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Keysource
Announces Computational Fluid Dynamics Software “The low cost and physical space requirements of blade servers has enabled data centre owners and operators to dramatically increase the processing capability of many facilities. However, these increased densities have also introduced an increased risk of thermal shutdown as hotspots emerge,” West continued. “At Keysource, our Datacentre Design Practice has been working with owners and operators to optimise environments and maximise operational capacities specifically so that blade servers can introduced without risk. We are, therefore, delighted to have made this agreement with Future Facilities.” 6SigmaDC software from Future Facilities uses 3-D mathematical modelling for scientific validation of design assumptions as well as the assessment of the thermal/ environmental impact of all future equipment deployments within the facility prior to installation. The software creates a comprehensive model of the datacentre called the Virtual Facility©, which is used for this purpose. Hassan Moezzi, founder and director of Future Facilities Limited said “6SigmaDC software and the Virtual Facility© are powerful tools in the hands of skilled operators. We are delighted to be working with Keysource, a company which has already proven its credentials in the market for high density space design and build.” The Virtual Facility© helps address the considerable gap between the frequency of change of IT equipment, measured in days, and the typical life expectancy of facilities, measured in years. Using the software, Keysource are able to fully test the effectiveness of existing and proposed facility layouts using tailored and predictive 3-dimensional modelling that includes heat distribution within dynamic environments. In addition, the inventory management module helps to ensure that the layout remains one step ahead as utilisation changes over the lifetime of the computer room. The continuing rise in power densities coupled with the non-uniformity of airflow creates an unacceptable risk of thermal shutdown due to the formation of hotspots. The modern facility is highly developed accommodation for complex electronic systems. In other words, not a room to house network devices, but a vital part of the network itself.” Virtual prototyping is an accepted and established process for microprocessor and computer systems design. Future Facilities has extended this design philosophy to the facility itself, using the same technology to create the Virtual Facility© concept. Mike West said “IT manufacturers take a great deal of care to maximise airflow to ensure systems stay within operational temperature parameters. Datacentre managers need to ensure that the same level of care is applied as rack space becomes utilised, so that each device within the space is provisioned with adequate power and cooling. Best practice is to know that a facility is going to work before it is built or during operations.” In addition to 3D architectural design tools for the physical construction of the data centre, the 6SigmaDC package also incorporates a powerful library of both physical infrastructure components and IT manufacturers’ equipment. The 6SigmaDC application therefore enables the Virtual Facility© to be designed and built out in the virtual world, and then fully simulated for airflow and cooling. This allows all design decisions to be evaluated prior to construction and commissioning in the real world. In the design and construction phase of the Virtual Facility©, designers are able to evaluate the effects of server and other equipment placement within the rack, as well as the rack placement itself. The Virtual Facility© represents the virtual prototype as proof of concept. Most importantly, it acts as an efficient communication tool between the various disciplines involved in the design and construction phase of a datacentre. For more details regarding Computation Fluid Dynamics services, please contact the Datacentre Design Practice at Keysource on 0845 204 3333. - ends - About
Keysource For more information contact: Matt Dyke Press enquiries: Damien Wells
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