Case Study: Freeing up 60 tons of Excess Cooling
Overview:
A Tier IV Colocation Provider (the Client) used Purkay Labs’ Thermal Survey to resolve an SLA dispute with a tenant who was running their server fans continuously in a shared multi-tenant space. The client was concerned that the tenant was consuming more cold air than necessary, thereby affecting the cooling efficiency for nearby tenants. The client sought to resolve the issue by accurately measuring airflow. However, the tenant was not convinced they were causing any problem by running the fans continuously. The Client used Purkay Labs’ data to show they were meeting their SLA obligations, and the Tenant used data to lower their fan speed. The Client case study focuses on a Tier IV Colocation provider that successfully freed up excess cooling capacity using Purkay Labs' Thermal Survey Service. By employing Purkay Labs' AUDIT-BUDDY systems, the provider was able to map airflow patterns in a 40,000 ft² colocation facility, resolve a dispute with a tenant, and enhance their cooling efficiency.
The Project
The Client used Purkay Labs’ Thermal Survey Service to measure the airflow patterns across the 40,000 square foot facility. Purkay Labs deployed 36 AUDIT-BUDDY systems, strategically placed across the 40,000 ft² facility. These systems were used to take measurements across the return plenum and record heat distribution throughout the room. The collected data revealed significant variances in temperature, indicating the presence of horizontal bypass. This phenomenon, where cold air moves from one cage to the next instead of moving vertically to the return air plenum, occurs when there is insufficient airflow being delivered to a specific cage.
The Results:
With the detailed report generated by Purkay Labs, the client was able to demonstrate to the tenant that sufficient airflow was being provided and that the tenant could safely reduce their fan usage. As a result, the client managed to cut 25,000 CFM, freeing up significant cooling capacity for other tenants in the shared facility. In December 2018, the client re-ran the same test using their own AUDIT-BUDDY systems and sent the data to Purkay Labs for analysis. The heat maps generated from this data confirmed that reducing the fan speed decreased the amount of horizontal bypass, thereby optimizing the overall cooling efficiency.
Summary
Purkay Labs' Thermal Survye provided the Tier IV Colocation provider with a structured and scientific approach to monitoring and optimizing airflow within their data center. By using AUDIT-BUDDY systems, the client could comprehensively map airflow patterns, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions to enhance cooling performance. This not only resolved a tenant dispute but also freed up valuable cooling capacity, ensuring better resource allocation and operational efficiency.
About Purkay Labs
We believe that Data Center Operators deserve quick, reliable and independent data about their white space environment, without the burden of complicated permanent monitoring systems. We create simple, standalone, and cost-effective portable environmental monitoring systems so you can get data wherever and whenever you need it. Our flagship product- the AUDIT-BUDDY system- is the first multi-height portable environmental monitor that provides data to help manage your airflow, reduce Scope II emissions, increase energy efficiency & cooling optimization.
You can follow us @purkaylabs or visit our website: www.purkaylabs.com
About the Thermal Survey Service
With Purkay Labs Thermal Survey Service, our expert team will travel to your facility and conduct an extensive audit of your facility’s layout and environment. Purkay Labs will provide comprehensive and accurate temperature, humidity, dew point and serve delta-T data at multiple locations across the facility. Using the AUDIT-BUDDY system, Purkay Labs will capture data at multiple heights, and will not touch any cabinets or impact the daily operation. Purkay Labs will work with your team to get the data you need based on the project specifications.