Air Flow Sensor

AKCP Airflow Sensor AFS00 – Professional Airflow Monitoring for Data Centers and Server Rooms

Continuous airflow monitoring in sensitive IT infrastructures such as data centers, server rooms, and telecommunications facilities is crucial for the safe operation of critical systems. The AKCP Airflow Sensor AFS00 offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for 24/7 airflow monitoring and ventilation control.

Technical Features of the AKCP AFS00 Airflow Sensor

The AFS00 airflow sensor is designed as an intelligent on/off switch sensor and primarily acts as an indicator for the presence or absence of airflow. Unlike precise air velocity meters, this sensor is intended for simple and reliable detection of airflow with adjustable threshold sensitivity.

Key Features of the Airflow Monitoring Technology

The thermistor-based sensor performs multiple measurements per second and provides immediate visual feedback through LED indicators for both operational status and connectivity. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance in industrial environments, with an operating temperature range from -20°C to 60°C.

Extended Connectivity and Cable Length Options

AKCP airflow sensors are available in various cable lengths:

• Sensor with standard cable length (1.5 meters)
• Sensor with 4.5-meter cable for extended reach
• Sensor with 12-meter cable for larger installations
• Sensor with a maximum cable length of 18 meters (according to specifications, up to 60 feet)

The use of standard Cat5/6 LAN cables allows for flexible installation and cost-effective expansion of existing network infrastructures. The RJ-45 connector ensures a secure and professional connection to all AKCP sensorProbe and securityProbe monitoring systems.

Critical Importance of Ventilation Monitoring in Data Centers

A failure in the ventilation system can have catastrophic consequences for heat-sensitive server and storage systems. CPUs, hard drives, and other critical components are at increased risk of failure due to overheating if cooling is insufficient. Thermal protection is thus an essential pillar of data center security.

The economic impact of downtime on ERP, CRM, and email servers can be significant, leading not only to direct financial losses but also to long-term reputational damage. Proactive airflow monitoring significantly reduces these risks.

Smart Installation and Auto-Sense Technology

The airflow sensor is strategically positioned in the airflow path of the ventilation system or directly in the server cabinet to ensure optimal detection of air circulation. The patented Auto-Sense technology enables automatic recognition of the connected sensor by all AKCP sensorProbe and securityProbe monitoring systems.

Easy Configuration via Web Interface

After physical installation, configuration is conveniently carried out via the web-based interface of the monitoring system. Administrators can define individual threshold values and alert parameters and configure various alert methods. The intuitive user interface enables even non-expert IT personnel to set it up quickly and securely.

Advanced Monitoring and Analysis Capabilities

The AKCP sensorProbe and securityProbe alarm servers continuously record the airflow sensor's readings, enabling long-term trend analysis. This historical data is especially valuable for preventive maintenance and diagnosis of ventilation systems.

Early Warning System for Gradual Deterioration

Continuous data logging allows for early detection of clogged filter systems, declining fan performance, or gradual deterioration in ventilation efficiency. This preventive diagnostic capability reduces unplanned downtime and enables proactive maintenance planning.

Diverse Alert Options for Critical Situations

If defined airflow thresholds are not met or ventilation fails completely, various alerting methods can be triggered:

• Email notifications for immediate alerting of the IT team
• SMS alerts via SMS gateway for mobile notifications
• SNMP traps for integration with existing network management systems like OpenNMS or Nagios
• Direct SNMP queries via unique OID (Object Identifier) for automated monitoring systems

SNMP Integration and Network Management

Full SNMP compatibility allows seamless integration into professional IT management environments. Network administrators can query current airflow readings directly via SNMP commands or integrate the sensors into existing monitoring tools such as OpenNMS, Nagios, Zabbix, or other SNMP-based solutions.

Sensor Interaction and Automated Emergency Response

A key advantage of the AKCP system lies in the ability to interact with other sensors. The airflow sensor can be combined with other intelligent sensors from the AKCP portfolio to create complex automation scenarios.

Automated Emergency Measures in Case of Ventilation Failure

In critical airflow situations, various emergency measures can be triggered automatically:

• Activation of combined alarm sirens with strobe light
• Switching AC or DC relays for emergency fans
• Activation of backup cooling systems
• Automatic notification of maintenance personnel

Detailed Technical Specifications

• Measurement Range: Presence/absence of airflow (on/off principle)
• Sensor Type: Thermistor-based with digital signal processing
• Measurement Rate: Multiple readings per second for fast response time
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
• Power Supply: Fully powered by controller, no external power required
• Power Consumption: Typical 430 mW at 85mA
• Dimensions: 56 x 55 x 33.3 mm (compact form factor)
• Mounting: DIN rail or screw mounting
• Cable Extension: Up to 18 meters using standard Cat5/6 cable
• Protection Rating: Industrial-grade for server room environments

Applications and Use Cases

The AKCP AFS00 airflow sensor is ideally suited for various critical applications:

• Data Centers: Monitoring of main ventilation and rack-specific cooling
• Server Rooms: Air circulation control in smaller IT environments
• Telecommunications Facilities: Ensuring device cooling in telecom cabinets
• Industrial IT Installations: Protection of control systems against overheating
• Medical Technology: Monitoring temperature-sensitive device rooms
• Laboratory Environments: Ventilation control in sensitive areas

Cost-Effectiveness and Return on Investment

Investing in professional airflow monitoring quickly pays off by avoiding costly downtime and hardware damage. Preventive monitoring not only reduces the risk of unplanned outages but also optimizes energy usage by identifying inefficient ventilation conditions early.

Essential Safety for Critical IT Infrastructures

The AKCP Airflow Sensor AFS00 provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for continuous airflow monitoring in mission-critical IT environments. Its combination of simple installation, intelligent auto-detection, diverse alerting options, and seamless SNMP integration makes this sensor an indispensable component of modern data center infrastructure.

By proactively monitoring airflow, organizations can effectively protect their valuable IT assets from temperature-related failures while simultaneously reducing operating costs through optimized ventilation control.