• Power supplies
• Battery systems
• Generator systems
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies( UPS)
• Transformers
• Electrical panels
• Resistive load banks
HVAC and cooling systems
To run smoothly and efficiently, data centers need perfectly air-cooled conditions. Data centers are typically making use of a hot aisle / cold aisle layout principle. Server racks are lined up in aisles with the front sides facing each other. The cold aisles get cold air directly from the Computer Room Air-Conditioning( CRAC) unit from the bottom of the raised floor. The cool air cools down the servers on the racks. Meanwhile, the backs of the servers vent out hot air in the hot aisle, which then returns to the CRAC unit.
Wind power
Wind turbine components are susceptible to wear and can break down. That’ s why preventive maintenance and periodic inspections are so important. Thermal imaging is the only technology that allows users to inspect all electrical and mechanical components of the wind turbine and the surrounding electrical system, so they can detect a problem before a breakdown occurs.
A thermal imaging wind turbine transmission survey performed at a 50-meter height
Thermal imaging has become increasingly important to verify the proper hot aisle / cold aisle operation, especially because data centers today are condensing more servers into their racks. Thermal cameras will enable users to see problems such as misaligned ductwork and electrical faults, and then make decisions about corrective actions. HVAC inspection with a thermal imaging camera can help to:
• Monitor server rack temperature distribution patterns
• Locate misrouted and leaking ducts
• See electrical or mechanical CRAC unit defects
• Confirm the source of energy losses
• Find missing insulation
• Discover AC condensate leaks
• Find internal server fans which are inoperable or damaged
Renewable Energy
Data center operators are increasingly improving their use of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. These renewable power sources enable data centers to reduce their environmental impact, whilst meeting long-term sustainability goals.
Solar power
The solar panel, the most important part of a solar system, must be reliable and capable of producing electricity for years on end. Unfortunately, solar panels are susceptible to wear. Maintenance professionals therefore use thermal imagers to inspect solar panels installed on rooftops or in solar parks to quickly pinpoint solar panel problems down to cell level.
Anomalies can clearly be seen on a crisp thermal image and- unlike most other methods – thermal imaging cameras can be used to scan installed solar panels during normal operation. Thermal imaging cameras also allow users to scan large areas within a short time frame.
Fire Protection
Although data center fires are relatively rare, they can have a devastating impact. Data centers may be equipped with fire alarms and firefighting systems, but once a fire starts, asset damage is almost certain. Fixed thermal imaging cameras can identify hot spots before they ignite and provide an early warning response to avoid a full-on destructive fire before assets are harmed or safety is compromised.
Physical Security
Thermal cameras not only detect hot spots or temperature differences. They also help protect a physical perimeter against unwanted intruders or trespassers. As data centers operate 24 / 7, they need effective solutions to help them monitor the premises and detect threats around the clock. Thermal security cameras that offer high contrast, high resolution and long detection ranges are ideal for data center deployments.
Unlike standard video cameras, thermal cameras can see in most adverse weather conditions – such as light rain, fog, smoke, or total darkness. When integrated with video analytics, thermal cameras can distinguish between a human or vehicle. When paired with radar, customers gain redundancy and reduce the likelihood of a false positive. By combining thermal cameras with HD visible cameras, remote operators can review thermal and visible video streams of the scene for improved alarm verification and intruder identification.
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