“This paper reports on testing performed at our collaborative data center test lab facility in Munich, Germany where we have explored three different control designs for a containment strategy. The primary goal for energy savings in a containment strategy is to provide just enough cool air to the servers such that the server fans are satisfied without causing any circulation to occur from the hot side of the containment. We investigated control based on temperature, pressure, and velocity measurements. The specifics of each are discussed as well as recommendations for choosing the appropriate controls. Practical considerations as well as system implementation recommendations are also shared. Each strategy can be made to work but the pressure control scenario provided the best level of control.”

The whitepaper and further detailed information on : “An investigation into cooling system control strategies for datacenter airflow containment architectures” can be obtained from michael.k.patterson@intel.com

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Knürr system solutions in the world of information and network technology are part of an adaptive architecture from Emerson Network Power, which flexibly adapts to changes concerning security, high-density and all associated capacities. Companies are provided sustainable and long-term benefits from the high IT availability, operative flexibility and impressive reduction in investment and operating costs.

The Knürr Technical Furniture business unit develops, produces and distributes technical workstation systems for control consoles, operation control centers and electronics labs, as well as mobile equipment carriers for the automotive and medical technology industries.

Knürr AG is recognized around the world as one of the leading developers, manufacturers and distributors of rack and enclosure platforms in the indoor and outdoor area, including all relevant active/passive components in 19” construction and the technologies associated with it. Knürr is part of Emerson Network Power.

Knürr is certified in accordance with EN ISO 9001 and EN ISO 14001, and its quality management continuously guarantees the highest standards in all areas of the company.

Dr. Markus Leberecht is going to present results of Datacenter2020 at the “International Conference on Energy-Aware High Performance Computing” www.ena-hpc.org in Hamburg, Germany on Sept 16, 2010.

“Macro and Micro-level Energy-Savings Through COTS Technologies”, Markus Leberecht, Intel GmbH
Data center infrastructure optimization and energy-aware programming are two important practices in the toolbox of energy-efficient IT operation. In this talk, we are going to demonstrate how Intel engages in these two fields to drive highly pragmatic approaches towards lowering total and relative energy use in enterprise and high-performance computing.

The biggest section of the company, data infrastructure solutions, provides components for networks and computer centres. These include products like the REDi-Way system, comprising pre-assembled copper or fibreglass trunk cabling, patch cables, RJ-45 modules, distribution panels and junction boxes. The cable assembly section of WGD Datentechnik produces customized cables according to the drawings and specifications of its customers.

MPK-Slim trunk cables from WGD Datentechnik are in use at the DataCenter 2020. “WGD Datentechnik is a long-standing partner for our computer centres and our first port of call when it comes to copper cabling solutions,” explains Manuel Mair, project leader for DataCenter 2020 at T-Systems. “The trunk cables that have been installed are used to exchange information between IP-compliant devices and the central building control system. Altogether, we have dispatched over 1000 metres of these cables in the DataCenter 2020.”

High packing density saves energy

The 6-core WGD MPK-Slim trunk cable that has been used is specified for up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet and complies with various certifications (incl. the GHMT PVP) to ensure good connection quality during data transfer. Other important features of the trunk cable from WGD are its high packing density and small diameter. Because of these, the cable consumes about 52% less space than conventional cabling. The result is that cable channels can be smaller, reducing the potential fire hazard, because they contain less flammable material.

The fact that the cable takes up less space is also a benefit for energy efficiency. “Because the cable is so densely packed, there is more room in the server rack for the cooling system. Also, since there is less interruption to the air flow and hardly any air turbulence, the air conditioning in the rack is far more efficient, saving valuable energy,” says Manuel Mair. “We achieve the same effect in the false floor.”

Wolfgang Gerlach, Director of WGD Datentechnik, is delighted that his company is able to help the energy efficiency requirements of the DataCenter 2020, thanks to the MPK-Slim trunk cable: “As a longstanding partner of T-Systems for their infrastructure cabling, it was only natural that we should provide our slimline cables for the research computer centre. There, we can test our cabling solution, which measures only 13.5 millimetres, using six complete RJ45 boxes, in intensive and changing conditions, thus gaining valuable experience for our own research.”

