Heat can be a friend in the Data Center

Why thermal considerations? Because ASHRAE TC 9.9 committee has redefined the Data Center.

Heat is your friend.

Initially viewed to be controversial, you should know that the new ASHRAE TC 9.9 guidelines give credible information and standards for the Data Center. There was much collaboration and testing on temperature and humidity. These new operating recommendations represent a “statement of reliability”. That is, ASHRAE proclaims it is safe to operate the Data Center at either extreme of their recommended ranges  without fear for equipment failure or reduced equipment life expectancy.

With that as a brief background, here are my Data Center Thermal Best Practices:

• Humidity Set Point RH 40 to 60%
• Temperature Set Point 64.4 to 80.6 F
• CARC / CRAH  Balancing
• Maint
• Commissioning
• Recommissioning

Once I became aware of the ASHRAE TC 9.9 mission and their Datacom focus, I sought membership and participation. That was  year-long process but I am now a member (non voting) of ASHRAE TC 9.9.

I had been experimenting with a few product designs, power conservation, and trying to determine the density ceiling my Data Centers would tolerate. I also dabbled in testing how particulate matter effected cooling and operation in my Data Centers. The testing I performed in heat density was more aggressive than the new ASHRAE guidelines, so I suggest the new guidelines should work quite well in the Data Center.

ASHRAE TC 9.9 published a 2009 Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments. I recommend this book for Data Center and Facilities staff.

OK, enough background info – here are some Best Practices:

It is OK to turn the heat up to 80.4F – wow! But know that some equipment manufacturers turn up fan speed when they sense increased temperatures. This may increase energy use, so know what your manufacturer’s specifications are. In the meantime, consider turning the temp up to 77F until you know more about your specific equipment.
Send us an E-mail for further discussion on this one – but before you call, know that BobD likes it hot.

There continues to be some work on Humidity and ESD by ASHRAE TC 9.9. In light of this, I caution that you validate there is appropriate access floor grounding, the top surface of the access floor is maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications, the floor laminate is not waxed, and staff make appropriate use of grounding straps. If your Data Center is not equipped with a high efficient centralized humidification system – look into them. Validate that any new system will have multiple sensors deployed throughout the Data Center.

CRACs should work in harmony with each other. If one is humidifying, all should be humidifyins – or cooling. This is best done through automation with a central control system; else it needs to be done manually. Keeping mechanical equipment well maintained and in good, clean operating condition is important. Proactive Maintenance is a must for the health and reliability of your Data Center.

OMS in Your Data Center LLC promotes the need for recommissioning mechanical systems in the Data Center. Depending in utilization, cleanliness, and the maintenance record of you equipment, our recommendation ranges from 3 to 5 year.

Even Microsoft proclaims that ASHRAE is somewhat conservative in Greening the Data Center by opeating at thermal extremes.

Know that it is OK to experiment – test new boundaries. Embrace Data Center Best Practices and keep on monitoring and taking your metrics.

OMS in Your Data Center LLC can take the heat. Send us an e-mail or call to talk about Best Practices.