How Hot is Too Hot in the Data Center
Welcome to Keep Your Cool - a blog tackling simple cooling optimization strategies for the busy data center operators.
At Keep Your Cool, we often advocate for raising data center temperatures to improve efficiency and OpEx. However, as temperatures climb, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses for staff in hot aisles, exacerbated by high wattage servers, particularly those fueled by AI. Today, let's explore why measuring heat stress in these environments is crucial for both people and performance.
Heat stress occurs when the body struggles to regulate temperature due to high environmental heat and humidity. In data centers, where equipment generates continuous warmth, this risk is constant. Without monitoring and mitigation, it poses serious health risks. Measuring heat stress acts as an early warning system, monitoring temperature, humidity, and airflow to identify risks.
There are two primary ways to measure heat stress- via the Heat Stress Index (HSI) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
The Heat Stress Index (HSI) measures temperature and humidity to gauge how hot it feels, considering the body's cooling mechanisms. The National Weather Service provides recommendations for different levels of Heat Stress Index, ranging from Caution to Extreme Danger. It is useful in indoor environments which are not climate controlled. While Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) considers additional factors like wind and solar radiation, suitable for outdoor environments. WBGT is preferable for outdoor work with solar radiation, while HSI is suitable for indoor, non-climate-controlled settings like data center hot aisles.
Both metrics help operators mitigate risks, adjusting cooling or schedules if thresholds are exceeded. Some facilities set time limits or provide reminders for hydration and monitoring signs of heat stress. It's essential to measure your environment for accurate assessment.
One of the biggest issues monitoring heat stress is that most data centers lack the necessary sensors to measure HSI or WBGT levels in different parts of the data center. A thermal survey conducted by experienced professionals offers a convenient and simple method to determine the Heat Stress Index level in the hot aisle. This information will ensure proper safety guidelines are followed before operators work in the hot aisle for extended periods.
In conclusion, by monitoring HSI or WBGT levels, data center operators can ensure the comfort and safety of personnel working throughout the data center. These parameters serve as valuable guideposts for operators to craft MOPs or SOPs for workers exposed to the increasingly hot environments.
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