When it comes to controls, should we keep AI on a leash?

In a previous article for DCD I suggested that if true data center thermal optimization is to be achieved, it requires a proven, safe process based on thousands of real-time sensors and expert spatial models. Inevitably this involves the collection of huge volumes of information, so it's critical that you can absolutely rely on the data you're gathering if you're to succeed in removing much of the uncertainty from data center cooling. That's particularly the case when you're considering the kind of control models needed to monitor critical cooling duty performance for your data center estate's multiple CRAC/AHU units. Of course, you'll want to track your data center cooling loads in real-time using standard temperature and current measurement sensors for both chilled water and direct expansion cooling systems. However, it's also important to continuously monitor air inlet and outlet temperatures – along with variables such as fan performance, filter quality, and alerts for potential CRAC/AHU blockages.