How to optimize performance in Data Centers
with smart LED lighting
Source: Trilux.com
Data centers require precise and efficient lighting to ensure the proper operation and maintenance of their equipment. Sophie Parry and Tom Wright, experts from TRILUX, explain how advanced lighting solutions not only improve visibility, but also contribute to sustainability and safety in these critical facilities. These solutions will be presented at the upcoming Madrid Tech Show.
Data centers require specialized lighting solutions that not only ensure proper visibility, but also meet energy efficiency and sustainability criteria. In this article, we interviewed Sophie Parry, Director of the TRILUX Akademie in the UK, and Tom Wright, Lighting Project Engineer at TRILUX, who share their knowledge about best practices and lighting technologies adapted to this type of facility.
What luminaires are usually installed in data centers?
Sophie Parry (SP): Due to the size of the rooms and the row arrangement of the servers, continuous lines like our E-Line Pro are ideal for lighting these applications.
As in any other application, the continuous line is precisely configured for each project. In data centers, for example, not only is optimal horizontal illuminance important, but also vertical illuminance is important for good recognition of IT equipment. Another factor is the color rendering: it should be as natural as possible, for example CRI 90 with our E-Line Pro. This helps to quickly and reliably identify cables, connections and interfaces on servers, which are often color-coded.
How important is energy efficiency?
Tom Wright (TW): Sustainability is a priority. More than 100 data centre operators and industry associations have set a target of making data centres climate neutral by 2030, as part of the European Green Deal. Lighting in server rooms should also contribute to the sustainability of the building and help companies meet climate targets. However, the energy consumption of a data centre with thousands of servers is ten to fifty times higher than that of an average office building, which means that lighting barely counts.
With this in mind, is it necessary to renew the LEDs?
SP: Yes, definitely. Replacing conventional, uncontrolled lighting with a lighting-managed LED solution reduces energy consumption by up to 85%. Although it only represents a small part of the total energy consumption, it contributes to the sustainability of the building, especially when we consider the longer lifespan of LEDs. In addition, energy-efficient smart lighting is often required in the framework of sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and LEEDS. There are also other indirect positive effects for sustainability, such as the low heat generation of LEDs compared to conventional luminaires, which means that less energy is needed to air-condition server rooms.
What other requirements are frequently requested?
TW: For security reasons, server rooms are often monitored with cameras, which means that the light quality must allow for clear CCTV images and recordings. Even if the lighting is never completely switched off for security reasons, a light management system with presence detection makes sense to save energy. If there is no one in the room, the lighting is not switched off completely, but is regulated to a general light level that allows video recording. Emergency lighting (with individual or central battery) and emergency exit signage can also be quickly and easily integrated into the E-Line Pro channel, thanks to the appropriate modules. For central battery-controlled emergency lighting solutions, we also offer ELMo (Emergency Lighting Supervision), which is an automatic monitoring and testing function that complies with legal regulations.
How important is intelligence?
SP: Networking and lighting management also make sense in data centers, and not just for energy reasons. Luminaires can be easily controlled and monitored by connecting the lighting to the cloud, and services such as our light monitoring allow the operating parameters of each individual light point to be monitored in real time. Based on this data, maintenance intervals can be optimally adapted to actual needs. This so-called predictive maintenance is not only more cost-effective than fixed maintenance intervals, but also increases the fail-safe performance of the entire facility, which is especially important in 24/7 operation.
What are the strongest arguments in favor of e-line pro in data center applications?
TW: First, efficiency and reliability: E-Line Pro is the clear industry leader with 207 lm/W and a service life of up to 100,000 hours. Second, light quality and flexibility. Thanks to a very wide selection of high-quality optics and the extreme adaptability of the continuous line system, any type of room can be illuminated perfectly. The third factor is intelligence and future viability. Our E-Line Pro provides even more efficiency and transparency thanks to light management and cloud connection. And with the option to integrate IoT modules into the network, future smart applications, such as sensor technology, can also be easily implemented via the lighting network.
About TRILUX
TRILUX – SIMPLIFY YOUR LIGHT represents the easiest and safest path to a tailor-made, energy-efficient and future-proof lighting solution. In the dynamic and at the same time increasingly complex lighting market, the customer receives the best advice, optimal guidance and perfect light. To ensure this requirement, TRILUX relies on a broad portfolio of technologies as well as the powerful partners of the TRILUX Group and combines the individual components to create tailor-made complete solutions – always perfectly adapted to the customer’s needs and the area of use. This means that even complex and large projects can be carried out quickly and easily from a single source. In the sense of “SIMPLIFY YOUR LIGHT”, in addition to quality and cost-effectiveness, the customer always prioritizes the ease of planning, installation and use of the solutions.
The TRILUX Group has 111 years of experience in the lighting market and six production sites in Germany, Spain and other European countries. It serves international customers through 30 subsidiaries and numerous partners worldwide. With physical locations in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Spain and Poland, the TRILUX Akademie provides the necessary knowledge about trends and innovations in the lighting industry. TRILUX employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The company headquarters are located in Arnsberg, Germany. For more information about our lighting solutions and our commitment to sustainability, please visit our website at www.trilux.com.
