Overview

In April 2018, a Tier IV Colocation provider in Santa Clara, CA, faced a significant challenge when a tenant installed multiple high-flow tiles, raising concerns about running out of cooling reserves. The colocation provider (The Colo) engaged Purkay Labs' On-Site Assessment Service© to conduct an independent airflow analysis. The assessment revealed that the tenant was significantly overcooling the facility, allowing the Colo to address the issue effectively and free up much-needed cooling capacity.

The Project

The project took place in a 12,000 ft² raised floor facility with 100 mixed load cabinets and a 4500 kW capacity. Purkay Labs was called in to assess the situation using their AUDIT-BUDDY system and TSI Balometer. These tools measured the inlet temperatures and CFM at every rack across the facility, providing real-time data streamed directly into a custom Data Hall Program.

The Results

Purkay Labs identified that the facility was largely overcooled. For the first aisle with one high-flow tile, the built-in charts and graphs showed average inlet temperatures ranging from 62.3-74.3°F, with no hot spots above the ASHRAE recommended range of 80.6°F, but 11 readings were below the recommended 64.4°F. The Thermal Contour Map clearly illustrated the impact of the high-flow tile, delivering 1150 CFM, on the aisle environment.

Key Takeaways

Independent and Non-Intrusive Monitoring: Purkay Labs' AUDIT-BUDDY system provided the Colo with independent, rack-level environmental data without interfering with the tenant’s infrastructure. This non-intrusive monitoring allowed for comprehensive and accurate data collection.

Comprehensive Assessment: The On-Site Assessment Service enabled the Colo to map airflow patterns and temperature variations throughout the facility. The detailed data allowed the Colo to demonstrate to the tenant that the high-flow tiles were unnecessary and contributing to overcooling.

Resolution and ROI: The tenant used the assessment data to understand their environment better and agreed to remove the high-flow tiles. This action freed up 9500 CFM in reserve cooling capacity, ensuring that the Colo met their redundancy objectives. The SLA dispute was amicably resolved with the data-driven evidence provided by Purkay Labs.

Summary

Purkay Labs’ Thermal Survey Service provided the Tier IV Colocation provider with a structured and scientific approach to evaluating cooling efficiency and resolving disputes. By using the AUDIT-BUDDY system, the Colo was able to independently verify environmental performance, optimize cooling capacity, and enhance operational efficiency without disrupting tenant operations.

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.