Data centre provider Vertiv has issued updated guidance for protecting data centres during extreme heat events. As heatwaves become more frequent and severe due to climate change, data centre operators face challenges from rising outdoor temperatures and internal heat generation. Vertiv recommends measures such as cleaning air filters, accelerating maintenance, activating efficiency tools, and utilising alternative energy sources. The company emphasises the need for proactive preparation to prevent disruptions to power and cooling systems. Following Vertiv’s guidance can help minimise risks, ensure uninterrupted service, and optimise energy efficiency in data centres.
- Vertiv has released updated guidance for managing extreme heat in data centres due to the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves caused by climate change.
- Recommendations include cleaning or changing air filters, accelerating planned maintenance and service, activating efficiency tools, and leveraging alternative energy sources.
- Proactive preparation, prioritizing thermal redundancy, and partnering with a service provider with restoration capabilities are crucial for data centre availability and protection.
As the mercury continues to rise globally, data centres, the backbone of our digital world, are grappling with the increasing challenge of extreme heat events. Vertiv, a prominent player in the field of digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, is offering a fresh set of guidelines to help data centres navigate these scorching conditions. From tackling both outdoor and internally generated heat to keeping their critical operations running smoothly, these centres face a formidable task.
Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. In addition to the rising outdoor temperatures, data centre operators must also contend with the heat generated within their facilities. This combination poses significant risks to the operation and efficiency of data centres.
To mitigate these risks, Vertiv has provided several recommendations:
1. Clean or change air filters: The recent wildfires have highlighted the importance of maintaining air filters in data centre thermal management systems. These filters protect sensitive electronics from particulates in the air, including smoke from wildfires.
2. Accelerate planned maintenance and service: Extreme heat and poor air quality can strain not only data centre infrastructure systems but also electricity providers. To prevent unexpected failures, it is crucial to perform proactive maintenance such as cleaning condenser coils and maintaining refrigerant charge levels.
3. Activate available efficiency tools: Many modern UPS systems have high-efficiency eco-modes that can reduce power consumption. During heatwaves, when the grid is under strain, any reduction in demand can prevent service interruptions.
4. Leverage alternative energy sources: Data centres with access to alternative energy should consider using off-grid power sources, such as solar arrays or wind farms. Using generators during heatwaves is discouraged due to their higher greenhouse gas emissions.
John Niemann, senior vice president for the global thermal management business at Vertiv, emphasized the need for proactive preparation: “These heatwaves are becoming more common and more extreme, placing intense pressure on utility providers and data centre operators globally. Organisations must match that intensity with their response, proactively preparing for the associated strain not just on their own power and cooling systems, but on the grid as well.”
Flora Cavinato, global service portfolio director at Vertiv, added: “Prioritising thermal redundancy and partnering with a service provider with widespread local presence and first-class restoration capabilities can make the difference in data centre availability.”
Vertiv’s updated guidance builds upon their previous recommendations, which included running multiple cooling units, considering different cooling systems for high-temperature environments, and using predictive modelling for thermal impacts.
To learn more about data centre power and cooling or business continuity during extreme heat events, visit Vertiv.com.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, as the world becomes hotter, so do the challenges faced by data centres. The potent combination of escalating external temperatures and heat generated within the facilities can seriously compromise the efficiency and operation of these centres. But thanks to Vertiv’s comprehensive guidelines, data centres now have a roadmap to fend off these intense heatwaves. By prioritising preventive maintenance, making use of available efficiency tools, and harnessing alternative energy sources, they can not only survive but thrive amidst these tumultuous climatic conditions. It’s a tough battle, but with the right preparation and a proactive approach, it’s one that these digital fortresses can win.
FAQ
Q: What challenges do data centres face during extreme heat events?
A: Data centres face challenges from both rising outdoor temperatures and the heat generated within their facilities. These factors pose risks to the operation and efficiency of data centres.
Q: What recommendations does Vertiv provide for managing extreme heat in data centres?
A: Vertiv recommends several actions, including cleaning or changing air filters, accelerating planned maintenance and service, activating available efficiency tools, and leveraging alternative energy sources.
Q: Why is maintaining air filters important in data centre thermal management systems?
A: Maintaining air filters is crucial as they protect sensitive electronics from particulates in the air, including smoke from wildfires.
Q: What proactive maintenance should be performed during extreme heat events?
A: Proactive maintenance such as cleaning condenser coils and maintaining refrigerant charge levels is essential to prevent unexpected failures in data centre infrastructure systems.
Q: How can modern UPS systems help during heatwaves?
A: Many modern UPS systems have high-efficiency eco-modes that can reduce power consumption. Activating these eco-modes during heatwaves can help reduce demand on the grid and prevent service interruptions.
Q: What kind of power sources should data centres consider during extreme heat events?
A: Data centres with access to alternative energy should consider using off-grid power sources, such as solar arrays or wind farms. Using generators during heatwaves is discouraged due to their higher greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: What is the importance of proactive preparation for data centre operators?
A: Proactive preparation is crucial as heatwaves are becoming more common and extreme, placing intense pressure on utility providers and data centre operators globally. By preparing in advance, organisations can mitigate strain on their own power and cooling systems, as well as on the grid.
Q: How can partnering with a service provider help ensure data centre availability?
A: Prioritising thermal redundancy and partnering with a service provider with widespread local presence and first-class restoration capabilities can make a difference in data centre availability.
Q: What were some of Vertiv’s previous recommendations for managing extreme heat in data centres?
A: Vertiv’s previous recommendations included running multiple cooling units, considering different cooling systems for high-temperature environments, and using predictive modelling for thermal impacts.
Q: Where can I learn more about data centre power and cooling or business continuity during extreme heat events?
A: To learn more, you can visit Vertiv.com for information on data centre power and cooling as well as business continuity during extreme heat events.
