Data centers form the backbone of our increasingly digital and interconnected world, supporting everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence. However, as the importance of data centers grows, so does their environmental impact. Advanced solutions like modular sensors help optimize operations to save energy and reduce a data center’s environmental footprint. How are these solutions redefining the future of data center design?

When it comes to monitoring indoor conditions in a data center, sensors are essential. They help prevent equipment damage and excessive energy bills by ensuring humidity and temperature are kept at the optimal level.

Modular solutions mean data centers can scale or change their design, without needing to replace all their sensors. This is especially useful for colocation data centers, which provide facilities, utilities, and security for the equipment of multiple customers, with strict uptime guarantees.

The move toward modular sensors is part of a global shift in infrastructure design that emphasizes flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. By adopting these innovations, data centers can meet their operational needs while also reducing their carbon footprint.

Daisy chaining for effective change management

Sensor chaining – also known as daisy chaining – is an installation method where one long cable is run down a data center server aisle with multiple transmitters attached at regular intervals. Each sensor monitors temperature and humidity to ensure optimal conditions are maintained all the way along the chain.

Daisy chaining is a plug-and-play solution with standard M8 quick connectors, meaning probes can be swapped in and out easily and as often as required. Daisy chaining is a cost-effective solution, which only needs one power supply and a single control panel to run hundreds of probes, all connected using Modbus communication.

This approach reflects a larger trend in technology design where modularity enables sustainable and future-proof infrastructure. Daisy chaining supports data center business and environmental goals by reducing waste, minimizing raw material use, and enabling long-term adaptability.

Three key benefits of a sensor chain solution

1.    Easy to install

The Vaisala sensor chain solution can be installed quickly and easily by a technician. No additional wiring is needed, saving time and money on installation. While a hardwired sensor can take 40 mins to install, daisy-chained sensors can be connected in seconds. In addition, much less cable is needed than with analog outputs, which saves valuable raw materials.

2.    Easy to calibrate

Because each measurement probe in a chained setup is interchangeable, they can be swapped in and out with no downtime – making calibration easy. Sensors can be switched in and out for calibration and then reused indefinitely throughout their lifetime, safe in the knowledge that they are fully accurate.

3.    Flexible when needs change

Vaisala’s daisy chaining solution is truly modular, with the flexibility to adapt to changes in data center size or layout, or the option to move sensors to another site. No additional wiring is needed – just extend the cable and reuse existing sensor probes or add some more. Transmitters are available with or without displays, depending on customer need.

Excellent accuracy and long-term stability

Vaisala sensors, such as the traceable multi-point calibrated Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Probe HMP113, offer excellent measurement reliability thanks to their high accuracy and long-term measurement stability with virtually no drift. This helps data center owners to optimize energy costs and save money.

Vaisala sensors also have a long lifespan of over 12 years. With a modular daisy-chaining solution that can be scaled or adapted as circumstances change, real cost savings can be made by avoiding the need to replace sensors unnecessarily after a fixed period.

As the digital economy grows, data centers face mounting pressure to balance their energy demands and environmental impact. Modular solutions like Vaisala’s daisy-chaining technology help data centers to achieve operational excellence while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Let’s work together to ensure your data center is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow – efficiently and responsibly. Contact us today to learn more.