Originally posted by Data Center Post, Tuesday August 7, 2014
By: Greg Dumas, Construction Operations Manager, Electronic Environments Corporation
For nearly three decades, Electronic Environments Corporation (EEC) has been known for its unique approach to servicing the complete data center lifecycle, which encompasses utilizing a combination of proven, proprietary methods with the latest innovations and technologies. One of the latest technologies we’ve added is a portable device called “AUDIT-BUDDY™” created by Purkay Labs. Through intuitive diagnostics, AUDIT-BUDDY makes it easy to record data center temperature and humidity and is a simple and highly effective way to optimize data center cooling and reduce energy costs.
EEC utilizes this device in its assessment methods, creating a virtually effortless way to accurately diagnose problems and determine techniques to improve airflow management in any data center. Recently, EEC utilized AUDIT-BUDDY within the data center of a large healthcare facility. We took baseline temperature and humidity readings of well over 100 racks in less than a couple of hours. With AUDIT-BUDDY's diagnostic capabilities, EEC was able to reduce the amount of time required to get these readings compared to other methods and tools we have used in the past. The output enabled EEC to detect and make simple adjustments, such as changes to perforated tiles and the addition of containment curtains, to reduce temperatures in a particularly dense aisle in the data center. One area of concern was captured with output of AUDIT-BUDDY's readings in Figure 1.
Figure 1.
For fast and comprehensive diagnostic readings, AUDIT-BUDDY has three useful modes: LongScan, QuickScan, and Delta-T.
1. LongScan is useful to determine change in temperature and humidity over time, locating hotspots and overcooled locations. By setting the AUDIT-BUDDY in front of a server, a user can record long-term, time-stamped data that provide greater detail into potential problematic areas.
2. QuickScan gives users the ability to evaluate whole aisles quickly by taking 20-second scans in front of each server rack in order to characterize an aisle using real-time information. This tool can create a thermal survey of all aisles in data hall, validate CFD analysis, and visualize host spots and cold air loss.
3. Finally, the Delta-T mode uses two Audit Buddy systems, one in front of the server and one in the back of the server to determines the amount of cold air that is diverted from the server, providing the necessary data to improve cooling effectiveness and lower energy costs for facility management.
EEC is dedicated to providing clients with the most advanced support throughout all stages of a data center’s lifecycle. Providing a wide array of services to increase productivity of mission-critical facilities, EEC is constantly seeking new and innovative methods to proactively diagnose and rehabilitate potential issues in order to ensure highly efficient functionality throughout. Through its immediate detection of potential problem areas as well as detailed ongoing analysis, with the help of AUDIT-BUDDY, EEC can service its clients more effectively than ever.
To learn more about EEC and its mission-critical services, visit www.eecnet.com or email info@eecnet.com.