Simulate or not to simulate?
The main goal of data center operators is to extend the lifespan of technologies for as long as possible while minimizing costs. In the environment of data centers, operators and technical managers are forced to quickly address issues to prevent dangerous hotspots, power outages, or IT equipment failures. Their quick fixes and repairs allow the data center to operate but reduce its lifespan. In reality, these “quick fixes” can have undesirable effects on the operation and “health” of the data center.
The key is to determine whether planned solutions will help or hinder the data center before they are implemented – and the only way to achieve this is through the most accurate simulation of the data center environment.
CFD Analysis
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used since the early 20th century and is mainly known as a tool for analyzing airflow in transportation vehicles such as cars and airplanes. As the complexity of data center cooling systems has sharply increased, CFD analysis has become a valuable tool for modeling airflow and analyzing thermal fluxes in data halls. CFD software requires information about the size, content, and layout of the data center and uses this information to create a mathematical model from which precise conclusions can be drawn.
We provide CFD analysis for data centers for our customers using the latest 6SigmaroomLite software designed for data centers.
For precise and detailed simulations of the data center environment, CFD is one of the best options to avoid unsuitable solutions or increase efficiency during design and operation:
• Distribution of cooling air for rack positions
• Design of technological distribution (metallic/optical cabling, power supply, other systems) in data halls
• Placement of racks in the data hall
• Design of load for individual rack positions
For our customers, we offer:
• Creation of an accurate 3D model of the data center:
◦ Detailed modeling of the building structures
◦ Detailed modeling of the space under the raised floor
◦ Detailed placement and layout of IT equipment in racks
◦ Cooling systems
◦ Power supply for the data hall
◦ Other heat sources in the hall
• CFD analysis for the proposed or current operational state of the data center
• 3D graphical representation of temperature profiles in any cross-section of the space
• Airflow velocity from perforations
• Directions of airflow (streamlines)
• Pressures in the raised floor
Output Report
What are the benefits for you?
• Diagnosing overheating hotspots
• Developing alternative cooling solutions or IT equipment configurations and comparing their energy efficiency
• Designing comprehensive recommendations for cooling, distribution, and power systems to achieve the best energy efficiency for the data center
• Optimal distribution of perforations in the raised floor for cooling
• Simulating standard operational states as well as emergency situations
• Simulating the data center environment when expanding or extending the data center
