CFD Modeling for Data Center Cooling

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is a valuable tool for understanding the movement of air through a data center, particularly as air-cooling infrastructure grows more complex. By using CFD analysis to eliminate hot spots, companies can lower energy consumption and reduce data center cooling costs.

Mark Fontecchio at SearchDataCenter.com has written a great new article on the subject, entitled “Can CFD modeling save your data center?”. Fontecchio examines the use of CFD analysis as a tool for analyzing both internal and external data center airflow.

In the article, Carl Pappalardo, IT systems engineer for Northeast Utilities, provides a first-hand account of how CFD analysis helped in optimizing their data center’s cooling efficiency. Allan Warn, a data center manager at ABN AMRO bank, also shares his thoughts on the value of renting vs. buying CFD modeling software. Fontecchio also includes insights from industry experts, including Ernesto Ferrer, a CFD engineer at Hewlett-Packard Co., and from yours truly, Pete Sacco.

For more information on data center cooling, download my White Paper, “Data Center Cooling Best Practices”, at http://www.ptsdcs.com/white_papers.asp (PDF format). You can also download additional publications at our Vendor White Papers page, including:

• Avoidable Mistakes that Compromise Cooling Performance in Data Centers and Network Rooms
• Essential Cooling System Requirements for Next Generation Data Centers
• Calculating Total Cooling Requirements for Data Centers
• Cooling Audit for Identifying Potential Cooling Problems in Data Centers
  

To learn more about how PTS uses CFD modeling in the data center design process, please visit: http://www.ptsdcs.com/cfdservices.asp.

Free White Paper on Relative Sensitivity Fire Detection Systems

Fire detection is a challenge in high-end, mission critical facilities with high-density cooling requirements. This is due primarily to the varying levels of effectiveness of competing detection systems in high-velocity airflow computer room environments.

In a new white paper, PTS Data Center Solutions’ engineers Suresh Soundararaj and David Admirand, P.E. identify and analyze the effectiveness of relative sensitivity-based fire detection systems in a computer room utilizing a high-density, high-velocity, and high-volume cooling system.

In addition to examining the differences between fixed sensitivity and relative sensitivity smoke detection methodologies, Soundararaj and Admirand detail the results of fire detection tests conducted in PTS’ operational computer room and demo center using AirSense Technology’s Stratos-Micra 25® aspirating smoke detector.

The illustrated 13-page white paper, entitled “Relative Sensitivity-based Fire Detection Systems used in High Density Computer Rooms with In-Row Air Conditioning Units,” is available for download on our website in PDF format.