scope:

This paper shows the results of a characterization of an 11,490 ft² (1067 m²) high-density data center, with focus on a zone with heat dissipation greater than 80 kW and up to 26 kW per frame. To gain insight into the operational health, a data center survey is conducted. The purpose of the survey is to measure and collect data on power consumption, airflow, and temperature throughout the data center. The results are used to profile and validate the data center via a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for detailed analysis. The methodology used in the study is similar to that of the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) data center case study (Schmidt 2004).