A STUDY OF DATA CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS IN NUS WIRE CENTERS

Abstract

The number of data centers are growing at a staggering number. Rising needs for data processing encourages the growth of data centers around the world. This, however, contributes to the increasing energy consumption by these facilities as well, especially due to their high-power equipment inside and the cooling system necessary to cool them down. As such, measures have to be taken to ensure that the current setting and arrangement are optimized for seamless operations. One way is by using the data center environmental controls for maintaining air quality parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, within a recommended range. By doing parameter monitoring, the equipment inside will have a supportive environment for an optimum performance throughout its lifespan. Efficient equipment will contribute to an effective energy consumption which translates to a cost-effective data center as well. In light of this, observational study was conducted to study the temperature, humidity, and CO2 level by deploying sensor devices in 3 wire centers in NUS. Wire centers, which are similar in nature to data centers, were chosen in concern with NUS IT management. This research is hoped to provide an extensive parameter analysis in wire centers on potential energy saving, and the effect on the equipment and the environment. This objective originated from a trend in the industry where companies have started to increase their temperature set point to reduce the energy consumption. Data were collected within the span of 13 weeks from November 2017 to January 2018. There was a positive finding where the strategy of rising the temperature could be implemented in NUS. However, a more in-depth research is necessary to ascertain the actual amount of energy saving that can potentially be obtained.