As 2014 is upon is, it's time to reexamine your cooling and airflow management strategy. This presentation takes a high level look at what metrics you should be monitoring, and what specific steps you can take to increase the efficiency of your data center in 2014.

1. With 2014 just around the
corner, its time to think of
how you can improve your
facility.

2. With 2013 drawing to a close, you’ve got some things to
think about for 2014...
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

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Demands continue as high as ever for increased data center efficiency, capacity, and
reliability.
The threat of downtime continues to be real as data centers become more densely
packed. However, releasing stranded cooling capacity (i.e. reducing bypass airflow)
makes it easier to increase computer room density and reduce carbon emissions, safely
and efficiently.
Comprehensive systems like DCIM and full Containment will continue to be heavily
discussed, but first you should consider simple, practical steps that can make a huge
difference in your efficiency. We found that the average data center can reduce hotspots
and better manage intake temperatures through practical, affordable solutions like
correctly installed blanking panels. There is more ‘fundamental’ work to be done like
this than you may think.
Effectively managing your airflow not only makes your equipment run better, but it also
reduces energy usage, which saves money and reduces your carbon footprint. We have
found that the average data center could save at least $32,000 annually by taking some
of these simple, easy-to-implement steps.

3. Let’s discuss the basics.

4. What is bypass airflow?
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When your data center has cable openings, it obviously requires you
to run more fans to provide vital conditioned air to your heat load.
This state of cooling inefficiency is a prime example of bypass
airflow, which is any conditioned air supplied by a cooling unit that
does not pass through (bypasses) IT equipment before returning to a
cooling unit.
Cable openings in a raised floor and excessive volumes of cold air
delivered to a cold aisle are two principal sources of bypass airflow.
Learn more in our Bypass Airflow White Paper >>

5. The average data center has a cooling capacity
nearly 4 times the IT load!
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Based on a recent research study
conducted by Upsite
Technologies of 45 data centers
worldwide, we found that the
average data center uses almost
3 times more cooling than
needed to safely support the IT
load.
Poor airflow management
accounts for nearly half of
conditioned air in data centers
escaping through unsealed cable
openings and misplaced
perforated tiles.
These common openings result
in bypass airflow.

6. According to PUE…
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As Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) analysis reveals, the cooling
infrastructure is the largest consumer of power in a data center.
Airflow management (AFM) remains the easiest and lowest-cost way
to improve cooling infrastructure efficiency and capacity.
However, even if your site makes strides to improve AFM and you
must keep up your efforts and closely manage them over time.
Some infrastructure components will require performance validation
that is often not part of a standard maintenance agreement.

7. Let’s discuss the metrics.

9. 6 Key AFM metrics to include in your monthly
report:
AFM
Metrics
Cooling
Capacity
Factor (CCF)
Rack Space
Utilization
Perforated Tile
and Grate
Placement
Blanking Panel
Utilization
IT Equipment
Intake
Temperatures
Raised Floor
Open Area
Percentage

10. Metric 1: Cooling Capacity Factor (CCF)
What is it?

A metric Upsite developed to determine the cooling effectiveness of a data center. Measures the
cooling output relative to the IT load, providing an accurate picture of cooling infrastructure
efficiency.
What does it mean?
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Calculating the CCF is the quickest and easiest way to determine cooling infrastructure
utilization and potential gains to be realized by AFM improvements.
The CCF is calculated by:
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Convert the total rated (stated) cooling capacity to kW, divide by 110% of the IT critical load (kW)
 Total rated cooling capacity (210 tons x 3.52) = 739 kW
 110% of the IT critical load = 259 kW
 CCF = 2.8 (739/259)
 Running cooling capacity is 280% of the load

11. Metric 1: Cooling Capacity Factor (CCF)
CCF Rating
Interpretation
1.0 to 1.1
There is little to no redundant cooling or room for reducing OpEx.
1.1 to 1.2
The number of running cooling units is very closely coupled to the heat load
in the room.
1.2 to 1.5
There is moderate opportunity for savings from turning off cooling units.
This can often only be done once AFM improvements have been effectively
implemented.
1.5 to 3.0
Most common. These rooms have substantial opportunity to reduce
operating cost, improve the IT environment, and increase the IT load that
can be effectively cooled. Rooms in this range often have significant
stranded cooling capacity that can be freed up by improving AFM.
> 3.0
Have great potential for improvement since the total rated cooling capacity
of running units is at least three times 110% of the IT load.