One more advantage: the Slim-Kabel is pre-assembled and therefore ready for use as soon as it is delivered. “The MPK-Slim trunk cable from WGD can be reused and is very simple to lay, almost Plug & Play,” adds Manual Mair of T-Systems, delighted. WGD supplies the cable in any required length (up to 60 m for AWG26 /up to 90 m for AWG23) with protected plugs, an optional cable pull and the relevant measurement logs.

Whitepaper Data Center 2020 (english Version)

Diane M. Bryant, Chief Information Officer at Intel Corporation, and Olaf Heyden, member of the board of management and Head of ICT Operations at T-Systems.

The companies were able to reduce their power usage effectiveness (PUE) from 1.9 to less than 1.4 at their test data center in Munich. This value shows how much of the energy used is actually converted into computing performance. Since not only the processors but also the server cooling system, for example, use energy, this value has been at 1.9 on average.

Green is the way to go

Since September 2009, both companies have been doing research at DataCenter 2020, which was especially designed for this purpose. Intel and T-Systems experts have experimented with various scenarios to reduce the PUE value. For example, the companies found the point which creates a perfect balance between cooling energy and processor performance. The result showed that data center cooling did not need to be as high as was often assumed. The experts also improved the data center infrastructure by closing open gaps between servers. This way they were able to optimize air flow in server rooms.

This showed that energy consumption at data centers could be reduced partially with simple measures. And this is not only better for corporate expenses but also for the environment. If you are interested, you can access the complete results via the link to DataCenter 2020 in the right-hand column on this page.

For the DataCenter 2020, Emerson Network Power is providing two Liebert Hiross HPM L12UC forced air cooling devices and one for the humidification and dehumidification of the electronic data processing center. The company is also supplying the Liebert Hiross HPC-S water chiller, complete with free cooling, on the roof of the building. Christian Richter, Marketing Manager for UPS and air conditioning at Emerson Network Power in Bavaria, considers DataCenter 2020 to be an outstanding test area in which to research the interplay of different control parameters in the data center: “We can put the results of the extensive tests in the lab to good use in our product development. T-Systems is also a long-standing customer with enormous expertise in the field of energy efficiency.”

Forced air cooling devices

In the DataCenter 2020, two Liebert Hiross HPM L12UC forced air cooling devices are being used: one with an EC motor, and one with an AC motor and frequency converter. A third device from Emerson Network Power is also being used exclusively for the humidification and dehumidification of the air in the test lab.

“Deutsche Telekom operates approximately 35 electronic data processing centers around Germany, some of which still use out-dated technology such as AC motors,” explains Manuel Mair, Project Manager of DataCenter 2020 at T-Systems. “With the two types of forced air cooling device, we are finding out whether it makes sense to upgrade the older AC motors with a frequency converter, or whether it is better to just buy a new device with an EC motor.” According to Mr. Mair, the forced air cooling devices must always be considered in the context of the overall cooling system in the electronic data processing center, e.g. the cold aisle containment or the water chiller.

EC motors consume around 30 percent less power than AC motors. As they use no energy from frequency converters, they are free from electromagnetic interference. Electronic control allows the EC ventilators to be very well regulated and optimally set to the prevailing circumstances. The Liebert Hiross HPM series devices are fitted with iCOM control, which links several units via Ethernet and enables the synchronization of numerous air-conditioning units. The iCOM control also allows the airflow of the ventilators to be continuously increased if necessary.

Water chiller

On the roof of DataCenter 2020 is a compact design Liebert Hiross HPC-S water chiller with built-in free cooling facility. The device uses the outside temperature (especially in winter) to cool the water, therefore achieving energy savings of up to 30 percent. The Liebert Hiross HPC-S with its hermetic scroll compressors is at the cutting edge of technology and is redundantly configured with two separate cooling circuits to increase the reliability. The screw compressor is continuously adjustable and specially developed and optimized for air-cooled liquid chillers in air-conditioning systems.