Data Center Operator’s Playbook
Welcome to Keep Your Cool by Purkay Labs - a series tackling simple cooling optimization strategies for the busy data center operators by former busy data center operator, Gregg Haley.
As a seasoned Data Center Operator, I've often found myself pondering the strategies and techniques I employed to enhance efficiency in the facilities under my care. It's a topic that's close to my heart, and I believe sharing these insights could be invaluable for newly promoted data center managers and our esteemed clients alike.
Imagine this scenario: You're stepping into a new data center environment, tasked with ensuring optimal operations. Where do you begin? Allow me to guide you through a step-by-step process that I've refined over years of hands-on experience.
Step 1: Assessing the Current State
The journey towards efficiency begins with understanding where you stand. Without a clear picture of your starting point, it's impossible to chart a course for improvement. Here's what you need to do:
Evaluate Power Usage: Determine the size of the main utility breaker feeding the site and assess your current power usage. Knowing your maximum capacity and present usage is crucial for making informed decisions.
Analyze IT Load: Calculate the total IT load for the facility, focusing solely on the power dedicated to servers, switches, routers, and storage equipment. This information is vital for calculating metrics like PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) and assessing potential growth.
Assess Cooling Infrastructure: Understand the maximum capacity of your cooling units and evaluate the percentage of cooling capacity needed to support the current IT load. This insight can uncover opportunities for optimization and efficiency gains.
Step 2: Addressing Airflow Management
Optimizing airflow is essential for maintaining a stable and efficient data center environment.
Take the following actions to ensure proper airflow management:
Install Blanking Plates: Ensure every unoccupied rack unit has a blanking plate installed to prevent airflow disruptions.
Seal Cable Openings: Block any cable or power openings in the raised floor to prevent air leakage and maintain airflow integrity.
Consider Containment Solutions: Explore the possibility of implementing hot or cold aisle containment to minimize air mixing and improve cooling efficiency.
Step 3: Conducting Thermal Surveys
Regular thermal surveys provide invaluable insights into temperature distribution and airflow patterns within your data center. Here's how to leverage thermal imaging effectively:
Baseline Assessment: Take baseline readings of every rack and row using thermal imaging technology to identify areas of concern and track changes over time.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Continuously monitor temperature variations and adjust cooling strategies as needed to maintain optimal conditions throughout the facility.
Step 4: Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures
Energy efficiency should be a top priority for any data center operator. Consider the following measures to minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact:
Review Cooling Set Points: Fine-tune cooling set points to achieve the desired temperature while minimizing energy usage.
Regular Maintenance: Implement a comprehensive maintenance program for cooling infrastructure, including filter replacements, belt inspections, and sensor calibrations.
Step 5: Soliciting Feedback and Suggestions
Lastly, don't underestimate the value of feedback from end-users and stakeholders. Encourage open communication and actively seek input on ways to improve cooling performance and operational efficiency.
By following these steps and embracing a proactive approach to data center management, you can optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the long-term success of your facility.
Remember, the journey towards efficiency is ongoing, so stay vigilant and continuously seek opportunities for improvement.
About Purkay Labs
At Purkay Labs, we're committed to helping data center operators maximize efficiency and performance. Learn more about our comprehensive assessment services and innovative solutions at www.purkaylabs.com . With these strategies in hand, you're well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of data center efficiency with confidence and success.
About the Author
Gregg Haley is a data center and telecommunications executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. Most recently served as the Senior Director of Data Center Operations - Global for Limelight Networks. Gregg provides data center assessment and optimization reviews showing businesses how to reduce operating expenses by identifying energy conservation opportunities. Through infrastructure optimization energy expenses can be reduced by 10% to 30%.
In addition to Gregg's data center efforts, he has a certification from the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) as Business Continuity Planner. In November of 2005, Gregg was a founding member and Treasurer of the Association of Contingency Planners - Greater Boston Chapter, a non-profit industry association dedicated to the promotion and education of Business Continuity Planning. Gregg had served on the chapter's Board of Directors for the first four years. Gregg is also a past member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS).
Gregg currently serves as the Principal Consultant for Purkay Labs.