The efficient way to provide light in a data center is to use it precisely. Utilising smart and functional solutions in data centre lighting infrastructure serves several benefits.
On the first layer, installing LED lighting improves energy and cost efficiency. Smart lighting solutions utilising sensors with LED dimming capabilities make up the second layer, further reducing energy and cost through follow-me lighting. The final layer of a smart and connected data centre integrates Industry 4.0 technologies, allowing for asset tracking, extra security, and reduction of overall maintenance.
About Data Centre Lighting
Lighting Levels
Standard industry practice recommends 3 level lighting protocol:
- Level 1: data center unoccupied
- Level 2: first entry into the data center
- Level 3: occupied space
At Level 1, there must be adequate brightness for full functionality of security cameras. For Level 2, lighting should illuminate passageways for the comfortable navigation of the person in the area. Finally, at Level 3, there must be sufficient vertical illumination for maintenance workers to see the intricate details within the racks. Lighting should be positioned in the middle of the aisles between the racks.
The future of data centres lies in a system that integrates the 3 levels of lighting via sensors. In addition, sensors build the necessary IOT connected infrastructure for a remotely operated smart data centre.
Choose the Right Lighting
Luminaire selection for a data centre begins with identifying the needs of a data centre. It should be dimmable to achieve the three level lighting protocol. At Level 3, lighting for maintenance work provides good visibility of the entire rack. Ensuring the correct lighting distribution requires a double asymmetric beam angle (see fig.1) for adequate vertical illumination from top to bottom of the rack.
Fig 1. Asymmetric beam angle providing full visibility of storage racks.
Light Journey provides high performing lighting solutions that meet the stringent requirements of a data centre and satisfy the beam distribution requirements for good visibility of equipment. In addition to assisting the selection process and fine-tuning the lighting distribution according to the space, we specialise in the supervision, testing, and commissioning of the entire lighting system.
Benefits of Smart Data Centre Lighting Solutions
Optimised Energy-Efficiency & Cost Savings
LEDs offer a longer lifespan than its fluorescent counterpart. Although LEDs may have a higher upfront cost, it utilises 40% less energy than a fluorescent light of the same measurements. Over time, the energy savings combined with less frequent maintenance ensures the cost of LEDs is more competitive than fluorescent bulbs.
HVAC costs make up 40%-60% of a data centre’s total energy consumption. Contributing to the overall heat generation in the space are fluorescent tubes, which give off more heat than a LED fixture. Switching to LED fixtures lower heat generation, resulting in overall energy and cost savings.
Deploying smart LEDs lays the foundation to transform the lighting network for other Internet of Things (IOT) applications. A follow-me lighting approach utilising sensors illuminates when movement is detected. When there is no activity in the data centre, lighting is dimmed down to 10% of its regular brightness (Level 1) to ensure proper monitoring via security cameras of the grounds remotely. Combining LEDs with the follow-me approach is a remarkable strategy to begin the shift towards an energy-efficient data centre and reduce cost & energy consumption exponentially.
Increased Security
Smart lighting solutions integrated with sensors for three level lighting protocol establish the basic infrastructure for data centre connectivity. From here, there are limitless possibilities to implement a remotely controlled data centre including live asset tracking & security functions.
Designed to Eliminate Human Errors
Installation of modular LEDs is quick, easy, and requires less manpower to set up a system. Ease of installation also ensures less human error in the installation process. Light fittings can easily be added and taken away due to the modularity of the system.
Connected lighting systems with IOT further reduces maintenance costs and becomes less dependent on physical presence, beginning a shift towards a more remotely operated data centre. Should anything happen to a fixture, an alert sent to a building or operations manager identifies exactly which light in the unit is facing problems. As a result, there is less time required by maintenance staff for regular check-ins. All of the information on the lighting system can be found on a remote device, be it a laptop or mobile handphone.