12. Metric 1: Cooling Capacity Factor (CCF)
Calculate your CCF using the free online
Cooling Capacity Factor Calculator
http://upsite.com/cooling-calculator

13. Metric 2: Perforated Tile & Grate Placement
Perforated tiles and grates should only be located in front of
equipment that requires conditioned air for cooling. The
percentage of properly located perforated tiles and grates
should be 100%. Place perforated tiles and grates to make all IT
equipment intake air temperatures as low and even as possible.
Replace all perforated tiles and grates located in dedicated hot
aisles and open spaces with solid tiles.
Helpful Tip: Start with an infrared temperature survey
(instructions on next slide)

14. Metric 2: Perforated Tile & Grate Placement
How to conduct an infrared temperature survey
Step 1:
First, use an infrared thermometer to measure the intake air
temperatures. If they are all cool and the ceiling is cool, then there is
more conditioned air being delivered to the aisle than needed.
Step 2:
Start removing perforated tiles and measure the intake air temperatures
again.
Step 3:
Repeat Step 2 until you find that the intake air temperatures start to
increase. Then, add tiles back until you resolve the problem. This
process establishes the optimum airflow needed for that aisle.

15. Metric 3: IT Equipment Intake Temperatures
The primary purpose of a computer room is to provide a stable
and appropriate intake air temperature for IT equipment. As
such, computer rooms are in either of two categories, those
with and those without intake air temperature problems.

16. Metric 4: Raised Floor Open Area Percentage
Raised floor bypass open area is made up of unsealed cable
openings and penetrations, and perforated tiles placed in hot
aisles or open areas. The percentage of raised floor bypass
open area is calculated by dividing the total bypass open area
by the total open area in the raised floor. The percentage of
bypass open area should be less than 10%.
Image courtesy of Tateinc.com

17. Metric 5: Blanking Panel Utilization
Install blanking panels that seal effectively, with no gaps
between panels, in all open spaces within cabinets. Spaces
between cabinets and under cabinets need to be sealed to
retain conditioned air at the IT equipment face and to prevent
hot exhaust air from flowing into the cold aisle. The percentage
of open U spaces filled with blanking panels should be 100%.
Close all open space of the vertical plane of IT equipment
intakes. Install blanking panels, seal under cabinets, and seal
between mounting rails and sides of cabinets.

18. Metric 6: Rack Space Utilization
The utilization of rack space is important to understanding how
well the valuable space of a computer room is being utilized.
Cooling capacity and planning are closely related to rack space
utilization.

19. In addition to the 6 metrics to monitor regularly, another key
aspect of your overall AFM improvement strategy is to regularly
validate your IT cooling equipment performance. Here’s what to
look for:

Calibration of Cooling Unit Return-Air Temperature and
Relative Humidity Sensors
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Presence of Latent Cooling
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Return Air Temperature vs. Standard Rated Conditions

20. Return Air Temperature vs. Standard Rated
Conditions
Manufacturers rate their cooling units on standard return-air
conditions, typically 75 degrees (F) with a 45 percent relative
humidity (RH%). However, since most sites run their cooling
units with set points lower than standard conditions, the rated
capacity cannot be delivered. This results in the very costly
condition of more cooling units running because the cooling
unit’s cooling capacity decreases at lower return-air
temperatures.

21. Presence of Latent Cooling
In some IT configurations, high relative humidity (RH%) can
result in condensation forming on cooling unit coils (i.e. latent
cooling). Moisture condensing on cooling unit coils actually
gives off heat that consumes some of a cooling unit’s cooling
capacity, stranding capacity that could otherwise be used to
reduce the air temperature of the supply air to IT equipment.

22. Calibration of Cooling Unit Return-Air
Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensors
To accurately assess cooling unit return-air temperatures and
latent cooling conditions, ensure that you regularly calibrate all
cooling unit return-air temperature and relative humidity (RH%)
sensors.

23. How to get started in improving your AFM in
four easy steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Determine Cooling Utilization
Assess Current AFM Initiatives
Implement Improvements, In The Right
Order
Maintain With Organizational Best Practices

24. Start with our free online Cooling Capacity Factor Calculator at
http://upsite.com/cooling-calculator

25. Raised Floor
The Rack
The Row

26. • Implement 4Rs in
right order
•
Adjust cooling
infrastructure
•
Measure intakes
•
Measure CCF
•
Repeat to achieve
target CCF

27. 
Ensure IT and Facilities are coordinated
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Document processes for personnel
working the room
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Implement training protocols
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Clearly state company objectives that
cooling optimization can support
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Schedule regular assessments
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Limit access to computer room
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Centralize decision-making process for changes
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Regular reporting to senior management (e.g. PUE, CCF, utility bill,
other related trends to track)
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Appoint a ‘cooling czar’ and give them authority

28. A computer room is a dynamic environment, so
it’s unrealistic to expect that these key AFM
metrics would not drift over time. Therefore,
closely tracking each will help assure that your
cooling infrastructure will be operating at
maximum capacity, maximum reliability, and
the lowest operating cost (and best PUE) in
2014.

29. Download our free white paper:
Upsite.com/cooling-capacity-factor-white-paper