Thermal Imaging Solutions for Data Centers

Many systems that are critical for the data center’s operation heat up before they fail. Temperature is an important indicator of energy consumption and equipment operation, which is why continuously monitoring electrical and mechanical systems with a thermal camera can be ideal for finding faults that increase power consumption or could lead to failures of electrical systems, cooling equipment, or computing hardware.

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.

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.