Intelligent CIO North America Issue 33 | Page 58

CASE STUDY more holistic data center optimization approach that works to bring together the IT and M & E spaces .
How does the EkkoSense approach differ to traditional DCIM propositions ?
While most EkkoSense customers already have some form of traditional DCIM capability in place , EkkoSense complements these to provide essential thermal optimization capabilities . The company ’ s EkkoSoft Critical solution brings together a mix of patented technologies and capabilities – including an innovative SaaS platform , low-cost Internet of Things ( IoT ) sensors , Machine Learning , gaming-class 3D visualization and Digital Twin capabilities , AI analytics and embedded advisory support – all backed by EkkoSense ’ s PhD-level thermal and engineering skills .
New levels of granular real-time sensing support temperature and humidity monitoring , contributing directly to the effectiveness of the Machine Learning algorithms that support continuous improvements in optimization . The software also enables data center teams to visualize complex data quickly and easily via Digital Twins enabled by EkkoSoft Critical ’ s powerful 3D visualization capabilities . And the application of AI analytics provides the operational insights that help them to remove thermal and power risk , optimize cooling capacity and minimize energy waste . across key areas such as optimum set points , floor grille layouts , cooling unit operation and fan speed adjustments . Thermal analysis will also indicate optimum rack locations . And because AI enables real-time visualizations , data center teams can quickly gain immediate performance feedback on any actioned changes .
Our EkkoSoft Critical AI-powered optimization software not only shows what ’ s happening , but also why – allowing data center teams to make informed decisions on how to resolve issues . And , by introducing powerful algorithms that correlate the relationship between the critical infrastructure and IT load , they can materially reduce potential downtime events through continual optimization . The software observes changes in the environment in real-time and will often inform you that a failure is going to occur long before it materializes . With EkkoSense AI you can make the invisible , visible – effectively changing the game for data center operators .
How will the application of Machine Learning and AI help to redefine data center optimization ?
Instead of being swamped by too much performance data , operations teams can now take advantage of Machine Learning to gather data at a much more granular level – meaning they can start to access how their data center is performing in real-time . The key is to make this accessible , and using smart 3D visualizations is a great way of making it easy for data center teams to interpret performance data at a deeper level : for example , by showing changes and highlighting anomalies .
The next stage is to apply Machine Learning and AI analytics to provide insights . By augmenting measured datasets with Machine Learning algorithms , data center teams can immediately benefit from easy-tounderstand insights to help support their real-time optimization decisions . The combination of real-time granular data collection every five minutes and AI / Machine Learning analytics allows operations not just to see what is happening across their critical facilities but also find out why .
Where do concepts such as Digital Twins fit into redefined data center optimization ?
Digital Twins represent a powerful subset of the virtual space , providing operations teams with a digital replica of a key corporate asset such as a data center or other critical facility .
Taking advantage of the dramatically increasing volume of data points from Internet of Things based wireless sensors , Digital Twins have the potential to provide data center teams with a more accessible visualization of their operation ’ s real-time performance . That ’ s why at EkkoSense we were quick to adopt immersive , lightweight , gaming-engine based Digital Twin technology to make immersive real-time optimization of data center rooms a reality .
What role do you see in AI-enabled optimization in terms of helping to meet ESG requirements ?
AI and Machine Learning powered analytics can also uncover the insights required to recommend changes
At EkkoSense we recognize the increased pressure customers are under to reduce data center energy
58 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com