A typical data center uses 10-50 times the electricity per square foot that a typical commercial office building uses, and 35-45 percent of this energy is for the HVAC systems.Upgrades to data center power and HVAC systems are not finished when the equipment installation is finished. It is essential that if installed systems are to deliver the intended reliability that they perform as designed. Commissioning is the best way to achieve this goal.
Electrical systems should be tested with properly sized load banks connected. Electrical failures should be simulated to ensure UPS, generators, transfer switches, and control systems function reliably under load. Each HVAC system component should be tested for normal operation and under failure conditions.
Maintenance also must be part of the planning. Equipment must be installed so it will allow for easy maintenance. Managers need to establish maintenance schedules for all equipment that equals or exceeds manufacturer suggestions, and technicians need to keep logs of maintenance performed so managers can track progress and performance over time.
Managers also must ensure the proper training of maintenance technicians on all installed equipment so no delays occur when calling in personnel who are not on site should a failure occur.
James Piper, P.E., is a national facilities consultant based in Bowie, Md. He has more than 30 years of experience with facilities maintenance, engineering and management issues.
Strategies and Tactics For Successful Data Center Upgrades
Ensuring Reliable Power to Data Centers
Commissioning Data Center Systems To Achieve Performance Goals
