Improve Data Center Efficiency - Part 1: Documentation, Network, Metering & Monitoring

Improving data center efficiency starts with building a strong foundation. The purpose of this article is to provide high-level education on the essential steps to begin this process. Keep in mind, these steps can be time-consuming and should be done properly in collaboration with reliable service providers and vendors.

In this first article of the series, we’ll cover three key steps: Documentation & Inventory, Service/Local Network Setup, and Metering & Monitoring.

Step 1: Documentation & Inventory

The first step is awareness—understanding your facility’s systems, goals, and gaps.

• Inventory Your Equipment: Identify all critical systems like HVAC, racks, cabinets, sensors, and meters. This helps uncover any missing tools or data. Below is an example of using our software, however this inventory can be maintained in a simple spreadsheet to start.

  
  

  

  
  

• Checklist for Key Data: Focus on energy metering, zone temperature, humidity, and cooling system status.

  
  

• Organize Facility Documentation: Gather blueprints, equipment manuals, SOPs, and other key documents into a centralized and secure database for easy access. Below is an example of using our software, however your documentation can be stored securely in an on-prem or cloud data base like Onedrive.

  
  

  

Step 2: Service or Local Network Setup

A reliable service network is crucial for integrating your facility systems and preparing for Building Management Software (BMS) or Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM).

• Prepare Your Central Server: Install a server and network switch to host the local network. BMS providers may provide their own server or use yours.

  
  

• Route Communication Paths: Pre-plan sensor and metering locations, routing ethernet cables or wireless gateways.

  
  

• Establish Communication Protocols: Use widely supported protocols like BACnet, Modbus, or LonWorks to connect sensors and devices.

  
  

This network enables seamless communication between sensors, meters, and the central server, paving the way for autonomous facility management.

Step 3: Metering & Monitoring

Installing the right meters and sensors is the final piece of the puzzle.

• Focus on Key Metrics: Start with Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), calculated as total site power divided by IT power.  

  
  

• Install Energy Meters:

  • Total Energy Load: Install meters at the facility’s main power panel.

  • IT Load: Use data from UPS systems or PDUs, many of which have built-in monitoring capabilities.

    
    

• Monitor Environmental Data: Install sensors for zone temperature and humidity, ensuring they communicate back through your service network.

  
  

This step ensures you have the data needed to measure and improve efficiency effectively. The image below showcases how the sensors will be monitored and logged when using software:

Building the Foundation

By establishing proper documentation, a robust service network, and critical metering, you create a solid foundation for data center efficiency. These steps are vital but can be time-intensive—working with reliable partners ensures the process is completed properly and efficiently.

At FLUIX, we’ve built A.I.M.I.®, a “Virtual AI Facility Manager” that helps data centers save up to 40% on energy costs by autonomously managing HVAC, IT, water, and industrial systems.

💡 Book a free consultation today to see how we can help: https://www.fluix.ai/data-centers

In the next article, we’ll dive into integrating a BMS/DCIM system, gathering baseline data, and implementing controls to reduce PUE and energy costs.

Abhishek Sastri is the Founder and CEO of FLUIX AI, where he leads the development of Autonomous AI control software that enables the most efficient critical facilities on the planet.

Abhishek specialized in Aerospace Engineering and thermo-fluids while in college, and began his career as systems engineer working in DOD data center and colocation facilities.

Previously, Abhishek founded FLUIXPro as a liquid cooling manufacturer, creating high-performance cooling solutions for CPUs and GPUs. The company later evolved to focus on revolutionizing the building controls industry, leveraging his deep expertise in thermal management and automation to develop cutting-edge AI solutions for data centers.