The Scenario
As IT hardware continues to deliver greater processing power in a smaller footprint, Molson Coors (UK) suspected that its main UK data centre was oversized for the hardware now on the ground. The cooling plant in the data centre was originally sized for when the facility was fully loaded but the reduced IT footprint has resulted in an excess cooling capability leading to higher than necessary energy costs.
The Solution
Through detailed analysis of the cooling infrastructure, airflows, temperatures and power consumption, 4energy were able to confirm the excess cooling capacity. Analysis using computational fluid dynamics software and detailed predictive modelling of proposed configuration changes to the CRAC/AHU units allowed 4energy to propose a new layout which would significantly reduce the cooling costs without major capital spend.
The Results
By identifying hot & cold spots, airflow problems and understanding which IT hardware required the most cooling, 4energy recommended and implemented various changes to the room to optimise the air flows, ensuring that cool air was only delivered to the relevant IT equipment. Using computer generated models to validate proposed changes 4energy was able to change the configuration of the CRAC/AHU units resulting in cooling energy savings in excess of 20%.
