by Mat Dirjish
Building Automation Products, Inc. (BAPI), a HVAC sensor manufacturer, claims its data center sensor suite thwarts the invisible threats facing data centers by monitoring temperature, humidity, airflow, and leaks. The suite includes sensors for temperature, humidity, air pressure, water, and refrigerant leak detection.
For hot aisle/cold aisle containment, BAPI’s Pendant Sensor hangs from the ceiling of hot or cold aisles. Reportedly, it delivers accurate temperature and humidity readings without interfering with airflow or rack access.
For reading temperature inside cabinets, the tiny Remote Temperature Sensor mounts onto a cabinet’s frame or door screen to monitor server rack temperature right where the equipment sits. As it’s compact, it fits into tight, cable-dense spaces without disruption.
As per the company, a difference in air pressure drives airflow, and airflow drives cooling efficiency. Addressing this concept, BAPI offers two air pressure sensors: the EZ Pressure and BAPI-Box ZPM.
The compact EZ Pressure sensor fits inside or outside a server rack to verify pressure drop and airflow. It includes a display to monitor readings at the equipment as well as on the computer screen.
The BAPI-Box ZPM is deployable on ceilings, under floors, on ductwork, or near cooling equipment areas. It also includes a display as well as pressure status LEDs for line-of-sight troubleshooting. Both the EZ Pressure and BAPI-Box ZPM are field-selectable and available with a variety of pickup ports for room, wall, ceiling, or server racks.
For monitoring a room’s actual conditions, the BAPI-Stat Quantum Prime room sensor offers temperature and humidity setpoint adjustment, occupancy override, and a wipe-down-cleaning design that suits the sterile environment of a server room. Additionally, BAPI’s Rope Water Leak Detector runs along the base of a rack, sensing moisture for its entire length. It is reportedly better at early detection than a single spot sensor, which may miss the leak until it causes damage. For deeper details, visit the BAPI website.
