Welcome to Keep Your Cool - a series tackling simple cooling optimization strategies for the busy data center operators by former busy data center operator, Gregg Haley.

I recently saw a Six Sigma graphic on Linkedin, and realized that it had an interesting application for optimizing data center cooling. 

Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to problem-solving that aims to reduce defects and improve efficiency. It can be applied to a wide range of industries, including data center operations. One of the key components of Six Sigma is the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) process. As I looked at the graphic (below), I thought about the ways that the AUDIT-BUDDY can help Data Center operators apply this strategy to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in their cooling systems, leading to improved performance and cost savings.

D: Define company and/or customer goals. The first step in the DMAIC process is to define the problem or opportunity for improvement. In the case of data center cooling optimize, this could mean improving PUE, reducing OpEx, or identifying high delta-T values, hotspots, or other issues with the cooling systems. Set your goals.

M: Measure the characteristics Critical To Quality (CTQ). Once the problem or opportunity has been defined, the next step is to measure the current performance of the cooling systems. You can use your AUDIT-BUDDY system to measure the following: temperature, humidity, dew point, and server delta-T. By design, you can bring the system into the white, collect the measurements and exit.

A: Analyze measurement data. After the data has been collected, it must be analyzed to identify the root cause of the problem or opportunity for improvement. The AUDIT-BUDDY system is designed to automatically generate a report of these parameters. With the built-in comparison, you can quickly identify data outliers (like if an area is too hot or too cold) in the database or visually through the static heat map. You can even quickly see if your data meets the ASHRAE standards.

I: Improve. With the root cause identified, the next step is to develop and implement improvements to you cooling (airflow management). The key is that you are making data-driven changes, instead of guessing the root causes of cooling issues. Design new processes in line with the analysis. Using the data collected, review the critical components of white space airflow that can improve the findings, and implement them. Some simple airflow management best practices include,

• Blanking Plates everywhere, 

• Floor tiles CFM correct for the rack KW load, 

• Holes in the floor for power and network cables are properly sealed to prevent bypass airflow. 

• Containment deployed for either the Hot or Cold aisle. 

• Raising CRAC set points.

C: Control New Processes - The final step in the DMAIC process is to control the improvements made to the cooling systems. This could include regularly monitoring delta-T values, temperature and humidity levels, and airflow to ensure that the improvements are sustained and the cooling systems continue to perform optimally.

Regardless if you call it Six Sigma, or perhaps, the Continuous Improvement Process- the end result is the same. You set a goal, measure where you are to that goal, plan and implement improvements, and remeasure to determine the outcome. Then, Repeat the process.

About the Author

Gregg Haley is a data center and telecommunications executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. Most recently served as the Senior Director of Data Center Operations - Global for Limelight Networks. Gregg provides data center assessment and optimization reviews showing businesses how to reduce operating expenses by identifying energy conservation opportunities. Through infrastructure optimization energy expenses can be reduced by 10% to 30%.

In addition to Gregg's data center efforts, he has a certification from the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) as Business Continuity Planner. In November of 2005, Gregg was a founding member and Treasurer of the Association of Contingency Planners - Greater Boston Chapter, a non-profit industry association dedicated to the promotion and education of Business Continuity Planning. Gregg had served on the chapter's Board of Directors for the first four years. Gregg is also a past member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS). Gregg currently serves as the Principal Consultant for Purkay Labs.