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,...

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...

Reflections on the DataCenterDynamics Conference

Earlier this month, I had the honor of speaking in two separate sessions at the DatacenterDynamics Conference & Expo in New York City.My first presentation, "The Impact of Numerical Modeling Techniques on Computer Room Design and Operations," was well received by its 60 or so attendees. Based on audience feedback provided both during and after the presentation, I think people really appreciated...

Are the Uptime Institute's Data Center Rating Tiers Out of Date?

Let me start by saying I have the utmost respect for the Uptime Institute’s Pitt Turner, P.E., John Seader, P.E., and Ken Brill and the work they have done furthering the cause of providing some standards to an otherwise standard-less subject like data center design. However, as a data center designer I feel their definitive work, Tier Classifications Define Site Infrastructure Performance, has passed...

Facebook user? Add yourself as a fan of our blog!

Do you have a Facebook account? If so, you can help spread the word about the Data Center Design blog by joining our newly created Facebook Page. Be among the first to hear about blog updates, speaking engagements and other upcoming events. Click here to view the Facebook Page for PTS Data Center Solutions and add yourself as a Fan. ...

Are “free” computer room site assessment services worth the money you pay for them?

It has become commonplace for the myriad of IT and support infrastructure OEMs to offer free site assessment services in an effort to woo clients into purchasing their equipment. While it was already difficult enough for small- to mid-size design consulting service providers to build credibility and brand-identity in the ultra-competitive world of computer room design, in the past few years these...

PTS’ 2008 Predictions for the Data Center Industry

I consider myself a veteran of the data center design industry. Additionally, I have the good fortune to visit as many as fifty data centers and computer rooms in the course of a year. And while I have seen good ones and bad ones, they all seem to share certain commonalities. As a result of my experiences and research covering a broad scope of concerns, I have compiled a list of the challenges the...

PTS' 2008 Predictions for the Data Center Industry

I consider myself a veteran of the data center design industry. Additionally, I have the good fortune to visit as many as fifty data centers and computer rooms in the course of a year. And while I have seen good ones and bad ones, they all seem to share certain commonalities. As a result of my experiences and research covering a broad scope of concerns, I have compiled a list of the challenges the...

2008 Data Center Industry Trends

A recent article from Network World points to security as the dominant issue for the data center design industry in 2008. Potential threats identified by experts include:Malware attacks which piggy back on major events such as the ‘08 Olympics or the US Presidential ElectionsThe opportunity for the first serious security exploit in corporate VoIP networks Additional malware vulnerability for users...

Data Center Wish Lists

In the spirit of the holiday season, the folks at SearchDataCenter.com have taken a look at what’s on data center managers’ holiday wish lists. It’s a fun read – check it out when you have a minute. Here are some of the highlights:“Extra processor horsepower”“Information on building new data centers to carry us through the next 20 years and beyond”“A pill that we could give folks in the physical plant...