Cooling System Review of Australian Data Centre | Aquip

A major Australian Data Centre completes Cooling System Review through 26 Simultaneous Flow Measurements.

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow monitoring equipment was used for the study of chilled water flows.

Specifications

Project	Cooling System Review of Australian Data Centre
Project Overview	The Sydney Aquip team were approached by Grosvenor Engineering for the hire of clamp-on ultrasonic flow monitoring equipment for the study of chilled water flows at a major data centre. The scope of work required concurrent measurement of 26 nodes across the system. Pipe sizes ranged from DN200 through to DN400.
Project Challenges	The Data Centre is the server base for a number of high-profile clients, requiring the HVAC system to maintain power and flow throughout the investigation. As it was necessary to obtain a clear picture of flow volume in all areas over a given time period, simultaneous measurements across 26- 30 flow lines were required. As Fluxus F/G60X portable flow meters all provide dual-channel measurement, the study could be carried out using only 15 flow meters and 26 sets of transducers.
Project Results	Meter handsets were all 2 channel F/G60x variants allowing reduced hire cost and set up as two nearby points could be metered with one handset. All meters were set up by Aquip with identical measurement and recording parameters ensuring easy correlation of the data. A prestart tool box meeting held on site, answered any questions that technicians had and ensured that the setup was carried out seamlessly. Software was provided and all diagnostics and set up parameters were downloaded together with serial numbers for full traceability. Factory ‘Zero Calibration’ of meters meant that the flow did not have to be stopped at any points to zero the meters, totally eliminating zero offset errors. As the metering points were outdoors, the built in temperature compensation meant that there was no thermal drift, totally eliminating potential error. Bi-directional flow rates and totalisers meant that flow in either direction was captured. The excellent turndown ratio of the meters mean that even very small changes to flow rate was captured. Hire systems from across in Australia were mobilised to Sydney for the project, with installation completed on the first day. All measurements were carried out simultaneously over a 5 hour period, ensuring the flow parameters were identical at each node throughout the measurement period. This negated variability in node measurements due to changing environmental factors (e.g. Temperature peaks and troughs) and resultant variations in system load. The zero-calibration of each unit meant that uncertainties were kept to a minimum. Data collected provided insight into locations where valves could be adjusted to balance and maximise efficiency of the cooling system. The project was successfully carried out at reduced cost to budget due to the reduced number of hire components required.

Need expert advice?

Fill out the form below and our technical team will get in touch

Get in touch