Improve the IST Data Collection Process
Overview
The case study focuses on a Fortune 25 Commercial Bank that underwent functional and integrated systems tests (IST) for their newly constructed data center. To ensure the center's performance aligned with project requirements, they employed Purkay Labs' services. Purkay Labs utilized their AUDIT-BUDDY system to monitor the environment during the different tests to capture real-time data and assess the Data Center performance during various failure scenarios. The key take-away is that the Bank was able to identify a failure point that was not identified in the original CFD.
The Project
Representation of the AUDIT-BUDDY Stands
AUDIT-BUDDY within the Row
The Bank used Purkay Labs’ On-Site Assessment Time-Trend service to capture what happens to the Data Center environment during a CRAC failure.
Purkay Labs provided 24 AUDIT-BUDDY systems, strategically placed across the 4,000 ft² facility. The stands were placed every 4.5 feet in every hot and cold aisle. The individual sensors were fixed to non-conductive carbon fiber rods at 6”, 36” and 72” to capture the cabinet profile. These stands collected temperature and humidity data every minute for 24 hours. The data was streamed to a central laptop, set outside the data hall, using a private static IP address, to see live data during the different tests.
This set-up allowed the Agent to fully see what’s happening in across each aisle at multiple heights during the test.
The Results
Representative of the Time-Trend Feature
Time-Trend Graph Detail
During the initial systems test involving CRAC failure, the AUDIT-BUDDY data showed some anomalies. While the original computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model predicted that the data center environment would remain within safety temperatures, Purkay Labs' live-trending data revealed that the inlet environment reached nearly 100°F within 5 minutes of the failure. The Commissioning Agents re-ran the CRAC Stress Test and used Purkay Labs' live data to assess the time required for the room to stabilize after the CRAC failure and generator startup. The data indicated that the room took a full 25 minutes to stabilize, with the inlet temperatures at the top of the rack reaching 90°F. This gap in recovery, not anticipated by the CFD model, prompted the client to revise their power recovery operating procedures.
Key Take-Aways
Fully Autonomous
By design, the AUDIT-BUDDY system does not need to integrate with facility infrastructure. The Agent could set up a fully independent way to monitor what’s happening in each aisle without touching the servers or connecting to the a plug-in point. This means you can comprehensively monitor the environment without making any demands or influencing a operational data environment.
Comprehensive & Structured
Through the Dynamic Heat Map service, the Agent was able to place three stands per aisle, and capture variations across the floor and across the cabinets. This level of configuration allowed the Agent to see that Rows 4-10 were vulnerable during a CRAC failure. Previously, the Agent used a couple of HOBO loggers set up around the room. Without the comprehensive method, the Agent would not be able to see the impact of the systems failure on the room environment.
Live Results
The AUDIT-BUDDY system was set up to trend live data during the IST, and allowed the Agent to quickly pinpoint problems and react immediately. During the CRAC Failure, the Agent saw that the Rows 4-10 reached the alarm inlet temp of 85°F within 4 minutes.
Summary
Purkay Labs completely redefined how environmental data is collected during the final validation tests, benefiting both the Commissioning Agent and the Client. Instead of relying on a few strategically placed loggers, Purkay Labs was able to offer a structured and scientific way of measuring all the aisles of the data center during the commissioning tests. Data was available instantly, including live time-trend graphs showing stratification throughout the data center.
This allowed the Commissioning agent to be very productive, eliminated post test reconstruction of data with loggers. The instantaneous data and graphs allowed the client to cancel a few tests and schedule some new ones. The data also uncovered some weaknesses in the CFD model by measuring temperatures higher than what the model had predicted.
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
About the On-Site Assessment Service
With Purkay Labs On-Site Assessment Service, our expert team will travel to your facility and conduct an extensive audit of your facility’s layout and environment. Purkay Labs will provide comprehensive and accurate temperature, humidity, dew point and serve delta-T data at multiple locations across the facility. Using the AUDIT-BUDDY system, Purkay Labs will capture data at three heights, and will not touch any cabinets or impact the daily operation. Purkay Labs will work with your team to get the data you need based on the project specifications.