Boost Data Center Efficiency: DCIM Meets ASHRAE Standards

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Published On: June 5th, 2024|4 min read|

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ASHRAE Temperature DCIM

In the rapidly evolving landscape of data centers, effective temperature management is crucial for maintaining system reliability, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing operational costs. Modern Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software has emerged as a transformative tool in achieving these goals. By leveraging DCIM to manage data center temperature within the guidelines set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), organizations can reap significant advantages. This piece explores how DCIM software facilitates optimal temperature management and the myriad benefits of adhering to ASHRAE guidelines.

ASHRAE LOGO
Understanding ASHRAE Guidelines

ASHRAE provides detailed recommendations for data center environmental conditions through its Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments. These guidelines specify temperature and humidity ranges that ensure the optimal performance and longevity of IT equipment. The latest guidelines define four classes (A1 to A4) for allowable and recommended temperature ranges, with the recommended range for Class A1 being 18°C to 27°C (64.4°F to 80.6°F).

The Role of DCIM Software

DCIM software integrates IT and facility management to provide a holistic view of data center operations. It offers real-time monitoring, analysis, and management capabilities that are essential for maintaining temperature within the ASHRAE recommended ranges. Here’s how DCIM software achieves this:

  1. Real-Time Monitoring: DCIM software continuously monitors temperature and humidity levels across the data center. Sensors placed throughout the facility provide real-time data, enabling precise tracking of environmental conditions.
    Data Analytics and Visualization: Advanced analytics tools within DCIM platforms interpret the data from sensors, offering visualizations through dashboards and heat maps. This allows for quick identification of hotspots or areas with suboptimal temperature levels.
  2. Automated Alerts and Actions: When temperature or humidity levels deviate from ASHRAE guidelines, DCIM software can trigger automated alerts to facility managers. Some advanced systems can also initiate corrective actions, such as adjusting cooling systems or redistributing workloads to prevent overheating.
    Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing historical data, DCIM software can predict potential issues before they arise. Predictive maintenance helps in planning interventions without disrupting data center operations, ensuring continuous compliance with ASHRAE guidelines.
  3. Energy Efficiency Optimization: DCIM software helps in optimizing the use of cooling systems, which are major energy consumers in data centers. By maintaining temperatures within the ASHRAE recommended range, data centers can avoid overcooling and reduce energy consumption, leading to significant cost savings.
ASHRAE Temperature Bands

An example of how the Hyperview DCIM software platform incorporates ASHRAE temperature bands for guidance.

Advantages of Using DCIM Software within ASHRAE Guidelines

Adhering to ASHRAE guidelines using DCIM software offers numerous benefits:

  1. Enhanced Equipment Reliability and Longevity: Maintaining temperatures within the recommended ranges prevents thermal stress on equipment, reducing the risk of hardware failures and extending the lifespan of IT assets.
  2. Improved Energy Efficiency: Optimized cooling strategies enabled by DCIM software lead to more efficient use of energy resources. This not only lowers operational costs but also supports sustainability goals by reducing the data center’s carbon footprint.
    Cost Savings: By avoiding both overcooling and overheating, data centers can significantly cut down on energy bills and minimize expenses related to equipment repairs and replacements.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to ASHRAE guidelines ensures that data centers meet industry standards, which can be crucial for regulatory compliance and avoiding penalties.
  4. Enhanced Operational Visibility and Control: DCIM software provides a centralized platform for managing all aspects of data center operations, offering unparalleled visibility and control over environmental conditions and other critical parameters.
    Scalability and Flexibility: As data centers grow and evolve, DCIM software scales seamlessly, accommodating new equipment and changing environmental needs while continuing to ensure adherence to ASHRAE guidelines.

Conclusion

The integration of DCIM software in data center operations represents a significant advancement in environmental management. By aligning with ASHRAE guidelines, data centers can achieve optimal temperature control, enhance reliability, improve energy efficiency, and realize substantial cost savings. As the demand for data processing continues to surge, the strategic use of DCIM software will be instrumental in driving the next generation of efficient, sustainable, and resilient data centers.

Ready to modernize your data center operations? Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Hyperview’s cloud-based DCIM software. No credit card needed, access all the features.

Rajan is the Chief Marketing Officer of Hyperview, a cloud-based digital infrastructure management platform that is both powerful and easy to use. Hyperview offers next-generation DCIM tools to manage and monitor hybrid computing environments.
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