thermal analysis
Making the invisible visible, detecting hidden problems that can cause critical failure
This picture depicts an improperly cooled data rack
Problems Encountered
This high profile data center, suffered from improper cooling of the racks leading to potential critical failures occurring.
Thanks to CST this was identified and fixed and not only did it lead to better efficiency but prolonged the life of the equipment.
Developing the Strategy
Performing a thermal analysis of a data center data floor includes collecting multiple data conditions within the floor area. There are many variables at play,
such as supply air temperature, velocity, cfm, direction of flow, containment, etc. Often, without cold / hot isle containment, cross contamination of hot air
is found re-entrained in the cold air supply.
A typical thermal analysis will include
- Thermographic scan of the racks
- Thermographic scan of the PDU's and other equipment with penetrations thru the raised floor (as applicable)
- Collect additional data such as quantity and location of floor tiles / outlets
- Supply air temperature entering the suction side of the servers
- Verify the seal around servers and blank-off plates as necessary
- Cooling air distribution, including variable conditions at the bottom and top of the racks
We will examine the installed perforated floor tiles (if applicable) and compare the face velocity at the operational pressure to determine cfm flow rates.
We look for areas of low pressure induced by the velocity of the surface air (vernouli effect) typically found at the bottom of the racks. We look for low or
no airflow at the top of the racks, or often, hot isle air migrating over the top of the racks only to be used as cooling air.
If further analysis is required we can investigate the control system and review the trend logs to see if variable load profiles are affecting cooling. We look
for critical failure points and recommend mitigation stratagies. Hot / cold isle containment stratagies are often recommended.
We use the most cutting-edge techniques, technologies and test equipment that allow us to put together the clearest picture and understanding of what is happening.
Then it is up to us to put together a mitigation plan that is both the most cost effective and reliable.