Datacentre provider Liebert is using 3D imaging software
to help its clients, which include several large financial
institutions,improve the efficiency of their
datacentres.
The
6SigmaDC software from Future Facilities creates a 3D virtual
model of a datacentre and uses thermal imaging to show where
heat is dissipating within the server room. This information
can then be used to calculate the most energy efficient way to cool
the datacentre.
Liebert’s users, which include the
International Banking and Financial Services Organisation and
US Internet, can manipulate the models to discover how altering
elements such as room dimensions, floor void depth, rack layout,
air handling and cooling units will affect how much energy is
consumed.
Liebert piloted the 6SigmaDC software in November 2006 and began
offering the 3D thermal imaging service to its customers from March
this year. It has agreed to collaborate with Future Facilities to
fine-tune the software over time.
Fred Stack, vice-president of marketing at Liebert, said the
software would help the company’s users plan their datacentre
designs better and monitor their facilities while they were
operational.
“Proper planning for
power and cooling needs is the number one issue facing today’s
datacentre managers,” he said. “Most people are not aware of how
far their datacentre has drifted from the best practice they had
when they implemented it.
"In general, under-the-floor cabling becomes confusing, and
datacentre managers can be surprised at the impact of heat leaks in
the datacentre caused by how they have managed their cable
cut-outs.”
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