What do you need to know about automation and controls in data centers?

Data center insights 

• Automation, controls, smart devices and artificial intelligence could change the way data centers are operated.  
• Engineers are able to offer their data center clients controls and automation to streamline HVAC, artificial intelligence or other features. 

Bill Kosik, PE, CEM, BEMP, Senior Energy Engineer, DNV, Oak Park, Illinois – Brian Rener, PE, LEED AP, Principal, Mission Critical Leader, SmithGroup, Chicago, Illinois – Ameya Soparkar, Market Leader, Mission Critical, Affiliated Engineers Inc., Rockville, Maryland – Robert Sty, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, HDR Inc., Phoenix, Arizona

Respondents:

• Bill Kosik, PE, CEM, BEMP, Senior Energy Engineer, DNV, Oak Park, Illinois
• Brian Rener, PE, LEED AP, Principal, Mission Critical Leader, SmithGroup, Chicago, Illinois
• Ameya Soparkar, Market Leader, Mission Critical, Affiliated Engineers Inc., Rockville, Maryland 
• Robert Sty, PE, LEED AP, Vice President, HDR Inc., Phoenix, Arizona

From your experience, what systems within data centers are benefiting from automation that previously might not have? 

Robert Sty: I see artificial intelligence (AI) as one more tool in the toolbox for facility engineers to assist in the overall monitoring and performance of the data center. Instead of just a monitor and alarm platform, AI will lend itself to the proactive correction of potential problems. 

How is building information modeling (BIM) being used in data center design? Describe the project.  

Robert Sty: Data centers have an inherent complexity in engineering and architecture systems, and that increased collaboration also drives a successful delivery. Remote teams that were delivering designs during the pandemic used shared models across all partners and disciplines and are continuing to employ this strategy. Combining the design BIM with contractor scheduling and cost estimating platforms can result in true virtual design and construction models giving real-time feedback and optimizing construction activities. Additionally, during the pandemic we leveraged virtual reality platforms with a large data center client to visit a standard data center deployment. The client was able to point out areas that were historical challenging in coordination, directly to our team. This enabled the design team to be able to look for improvements, such as safety issues and pathways for movement of future phased equipment. 

In what way is the need for more smart technology and features in such buildings affecting your work on these projects? 

Bill Kosik: Using cloud-based building control and automation gives data center operators a new set of tools for optimizing power and cooling systems. Instead of being limited to the sequences on the local computer, cloud-based control strategies, based on machine-learning algorithms, result in much more robust situation and location specific operations. This also includes optimizing maintenance and operation procedures by using artificial intelligence analysis techniques. 

Robert Sty: Many of our clients are moving from the standard direct digital control system to a programmable logic controller (PLC) based control system. PLC systems are more robust and flexible in their programming logic, which lend itself well to AI applications. Imagine data hall temperature monitoring through PLC systems. Data on the temperature in the data hall can be continuously collected and analyzed, with AI platforms looking for deviations and responding to events outside of the specified temperature range. The same can be said for electrical power and server workflow management.  

A thermosyphon uses refrigerant and condenser fans to provide heat rejection for liquid-cooled high-performance computing or water-cooled chillers. Its efficiency is like that of cooling towers with outdoor temperatures generally at about 50°F or less, but uses no water. Courtesy: SmithGroup

Has the internet of things (IoT) come up in discussion or been implemented on such projects? Has this integration impacted the project?  

Robert Sty: The millions of devices that make up the IoT are the connection between the physical and digital world. As this data is collected, stored and analyzed in our data centers, it makes complete sense that the operations of the data center incorporate these physical devices themselves. The real impact is when the analysis of the data is performed. AI and machine learning platforms can help make decisions in the operation of the facility, ultimately providing the capability to assist in managing efficiency in the mechanical and electrical systems or predictive maintenance to assist in maintaining uptime. 

What smart devices are data center owners requesting and how are you meeting these needs?  

Robert Sty: Data centers are requesting any sensor that collects data and helps in optimizing its operations. As designers of the facility, we may not be specifying the AI software, but we are specifying and installing many of the devices that collect the data. One major concern with any device is that if it is connected to a network, it can potentially be hacked. As we move into a platform where we are allowing devices to make operational decisions, we must ensure that we are also protecting the facility against cyberattacks. 

Cybersecurity and hacking are increasing concerns — are you seeing such concerns impacting your work on data centers? 

Robert Sty: Most people associate cybersecurity with protecting important data on IT/telecommunication systems. However, industrial control systems including process control and building control systems — also known as operational technology (OT) systems — are vulnerable too. These systems have become a vital component to operating critical infrastructure and buildings. They are increasingly at risk of cyberattack with reported incidents on the rise. The effects of a cyberattack on OT can have real-world life safety, environmental, regulatory, reputational and financial impacts. Only highlighting a significant difference in OT cybersecurity from IT — that having OT systems available to perform their function is crucial. Therefore, protective measures should be considered and implementing into the design early in the process.  

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