• • • DATA CENTRE MANAGEMENT • • •


Thermal imaging applications Thermal imaging is the perfect technology to tackle the wide range of maintenance and inspection jobs for data centres.


Electrical and mechanical systems


Thermal imaging cameras can be used to inspect a variety of electrical or power generation-related systems. Heat is an important indicator for defects in electrical installations. When current passes through a resistive element, it generates heat. Over time, the resistance of electrical connections can increase, due to loosening and corrosion for instance. The corresponding rise in temperature can cause components to fail, resulting in unplanned outages.


Electrical systems can also suffer from load imbalances and increases in impedance to current. Thermal inspections can quickly locate hot spots, determine the severity of the problem, and help establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.


Thermal imaging cameras will


help you to spot issues with: • Overheated connections • Overloaded or imbalanced circuits • Damaged switches • Faulty fuses • Power supplies • Battery systems • Generator systems • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) • Transformers • Electrical panels • Resistive load bank


HVAC and cooling systems To run smoothly and efficiently, data centres need perfectly air-cooled conditions. Data centres 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.


Thermal imaging has become increasingly important to verify the proper hot aisle/cold aisle operation, especially because data centres 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


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk Renewable energy


Data centre operators are increasingly improving their use of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power. These renewable power sources enable data centres 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.


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.


Thermal security cameras that offer high contrast, high resolution and long detection ranges are ideal for data centre 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.


Thermal imaging solutions from Teledyne FLIR


Handheld thermography cameras Armed with a FLIR thermal imaging camera, maintenance crews can easily diagnose a wide range of problems across their data centre facility. Available in a wide variety of sizes and image resolutions, FLIR thermography cameras always offer the highest accuracy and user-friendliness to meet the needs of maintenance professionals.


Thermal studio software


with route creator FLIR Thermal Studio Suite is state-of-the-art analysis and reporting software designed to help data centre maintenance teams manage thousands of thermal images and videos. Whether you use handheld thermal cameras or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the FLIR Thermal Studio suite of software provides the automation and processing capabilities you need to streamline workflow and increase productivity. The optional Route Creator plugin allows users to plan inspection routes in advance, complete inspections more efficiently and reduce reporting time by 50 per cent.


A thermal imaging wind turbine transmission survey performed at a 50-metre height


Fire protection


Although data centre fires are relatively rare, they can have a devastating impact. Data centres 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 centres operate 24/7, they need effective solutions to help them monitor the premises and detect threats around the clock.


Keep your thermal camera in optimal


performance condition and avoid unforeseen downtime with a FLIR CARE service package. Whether you are looking for a performance verification service or a traceable calibration adjustment service, FLIR CARE’s traceable calibration services have you covered.


FLIR PROTECT Extended Warranty and Service


Packages give you the peace of mind that your camera is protected from material defects and issues for three years after your factory warranty expires. Choose FLIR Protect+, FLIR Protect Pro, or FLIR Total Protect to bundle a discounted FLIR CARE Service with your FLIR PROTECT extended warranty.


ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • APRIL 2025 15


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