Cold vs. Warm Dark Shell Data Center
A warm dark shell and a cold dark shell represent two distinct stages in the development of modern data centers, and the distinction between them has become increasingly consequential as global jurisdictions tighten scrutiny around power consumption, environmental impact, and construction entitlements. Cold dark shell A cold dark shell is the most elemental form […]
Energy Efficiency and Increasing Data Center Temperatures Without Risk
Energy Efficiency and Increasing Data Center Temperatures Without Risk Even when ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.09 released the Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments, a path to improve efficiency was laid out to be followed. And with each update additional energy savings could be found as the group found that IT equipment was becoming much more […]
Strengthening Collaboration between IT and Facilities Personnel
Behind the scenes, a harmonious collaboration between IT and facilities personnel is imperative to maintain the efficiency, reliability, and security of data center operations. To facilitate effective collaboration, it’s essential to comprehend the distinct roles and responsibilities of IT and facilities personnel within data center operations. When the IT and facilities teams aren’t on the […]
Modernizing a Data Center for 2020
A path to modernize the infrastructure of a data center facility As 2020 begins, we have likely noticed that the many components of the data center infrastructure have aged past their warranties and software management tools no longer echo the reality of the actual systems. Along with this the ongoing operations & maintenance (O&M) grows […]
Energy Codes & Standards
In the United States there are two main documents that pertain to energy. The main one is the model code International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), developed by the International Code Council. 47 states have adopted it, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The other is Standard 90.1, […]
Seismic Ratings
When do you need to have seismic rated equipment? Should you have all equipment rated for an earthquake or just redundant equipment? What equipment would be rated for a seismic event? Of course the answer to these questions is – it depends. The need for seismic rated equipment depends on the level of risk that […]
Business law and the regulatory environment
Over the years I have learned a lot about business and the messaging components. I have learned that there is a lot that goes into the process, from raw research to how communications firms translate that information to an informative message. Having a business unit behind you to do all of this is a great […]
ASHRAE 2012 Winter Meeting Notes
I thought I’d provide a few highlights from what I learned and heard at the ASHRAE 2012 Winter meeting in Chicago. ASHRAE has gone through some rebranding, including a new logo & tagline: Shaping Tomorrow’s Built Environment Today. Of data center interest: Technical Committee 9.9 (http://tc99.ashraetcs.org/) had two meetings at the conference; for more information it […]