The Importance of Thermal Imaging in Data Centers

Ensuring that data storage remains safe, secure and accessible requires systematically taking and storing thermal images of data center equipment.

 

With this, it is crucial to have periodic inspections of data centers to ensure the reliability and sustainability of their systems to avoid lost data due to failed equipment.

 

In line with this, an important tool for performing data center inspections today, is the thermal imager, also referred to as an infrared (IR) camera.

 

A thermal imager is an industrial tool that displays and has an ability to store two-dimensional images of an object’s surface temperatures. This enables you to easily detect anomalies in the temperatures of electrical or mechanical components, that are hotter or colder than similar objects within the same environment.

 

Overheating components may indicate potential problems and would require maintenance to avoid system failure. On the other hand, cool surfaces might also indicate a problem, such as a possible imbalance in the HVAC system that would require correcting.

 

Additionally, thermal cameras can also be used to record actual surface temperatures. This is useful in detecting situations such as an overheating transformer or motor, to give time for repair or replacement before failure.

 

To maximize the use of thermal cameras, it is ideal to capture potential problems detected from the thermal images. For recording and proper monitoring, upload the captured images to a computer that is equipped with a software for reporting and analysis.

 

Keeping a thermal “track record” on file is helpful in getting long term comparison, to better detect abnormal readings and any inconsistencies. Moreover, to ensure consistency and better comparison, establish a sampling route and scan the same objects or areas each time from the same vantage points.

 

To know more about the latest thermal imaging products, visit our website at www.presidium.ph. An authorized distributor of FLUKE products in the Philippines, Presidium offers a wide-array of infrared cameras. For more information, visit our website at https://presidium.ph/product-category/products/fluke-industrial-group-tools/infrared-cameras/.

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Testing a centrifugal chiller through a thermal imager

For many business and commercial buildings alike, the centrifugal chiller has been one of the most important factors for every HVAC system. It helps to compress the vapor from the water by chilling it and rejecting the heat. Its compact size and lightweight material enables it to be efficient in the cooling cycle loop. This also developed the norm for every commercial building as the cost of energy has increased. However, mechanical problems are inevitable for centrifugal chillers. When this happens, it must be properly observed. One particular product that can be used is thermal imager. It is perfect for detecting problems at many of centrifugal chiller’s test points listed below:

 

  • Control Panel

 

Using thermal imager can effectively help you see issues with low voltage systems in control panels. In the instances of poor electrical connections and failed components, a thermal imager can be of great help to identify them and provide necessary adjustments that you can implement.

 

  • Compressor

 

A thermal imager can also help in diagnosing or observing temperature differences in various parts of compressors. With Centrifugal chillers, detecting temperature within its compressor is a great source of insight during its maintenance.

 

  • Motor

 

Motors inside a centrifugal chiller is a delicate piece of the hardware that makes them properly work. A thermal imager can be an invaluable tool for inspecting and maintaining these motors.

 

  • Bearing

 

With a thermal imager, you can detect bearing issues in motors as it determines the status of their lubrication, shat alignment, and other general wear conditions.

 

  • Chilled water supply and chiller water return

 

A good temperature of water supply and water return in chillers is a good sign of its performance. A thermal imager can provide the real-time temperature data for these chillers and provide reasonably accurate temperature measurement, giving an insight to the person as to what are the necessary adjustments that need to be done.

 

Making sure that your centrifugal chiller is properly working is an important task to do. Hence, you need a trusted measurement tool and thermal imager that can help you with that! With Fluke thermal imagers, you can be confident that every maintenance issues that your chiller will experience can be taken care of! Its special features make sure that all of your needs are dealt with. As the country’s top Fluke authorized distributor in the country, Presidium is your top choice to have the best test tools!

 

For more info, you can contact us at +632-464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph.

 

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20 Ways You Can Save Time with Fluke 62 MAX+

The Fluke 62 MAX + Infrared Thermometer is a point and shoot device that can help you troubleshoot malfunctioning HVAC mechanical systems. This diagnostic tool can help you save money with its multiple usages:

 

  1. CHECK DISCHARGE AIR TEMPERATURE

 

You don’t have to use a ladder anymore when checking the discharge air temperature of an HVAC unit with a ceiling discharge with the Fluke 62 MAX + Infrared Thermometer. You can also use the values to adjust the control system

 

  1. CHECK THERMOSTAT ACCURACY

 

The Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer can quickly check the accuracy of the thermostat so you can make the appropriate adjustments or replacement (if needed).

