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Kevin Wilcott looks at the importance of maintenance in keeping data centres operating

In today's digital age, almost every aspect of our lives depends on technology, from work to shopping and gaming.

With this increase in online activity, the demand for data centres is soaring, leading to growth in both extensive, centralised facilities and smaller, locally-based "Edge" data centres.

Whether it's a giant server farm or a smaller, local facility, one thing is certain: cooling is critical to the effective and efficient functioning of these data centres.

As such, maintaining cooling equipment is a mission-critical function that requires the expertise of specialised service and maintenance teams.

Cooling is critical to ensuring data centres operate effectively.

Kevin Wilcott Kevin Wilcott Business Development Manager (Service & Maintenance)

The problems with heat

Data centres house vast amounts of sensitive electronic equipment, including servers, storage systems, and networking gear, all of which generate significant amounts of heat.

This heat can cause problems like reduced efficiency, increased downtime, and even complete system failures. Cooling is therefore critical to ensuring data centres operate effectively.

IT cooling systems are designed to maintain constant temperature and humidity levels within the data centre, reducing the risk of equipment damage and ensuring that the data centre continues to operate smoothly.

Specialised knowledge

However, IT cooling is a complex and highly technical process requiring specialised knowledge and experience to maintain and service. This is where working with Mitsubishi Electric’s expert Service & Maintenance team pays dividends for clients who can tap into several benefits:

  • Wide range of equipment expertise

Our expert service and maintenance teams have the experience and knowledge necessary to maintain a wide range of cooling equipment, from traditional air conditioning systems to the latest in advanced cooling technologies, such as liquid cooling systems. They have experience in the complexities of IT cooling and have the skills to troubleshoot and repair any issues that may arise.

  • In-depth understanding of IT cooling

In addition to a wide range of equipment expertise, Mitsubishi Electric engineers have a deep understanding of the complexities of IT cooling. They understand the intricate interplay between cooling systems, electronics, and environmental conditions and make necessary adjustments to keep the system running smoothly.

  • Regular maintenance and service

Our team can also provide regular maintenance and service to ensure that IT cooling systems operate at peak performance. They use the latest digital equipment to detect and resolve potential issues before they become major problems, thereby reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. This regular maintenance and service helps extend the cooling equipment’s life and reduce the need for expensive repairs.

  • Rapid response to emergencies

In the event of a cooling system failure, Mitsubishi Electric’s team can respond rapidly to resolve the issue and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. Their expertise and experience allow them to diagnose the problem quickly and work on fixing it, minimising downtime and ensuring that your data centre continues to operate smoothly.

Planning and preventing

Mitsubishi Electric’s Service & Maintenance team takes a long-term approach to working with clients, particularly where we can not only provide robust building operation but also support energy efficiency.

Our preferred approach is one of planned preventative maintenance (PPM)

PPM takes a proactive approach to equipment maintenance that involves regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs to prevent potential issues from becoming major problems. In the context of data centres, PPM can be highly beneficial for several reasons.

Firstly, PPM can detect and resolve potential issues before they become significant problems, reducing the need for expensive repairs and the risk of costly system failures. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning help to improve the overall performance and reliability of the cooling systems, helping to avoid equipment damage.

In addition, PPM can also help improve a data centre's overall efficiency. By regularly inspecting and cleaning all data centre components, PPM helps identify areas that may be wasting energy or causing other operational problems.

Regular checks

Mitsubishi Electric’s Service & Maintenance team can carry out regular checks to spot fluctuations in efficiency.

This can include even simple problems such as clogged air filters, contributing to reduced efficiency and increased operational costs.

By addressing these issues through PPM, data centres can operate more efficiently and reduce their overall energy consumption, leading to lower costs and a more sustainable operation.

The maintenance of cooling equipment is a critical function, and working with expert service and maintenance teams is vital to ensure that data centres operate smoothly and effectively.

Our teams provide a wide range of equipment expertise, a deep understanding of IT cooling, regular maintenance and service, and rapid response to emergencies, all of which are essential for maintaining reliable and efficient operations.

Kevin Wilcott is Business Development Manager (Service & Maintenance)