ASHRAE’s 2011 Expanded Thermal Guidelines has caused a lot of controversy and confused many in the data center industry. Although ASHRAE released the information a year ago in May 2011, it is still highly debated and sometimes misinterpreted.
I recently participated in a discussion on LinkedIn about the best, most energy-efficient way to control temperature: either the classic sensor in the return of each individual CRAC/CRAH or supply air either by under-floor sensors or sensors in the cold aisles.
The introduction of 2011 ASHRAE’s TC 9.9 Expanded Thermal Guidelines brought forth a new awareness of being able to successfully operate new IT equipment in the expanded “Allowable” ranges, far beyond the previous 2004 -2008 ASHRAE “Recommended” environmental envelopes.
In mid-February HP unveiled their new G8 generation servers. While the announcement contained the usual PR messages (new, improved, better, faster, smarter, etc.), it did highlight some interesting technologies that will presumably help improve the energy efficiency within the data center.