 

  1. CHECK INLET AND OUTLET WATER TEMPERATURES

 

HVAC Systems’ water coils typically use hot or chilled water. This being said, you can use the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer to check water temperatures in the inlet and outlet of the coil. This will indicate proper water temperature, heat transfer, and valve operation. It can also indicate if there are problems with water balance.

 

  1. CHECK AIR HANDLER COIL TEMPERATURES

 

You can use the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer to quickly check the coil temperatures of HVAC air handling units. This will minimize energy waste and maximize comfort.

 

  1. CHECK BOILER HOT WATER TEMPERATURES

 

You can check the hot water boiler temperatures easily and safely using the Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer. By adjusting the water temperature to avoid getting off over the course of a heating season, you can avoid expensive energy expenses.

 

  1. CHECK STEAM TRAPS

 

Stream trap failure can result in a system freeze up when left unnoticed. With the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer, you can quickly identify a steam trap that has failed either open or closed.

 

  1. CHECK AIR DISTRIBUTION

 

The Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer can identify shut off discharge ducts by scanning the discharge temperatures of different ducts and taking note of those that show incorrect discharge temperature.

 

  1. CHECK FOR HOT AND COLD SPOTS

 

Hot and cold spots are caused by system design or installation and it can cause discomfort and complaints. The Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer can identify the sources of this discomfort.

 

  1. CHECK POWER SUPPLIES IN A PANEL

 

The Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer can identify the power supply that has failed and is causing improper system operation in an HVAC control panel that has multiple power supplies.

 

  1. CHECK HUMIDIFIER OPERATION

 

You can identify if there is water or steam present at the humidifier and if it is operating properly without direct contact with the humidifier using the Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer.

 

  1. CHECK CHILLER SET POINTS

 

To avoid energy waste caused by the incorrect temperature of chilled water, you can use the Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer to make sure the chilled water temperature provided to the building is the same with the set point.

 

  1. CHECK LOW-TEMPERATURE LIMITS

 

There is a low-temperature switch in almost every commercial air handling unit. This stops the supply fan to prevent the water coil from freezing up. But in cases that the low-temperature limit is incorrectly adjusted, you can use Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer to check the calibration and adjust as needed.

 

  1. SAFE CHECKING OF CEILING MOUNT EQUIPMENT

 

When the HVAC equipment is located in a hazardous and hard to reach area, you can still check its temperature using the Fluke 62 MAX + IR Thermometer.

 

  1. CHECK THE OPERATION OF VAV BOX HOT WATER REHEAT

 

The most common type of HVAC system installed today is variable air volume or VAV.  Many VAV terminal boxes are located at the perimeter of the building and include hot water reheat coils. You can use the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer to check the discharge air temperature of the VAV box as well as the reheat coil inlet and outlet water temperatures. These will indicate whether the hot water valve is opening and closing properly.

 

  1. CHECK RETURN AIR TEMPERATURES

 

The supply air temperature of an air handling unit isn’t the only thing that needs to be checked, it is advised to check the temperature of the return air from the room. The Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer is an ideal instrument to use to check the return air temperature.

 

  1. CHECK ELECTRIC HEATING COIL OPERATION

 

If the controls are functioning improperly, large energy waste can occur that leads to very high energy bills. You can use the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer to check the correct temperature set points of the electric heating coils.

 

  1. CHECK COMPRESSOR TEMPERATURE

 

This can be very expensive. You can use the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer to check the compressor temperatures and detect problems before they lead to expensive failures. This can also avoid product loss and system downtime.

 

  1. CHECK COOLER AND FREEZER TEMPERATURES

 

It is critical that products in coolers and freezers are maintained at the correct temperature. The Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer can quickly show that the products in a cooler or freezer are stored under the proper conditions. And at the same time, you can check the evaporator coil and discharge air temperatures as well.

 

  1. CHECK FOR DEFROST TEMPERATURE

 

You can easily check the defrost system operation with the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer. Defrost systems are there to melt the ice when needed. If the defrost system fails to operate properly, the refrigeration system may ice up and fail, which will cause product loss.

 

  1. CHECK REFRIGERANT COIL SURFACE TEMPERATURES AND CONDENSER TEMPERATURES

 

Another usage of the Fluke 62 MAX+ IR Thermometer is to check the actual coil temperatures of refrigeration system evaporators and condensers. These temperatures specify proper system operation and efficiency. Improper coil temperatures can help identify problems while they are small and can be fixed easily.

 

The Fluke 62 MAX + Infrared Thermometer is indeed a device that makes measuring temperatures easier, quicker, and safer.

 

You can get this device in A SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICE at Presidium.PH! Send us an inquiry here or email us at info@presidium.ph or contact us at +63 2 464 9339

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