|
As data center cooling becomes more complicated and expensive due to the rapid rise in power densities of modern computing and communications systems, the ability to predict local temperature and airflow near equipment racks becomes critical. Running computer simulations of the airflow and heat transfer throughout the data center can provide a solution, but analyzing the results requires time and expertise.
Through the use of Flomerics’ Flovent CFD software, APC developed a much simpler approach that enables the user to model a wide range of data center configurations and distill the results into simple algorithms that predict cooling performance for typical data center layouts. APC engineers calculated the capture indices for many thousands of rack and cooler layouts from Flovent simulations. Based on these results, APC developed mathematical models that predict the capture index based on data center layout without the need for a full 3D airflow simulation. These models were then incorporated into APC software tools developed for designing and managing data centers such as InfraStruXure Designer and Capacity Manager.
“We are excited to partner with APC to help data center designers and owners evaluate different arrangements of computing equipment and cooling systems in order to optimize their data center design and ensure satisfactory cooling performance prior to equipment installation or reconfiguration,” said Mike Reynell, marketing director, Flomerics. “The Flomerics software development and engineering teams understand the value of the capture index to data center cooling applications and were able to deliver the needed functionality.”
The cooling calculator helps design and maintains data centers that deliver reliable performance while minimizing cooling costs. The user is able to quickly and easily lay out the physical arrangement of equipment in the data center by dragging and dropping virtual racks and coolers. Cooling calculations are then performed in real time and cooling performance is immediately indicted by a color coding of racks based on capture index.
“Our real-time cooling calculator based on Flomerics software brings important new benefits to APC Capacity Manager customers,” explained Phil London, vice president and chief technologist of Data Center Solutions, Services and Software at APC. “Managers now can run predictive scenarios to make faster decisions about additions, changes and events, resulting in greater operational efficiency in data centers.”
About APC
APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in critical power and cooling services, provides industry leading product, software and systems for home, office, data center and factory floor applications. Backed by the strength, experience, and wide network of Schneider Electric’s Critical Power & Cooling Services, APC delivers well planned, flawlessly installed and maintained solutions throughout their lifecycle. Through its unparalleled commitment to innovation, APC delivers pioneering, energy efficient solutions for critical technology and industrial applications. In 2007, Schneider Electric acquired APC and combined it with MGE UPS Systems to form Schneider Electric’s Critical Power & Cooling Services Business Unit, which recorded 2007 revenue of $3.5 billion (€2.4 billion) and employed 12,000 people worldwide. APC solutions include uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), precision cooling units, racks, physical security and design and management software, including APC's InfraStruXure® architecture, the industry’s most comprehensive integrated power, cooling, and management solution. Schneider Electric, with 120,000 employees and operations in 102 countries, had 2007 annual sales of $25 billion (€17.3 billion). For more information on APC, please visit www.apc.com. All trademarks are the property of their owners.
APC Uses FLOVENT Simulation Software To Create First Real-Time Data Center Cooling Calculator.
|
]
