MORE TIPS

Infrared Cameras Can Help Find Leaks in Ductwork

Networking Makes It Easier to Find a Job in Facility Management

Retrocommissioning Quickly Pays for Itself in Energy Savings

Plumbing Retrofits and Audits

« Tip Of The Day Home      

Temperature Control Efficiency Can Maximize Return

time 1:17

RELATED CONTENT:

data center , airflow , cooling , server .

I'm Justin Smith, managing editor of web development for Building Operating Management magazine. Today's tip: more efficient airflow management in data centers. Better air management has the potential to improve temperature control for more reliable server cooling. Follow these guidelines when analyzing server temperatures:

• Use a simple, reliable thermometer, not laser guns. They measure surface temperatures and not the air's "ambient" temperature

• Take the server air inlet temperature with a thermometer as close as possible to the server grill inlet without touching any surfaces. Conversely, server outlet temperatures should be taken as close as possible to the server without touching any surfaces

• Inlet and outlet temperatures should be taken at the same level for the same server

• Readings should be taken from servers in a mix of locations, including the beginning, middle and end of the aisle and bottom, middle and top of cabinets

• Readings should be taken from several aisles, not just one or two; and

• Measurements should be taken from several hot spots