maximum allowable server manufacturer specifications, the client sought to further raise their set points safely. To accomplish this, the client partnered with Purkay Labs and utilized the AUDIT-BUDDY system to validate the accuracy of their internal server sensors. Through Purkay Labs' analysis, a significant temperature offset was identified, enabling the client to confidently raise the temperatures while achieving their company initiatives. This collaboration with Purkay Labs provided invaluable data about the performance of their hyperscale environment, empowering the client to optimize their operations.
The Project
In April 2021, the client approached Purkay Labs with the objective of raising temperature set points in their data center while ensuring the safety and performance of their IT infrastructure. The data center was already operating with cold aisles maintained within a few degrees of the maximum allowable server manufacturer specifications. To achieve greater efficiency, the client sought to raise temperatures further while maintaining reliability. This required validating the accuracy of the server sensors controlling the cooling system algorithm.
Caption: This is a representation of the project.
The Solution
Purkay Labs proposed a solution utilizing their AUDIT-BUDDY™ system, a comprehensive portable environmental monitoring tool. The AUDIT-BUDDY system was deployed to collect temperature and humidity measurements from various locations across the data center campus, including cold aisles, hot aisles, PDUs, CRACs, and exterior areas. These measurements were then compared to internal IT equipment reports to assess the accuracy of the server sensors.
The Results
Purkay Labs' analysis revealed a significant 1.80 °F difference between the reported equipment temperature data and the AUDIT-BUDDY measurements. This site-wide offset provided valuable insights to the client, enabling them to make informed changes to the cooling system algorithm. By adjusting the algorithm to track server sensor readings minus the identified offset, the client achieved substantial energy savings on their journey towards meeting their efficiency targets.
Key Take-Aways
AUDIT-BUDDY's high accuracy sensors provided independent validation of internal server sensor readings, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
Leveraging the insights gained from Purkay Labs' data analysis, the client made data-driven changes to their cooling system, aligning with company efficiency targets and achieving significant energy savings.
By leveraging Purkay Labs' expertise and advanced tools, the client successfully increased set points in their hyperscale data center, maximizing efficiency while maintaining the desired levels of reliability and availability.
About Purkay Labs
We believe that Data Center Operators deserve quick, reliable and independent data about their white space environment, without the burden of complicated permanent monitoring systems. We create simple, standalone, and cost-effective portable environmental monitoring systems so you can get data wherever and whenever you need it. Our flagship product- the AUDIT-BUDDY system- is the first multi-height portable environmental monitor that provides data to help manage your airflow, reduce Scope II emissions, increase energy efficiency & cooling optimization.
You can follow us @purkaylabs or visit our website: www.purkaylabs.com