Data Centre Thermal Modeling
EPI offers consultancy services that ensure that the data centre environment remains well within specifications, at the same time minimising cooling costs.. We do this by offering a unique approach through creating a full 3D ”Virtual Facility Model” (VFM). |
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The effects of systems upgrades or data centre layout changes can be assessed to give you full confidence in the chosen layout and cooling system.
At Room Level it allows the operator to predict the thermal impact of equipment installation and movement within the facility, thus minimising the risk of hot spots. An additional benefit is the potential cost reduction resulting from a more effective ventilation strategy.
At Cabinet Level it can be used to determine the temperature of the air entering the inlet of the sub-rack in order to eliminate risk of overheating due to poor equipment configuration. It can further help assess the effect of incorporating blanking plates, ventilated doors or plinths.
The Virtual Facility (VF) models are created using Future Facilities' 6Sigma Software Suite. These are tailored Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based software modules, designed to characterise the thermal and environmental conditions within a data centre. The VF is used both at the design and operational phases of a facility's life cycle.
Features
VF modeling allows the validation and optimisation of factors such as:
- Floor void depth
- Effects of under-floor cabling and other obstructions
- Flow rates through grills and choice of grill dampening
- Rack layout
- Positioning equipment within the rack
- Locating air handling units
- ACU failure analysis and redundant design
In addition, VF modeling allows the visualisation of:
- Walk-through a full 3-dimensional inventory of all equipment housed with the data centre
- Temperature distribution and airflow at both room and cabinet level
- Tracking historic changes of equipment layout
- Thermal impact of options and future equipment prior to deployment
Virtual Data Centre Design Service
The virtual data centre model identifies modifications that will minimise the risk of equipment overheating and maximise the availability of mission critical equipment. The model ensures that all data centre cabinets are exposed to the best possible environment and equipment in the rack is positioned to maximise cooling efficiency.
More importantly, we can ensure that the design of the facility will satisfy performance requirements both now and in the future as more equipment is housed.
Data Centre Change Management Service
Once in operation, the integrity of the data centre cooling environment can be quickly undermined by day to day operations. Through periodic updates of the VF, changes caused by equipment movement and changes can be predicted and managed.
EPI offers a validation of the VF against the actual facility. This leads to the creation of a baseline model for ongoing change management. The VF is then ready to predict the consequences of changes in the data centre layout prior to equipment deployment.
Data Centre Thermal Troubleshooting Service
For data centres not previously designed or managed with a VF, issues such as hotspots often only become apparent long after commissioning. As the data centre approaches or exceeds its design specifications, installation and configuration management become more critical.
The current state of the data centre is characterised by a site survey and VF generation. This allows us to offer practical solutions that have been simulated prior to implementation.
To find out more, please call one of our consultants on +35 (0) 540 11519 or
email sales@epi-gib.com