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Using CFD as a Guide When Making Changes to the Data Centre.

Nagy DanielSenior IT Manager

Magyar TelekomTechnical Unit, IT Operations Directorate

Overview

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Company overview Problems faced in modern datacentres The benefits of using CFD simulation to control problems Introduction to 6SigmaDC Case study: Adatpark

Introduction Issues identified Hot-spot mitigation techniques Review

Conclusions

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Magyar Telekom Group at a glance

Integrated operations in Hungary, Macedonia and Montenegro leading telecommunications service provider in all three countries leading SI/IT service provider in Hungary

EUR 2.5bn market capitalization

Stock exchange listings listed on NYSE and Budapest Stock Exchange delisting from NYSE to start before end 2010

Majority owned by Deutsche Telekom (59.2%)

Market shares (Q3 2010): TV: 28% Mobile: 45% Wireline broadband: 36% Mobile broadband: 48%

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Maintaining a balance of space, power and cooling Maximising capacity in a fixed infrastructure Selecting suitable cabinet layouts Managing differing IT equipment power and airflow

requirements Managing the risk of thermally induced downtime Optimising an already populated room Tackling hotspots in an existing datacentre

Problems Faced in Modern Datacentres

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The Benefits of using CFD Simulation to Identify Problems

CFD simulation offers a non intrusive approach Analyse problems in a non critical model. Maximise capacity Extending life of existing facilities

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Introduction to 6SigmaDC

6SigmaDC offers a suite of software programs designed specifically for datacentre use

3D models of datacentres can be built with detail down to the server level

400m2 floor 3 engineers 3D modelling: 2 days Equipment import: 1 day, thanks to:

6sigmaDC – SM7 integration Scripted CMDB updates

Calibration: 2 days Total: 5 days

Case Study: Adatpark - Modelling phase

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Case study: Adatpark - Problems

Equipments were imported from HP SM7 based CMDB

The model was used to highlight existing hot spots as well as areas of potential high temperature.

Red cabinets have over-temperature equipment in them. Orange racks contain equipment that is close to overheating

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Case study: Adatpark – Blanking Issues

Air to inlet of severs was being drawn through gaps in blanking.

Unused U-slots and Mounting rail side gaps were sealed.

Inlets and outlets of Cisco units were segregated.

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Case study: Adatpark – Results of Blanking

Over temperature equipment has been reduced.

Including the circled Cisco cabinet.

Many server cabinets are still close to the overheat limit.

Baseline

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Case study: Adatpark - Grille positioning Issues

There are floor grilles located outside of the equipment aisles – losing cool airflow

Floor grilles were arranged more systematically

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Overheating equipment has been eliminated

Some cabinets are still close to their overheat limit

Previously

Case study: Adatpark – Results of Grille Changes

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Case study: Adatpark - Removal of Hot Air

The result plane shows air temperature 1m above the facility raised floor

There are areas where hot air is not effectively removed

Hot air is trapped in the rear of some cabinets

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Case study: Adatpark – Chimney Cabinets

In this situation the restructure of equipment was impractical.

Chimney cabinets were suggested as a way to direct hot air from servers into the ceiling void.

Cabinets having difficulty removing hot air were fitted with chimney attachments

Produced by Future Facilities Ltd 15

Only one piece of equipment remains in the borderline temperature condition

No equipment is overheating.

Previously

Case study: Adatpark – Results of Chimney Cabinet Implementation

Produced by Future Facilities Ltd 16

Use of CFD minimise overheat risk and maximise the potential of the datacentre.

Other opportunities to utilise CFD and the Virtual Facility during a datacentre’s lifespan: Design - Balancing space, power and cooling Design - Selecting suitable cabinet layouts Operation - Managing deployment of IT equipment based

on power and airflow requirements Operation - Managing the risk of thermally induced

downtime Extended Life - Optimising an already populated room Extended Life - Maximising capacity in a fixed infrastructure

Conclusions

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Thank You!