THE EDGE
Jakub Wolski , Data Centre Strategy and Business Development Leader at Trend Control Systems
Optimisation and maintenance
An effective strategy will incorporate both site optimisation actions and ongoing processes for efficiency improvements . When optimising the data centre environment , it ’ s important to use an energy-efficient server , router and storage system . Across suppliers , the energy requirement of devices can vary widely . In addition , IT equipment often runs at elevated temperatures .
To benefit from this energy-saving potential , one option to consider is the right Building Energy Management System ( BEMS ). A BEMS is a sensorbased solution designed to observe energy distribution and consumption in real time . It can keep track of ambient temperatures , air and water quality and identify sources of energy waste . This data can help you make smarter decisions to improve system performance .
Even better , analytical software can crunch all that data from a central dashboard . Dashboards can be customised to different needs , providing a straightforward way to collect , evaluate and visualise relevant data about your site . The data-led insights can be helpful to meet strategic goals , like reducing maintenance costs or carbon emissions .
Making any built environment more efficient is an ongoing process which involves continually replacing outdated equipment with new kit . But to balance performance with profit , it would be wise to keep much of the current technology in place , especially if it works well . In fact , for a more energy-efficient data centre , engineering measures should be planned during the design phase – e . g ., distribution of power supply units , a strict separation of hot-air and cold-air areas , or the flexible use of air-conditioning systems .
When it ’ s too much to think about , a BEMS can control a large part of a building ’ s energy consumption . But be aware : not all BEMS work with older devices .
The key here is backwards compatibility . Modern BEMS controllers are engineered to be cybersecure , resilient , scalable and compatible with existing IT infrastructures . It ’ s important to look for an integrated system that protects the investment and can keep your data centre running smoothly .
A robust system for energy management and maintenance is fundamental for driving energy efficiency in data centres . Still , while digital platforms and smart building controls can be incredibly useful , there ’ s still the human factor to consider in energy-saving plans .
Human resources , human errors , employee well-being , corporate policies and individual actions can influence the energy use of an organisation .
In any case , data centre sustainability tends to connect smart data to smart people . When combined with tailored solutions , an integrated BEMS helps bridge the gap between traditional IT facilities and digital possibilities . With a BEMS , you can kickstart the capabilities to transform your data centre ’ s efficiency and performance . �
80 www . intelligentdatacentres . com