Virtual Reality is used extensively in Data Centre design, but why not during operation? A presentation providing food for thought on this fascinating topic.
To begin we will take a look at other industries that use Virtual Reality in the their work, and see how it compares to the Data Centre industry.
Complex 3D models are used within the manufacturing industry produced with software tools such as PTC’sProEngineer or DassaultSystemes’ Catia. These tools enable complex multi-component products to be designed, prototyped and documented. Today most people will carry devices designed in this way on their person.
The biomedical industry uses modelling for many purposes including training, and education…The images show:SimBaby, a tool that allows medical staff to practice their emergency skills without risk to a real child.3D Science computer model that provides details anatomical information of the human body for a variety of engineering applications, e.g. prosthetic and apparatus design.
Or within the Aerospace industry where pilots in simulators are able to experience emergency situations without risk to their passengers. Something I expect many of us have taken for granted on our journey’s here for this conference.In summary Virtual Reality, 3D Modelling and Simulation are valuable, integral parts of many industries.
Now lets turn to the Data Centre industry and see how we use the Virtual World to our advantage.
Like the examples shown previously Data Centres are complex entities. 3D design tools make it possible to coordinate the many Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing services.
3D Visualisation & Renderings are powerful throughout the design process. The example shows visualisations used in the planning application for a data centre in the UK. The visualisations were key to gaining permission for this project to advance, convincing the authorities that its presence would not detriment the picturesque rural landscape.
The integration of some Physics into the models allows solutions to be engineered to meet design specification.
In this example a pipe analysis has been carried out to ensure that appropriate joints and fixings are selected to allow the pipes freedom to move during operation.
Electrical Power systems are modelled to predict load-flow, single point failure and transient analysis etc.
The equations of motion allow the temperatures and airflows in a Data Centre to be predicted. This allows a cooling system design to be demonstrated to be effective prior to installation.
Transient simulations allow the temperatures within the data centre whitespace to be predicted in the event of a power failure, or a transition to generator supply. Useful for ensuring that UPS systems are appropriately defined.
Like the aircraft simulator, the analysis tools can also be used to ‘Simulate’ how a data centre will behave in various what-if scenarios without risk to operation.Efficiency, Fault Tolerance, De-risk etc.
The thermal analysis show previously can be used for simulation too:Will hotspots occur if the data centre is loaded partially, or if a CRAC unit fails or is switched off for maintenance?How does the layout of equipment influence the temperatures within the space?What if a containment system is fitted?
In this real life example hotspots were predicted if a planned equipment installation were to go ahead without additional cooling.Simulations allowed the quantity and position of auxiliary CRAC units to be determined prior to installation. Their implementation prevented overheating in the real facility. The problem was averted.
The efficiency of Data Centre’s varies with external ambient, and percentage utilisation. A simulation with Romonet’s DCSim software predicts the DCiE surface plot. This Data Centre shown is particularly efficient at part load.
The integration of asset data, with 3D models allows assets to be identified, and visualised in a realistically, whilst providing up-to-date data for any future simulations should they be required.
The integration of building documentation means that operation& maintenance manuals are kept up-to-date and are easily found simply by clicking on the devices in a 3D world.
The integration of BMS / sensordata, server utilisation data, allows real-time analytics to take place, displayed conveniently in the 3D modelling environment. The picture shows a BMS front end designed for a client to show and log power usage data, and calculate instantaneous PUE.
Currently many of the technologies seen are independent, requiring their own modelling and data. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology offers a means to integrate the different models together, allowing data to be shared where possible.
Example: Artra
There are some common standards emerging. Some tools are already compatible, others are likely to come on-board.
Currently many of the technologies seen are independent, requiring their own modelling and data. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology offers a means to integrate the different models together, allowing data to be shared where possible.
As in the industries we looked at in the beginning we see that the benefits of Virtual Reality to the Data Centre are numerous too. Useful in design, but useful too during the operation of a data centre too.
Examples for payback: Allow for a phased installation to take place, allowing plant to be installed ‘just in time’ as it is needed. Reduce the liklihood of human error (as we have seen this is a major cause of downtime). Improve utilisation of assets and release spare capacity.- A small increase in efficiency can easily pay for BIM technology in its first year.