Q.
How Does ADAPTIVCOOL work?
A.
ADAPTIVCOOL manages airflow in Data Centers dynamically. That means
AdaptivCool directs cooled air to where it is needed for cooling
electronics, when
it is needed, Then AdpativCool returns the warmest air back to the
CRAC. It
does this by utilizing a network of sensors and intelligent ceiling
vents and fan tiles
placed strategically in the room. The placement of these components
is customengineered
for each site to accommodate for current and planned future needs.
The
system is modular in nature and can be expanded as needed.
Q.
What are the advantages of ADAPTIVCOOL?
A. AdaptivCool Saves Energy,
Improves Uptime, Permits Higher Rack Density,
Improves Floor Space Utilization, Creates Backup Cooling Capacity,
and Postpones
Facility Upgrades. AdaptivCool offers owners and users these advantages
by
significantly improving data center cooling efficiency and capacity.
Q.
Will I need to re -engineer or reconfigure my whole data center
in order to take
advantage of ADAPTIVCOOL’s efficiency?
A. NO! The ADAPTIVCOOL engineered
airflow solution can correct for poor
airflow situations with non-disruptive changes. ADAPTIVCOOL’s
return vents can
be installed in drop ceiling and open ceiling configurations. Supply
fan trays are
installed unobtrusively under the existing raised floor. The sensors
typically are
placed at the top of the racks. In the unusual event that a facility
reconfiguration
would drastically improve efficiency, Degree C will present options
for your
consideration.
Q.
My data center runs non-stop. Will I have to shut any of my equipment
down
while DegreeC installs ADAPTIVCOOL?
A. No. More than 95% of the
time no equipment needs to be shut down.
Q.
My Data Center is always changing. How will this affect the operation
of
ADAPTIVCOOL?
A. ADAPTIVCOOL has been engineered
specifically for this situation.
ADAPTIVCOOL’s intelligent controls readily accommodate changes
in equipment
and rack configuration. ADAPTIVCOOL is modular so you can easily
put in
additional high density racks. Most of our customers intend to do
so.
Q.
How much can my business expect to save on its annual energy bill?
A. ADAPTIVCOOL has been shown
to improve cooling efficiency by 20-40%.
Because cooling is a significant portion of a Data Center’s
energy consumption,
typical savings can be 8-12% of the total Data Center energy consumed.
Q.
How much does the ADAPTIVCOOL unit cost?
A. Each site has unique needs.
The ROI for a typical install is targeted at less than one
year. Sometimes it’s much faster.
Q.
What is order lead time and how much time will be required for set
up and
maintenance?
A. Lead times are a matter
of a few weeks. ADAPTIVCOOL is installed in five phases,
with minimal customer distraction being our goal.
Phase 1 - Site Audit - 1-2 days (Please expect some customer involvement)
Phase 2 - Site Modeling & Selection of Pre-Engineered Components
- 14-30 days
Phase 3 - Design Review with customer - 1 day
Phase 4 - Professional Installation & Training - 1-2 days (Customer
involvement)
Phase 5 - Initial Monitoring & Commissioning, 1-2 days.
Q.
Do you offer customer support?
A. Yes, 24/7. Purchase options
allow various levels of support. The ADAPTIVCOOL
system is designed with self diagnostics and hot-swappable subsystems
to allow for
easy field diagnosis and repair. All subsystems can be changed out
by trained
personnel in less than 5 minutes.
Q.
The product is new. Has it been tested?
A. YES, beta testing has
proven the system’s effectiveness.
Q.
What kind of warranty does this system come with?
A. 12-month warranty on defects
and workmanship of ADAPTIVCOOL components.
Q.
On what machines and operating systems does the ADAPTIVCOOL
management software run?
A. ADAPTIVCOOL Thermal Server
runs on Windows XP, 933MHz, 256MB RAM
minimum configuration. A typical installation will include a dedicated
computer
system supplied by DegreeC.
Q.
Will I need to remove all doors from my cabinets? Otherwise, how
does moving
cooler air around help my equipment?
A. Most high density racks
already have open mesh doors to allow unrestricted airflow,
low density racks will remain unchanged. ADAPTIVCOOL improves cooling
by
furnishing the proper amount of cool air to the equipment intake
and extracting hot
exhaust air from the room. These actions minimize mixing and recirculation
of hot
air from the exhaust. In most cases AdaptivCool provides more cooling
with less
airflow.
Q.
How loud are the ADAPTIVCOOL components?
A. Typical noise levels do
not exceed 65dB. Maximum fan speed is user selectable. In
environments where noise is not a concern, higher maximum speeds
can be selected.
Q.
Are the components UL approved?
A. Yes, they all are.
Q.
What is the nominal running current?
A. The airflow and plenum
pressure your data center requires determine the nominal
current draw. Typical nominal current is ~0.75A per supply fan-tile
with maximum
as high as 3A.
Return vents can be specd in varying sizes consuming from 2 to 8A
depending on CFM requirements.
Q.
Are the floor units splash resistant?
A. Yes, but keep in mind
that the fans are required to be open, so minimal amounts of
water should be used.
Q.
Can I retrofit my existing tiles?
A. YES, ADAPTIVCOOL is installed
under existing or new perforated tiles.
Q.
How do I manage the ADAPTIVCOOL system on a day-to-day basis? How
do I
know it is working?
A. The ADAPTIVCOOL system
is configured and managed by the Thermal Server
graphical interface. Once the system is configured by DegreeC personnel,
the user
can monitor the Data Center’s thermal profile. Visual alarms
indicate temperature
and system fault conditions. We are developing enhancements such
as secure web
browsing and remote notification via E- mail, cell phone or pager.
Q. Are there any single points
of failure?
A. NO, ADAPTIVCOOL Intelligent
Return Vents and Supply Fan Tiles have individual
AC power which can be provided by UPS power. In the event of a communications
or Thermal Server failure the tiles will continue to supply air
until the fault is
corrected. In the event of a failure of an individual supply fan
air will still flow past
the fans from under floor pressure.
