
Problem
What is an affordable, scalable way to monitor data center server racks to prevent overheating?
In the past, data center climate monitoring was limited to individual thermostats or wired monitoring systems. This is because many companies would rent warehouse space to store server racks and other equipment. However, it is difficult to monitor and control temperature and relative humidity levels in these shared environments.
Unregulated temperature fluctuations often lead to equipment failure, decreased energy efficiency, and increased operational costs. For existing centers, attempts to retroactively install systems to monitor the environment present logistical and financial challenges; Wired monitoring systems are complex to install, expensive, and difficult to scale as data centers expand. The demand for extra power from AI platforms even further exacerbates overheating issues.
Solution
Monitoring data centers with a wireless sensor network that measures and sends real-time data to the cloud
The HOBOnet Remote Sensor Network solves many of the current problems in data center climate monitoring. HOBOnet sensors—which wirelessly connect to a main HOBO RX station—can be easily deployed across a data center without disrupting ongoing operations. The system is designed to easily scale up, which ensures complete coverage without extensive additional investment.
HOBOnet additionally provides remote access to real-time data via the LI-COR Cloud™ (formerly HOBOlink) software platform. Data center managers can set up automatic email and/or text alerts if user-set thresholds are exceeded, allowing them to promptly respond to deviations and prevent equipment damage. HOBOnet sensors are also battery-powered, which ensures continuous monitoring even during power outages.
Results
Reduced risk of data center equipment failure, reduced operational costs, increased efficiency
Implementing the HOBOnet Remote Sensor Network during data center construction gives greater control over existing and future environmental monitoring needs. Real-time data access reduces the risk of equipment failure and improves operational costs. In addition, managers can access historical temp/RH data in LI-COR Cloud to analyze trends and patterns over time. This data is invaluable in terms of capacity planning, energy efficiency optimization, and compliance reporting.
Products Used
MicroRX Indoor Station
To monitor and ensure optimal environmental conditions at data centers
LI-COR Cloud™ IoT Platform
To remotely access critical environmental data and receive automatic notifications if conditions exceed user-set thresholds