The regulation of airflow in server rooms is a crucial part of data center design. Since network hardware emits heat during operation, the issue of cooling is of critical importance. Inadequate cooling or an incorrect cooling technique will definitely lead to malfunctions and breakdowns. Therefore, a computing system requires enough cooling.
DC airflow management is one of the primary considerations when designing a server room. The stage requires an evaluation of the furniture used for equipment housing;
- The selection of an appropriate cooling strategy based on the models of used furniture;
- Estimate the number of fans and accessories required to cool a working system;
- The design of a building’s layout and furniture allocation to create hot and cold air corridors.
System administrators should pay special attention to the following areas while managing server rack airflow: floors, premises, racks/cabinets, and rows.
The MOST Efficient Methods to Cool DCs
When developing data centers, system administrators employ specific methods to enhance the rate and quality of air circulation.
Cold Aisle / Hot Aisle
By splitting the airflows in the data center space, hot areas can be eliminated and energy can be saved. However, the optimal approach for their isolation will depend on the constraints of a specific data center.
Isolating server room airflow enhances the predictability and efficiency of a conventional data center cooling system. The following duties are executed as a result of the reduction of local overheating zones:
- The operation of IT equipment is more reliable;
- By decreasing the recirculation of hot air, users can boost the energy density of their racks.
Additionally, a greater temperature difference between the cold supply air and the warm return air can boost the cooling capacity. To prevent hot and cold air streams from mingling, it is sufficient to isolate only one of them.
Proper Server Furniture Setup
As it accommodates dozens of computing devices, server furniture requires special consideration. Therefore, the service life of hardware is directly reliant on the capacity of system administrators to assign hardware within server racks and cabinets.
Any job, including calculations, generates significant heat emissions. Consequently, network equipment releases a great deal of heat, which can lead to overheating if the cooling system within the rack is not properly configured.
System administrators utilize specialized accessories and tools to cool down hardware. If you intend to create a server rack cooling unit, you will discover a vast selection of components for your systems here.
System administrators typically employ the following strategies to maintain ideal temperature conditions within serve cabinets:
Solutions to ensure the ideal temperature
- A disorganized hardware arrangement Keep in mind that equipment should never be positioned tightly. Always leave extra space between network system components to allow air to flow freely between them, allowing hardware to cool and heat to be exchanged.
- Blank/filler panels. All server cabinets and racks feature enclosures with specialized holes for cabling, switching equipment, etc. Occasionally, system administrators may not need them all. It is quite difficult to create a cooling map with such openings, as outside air would enter the enclosure and destabilize the system. Thus, empty panels are utilized. These plastic or metal plugs are used to fill unused holes.
- More followers. The majority of enclosed cabinets require forced ventilation systems. The personnel installs fans to drive air through components and exchange heat.
- Cable management equipment. Additionally, improperly ordered cables result in tangles, which impede airflow. The appearance of neatly arranged and coiled cords does not impede airflow.
- Floor grommets. These are plastic or metal bezels that are affixed to a hole in a certain material to extend its service life, conceal flaws, and facilitate its connection to another surface. By installing this attachment, personnel leaves a small amount of extra space on the bottom, allowing air to flow through all sides and corners.
Adjust Elevated Floors
Raised floors have become the architectural standard for modern data center construction. Existing solutions in this area offer efficient cooling, minimize the number and length of hidden cables, consolidate physical ports, and lessen the number of equipment connection cables.
The raised floor is a floor covering comprised of tiles that are detachable and put on a supporting structure. Due to this, a free space formed between the flooring and the subfloor, which was utilized to lay cables for various reasons.
Under the raised floor was, among other things, a ventilation system that ensures cooling air goes where it is needed.
Alter Chimneys
This technological solution enables customers to boost natural airflow for cooling techniques. For server rooms, specialized metal and plastic designs are manufactured. Its design resembles a lengthy pipe built on the property, with one end leading to the outdoors. Thus, according to physical rules, cold air enters the building and cools the inside environment. This device will aid in the removal of excess heat and the maintenance of optimal conditions in both premises and cabinets.
Monitor Temperature
There are several sensors, tools, and control accessories available on the modern market that allow maintenance personnel to remotely regulate the environment. Sensors outfitted with alarm systems transmit alarm messages to the control board when certain indicators are exceeded. Due to clever sensors, trained personnel may configure cooling techniques as needed.
The creation of a cooling strategy for a server room is neither simple nor quick. Airflow control in a data center involves special consideration, analysis, and planning. Before developing a cooling strategy, it is vital to assess the type of space, the furniture, the number of cabinets, etc. The staff should determine the type of ventilation (passive, active, or both) and compile a list of the necessary accessories (blank panels, fans, etc.). Since network equipment is responsible for data storage and computational operations, system managers can never disregard this aspect of server room architecture. Heat can cause hardware damage and downtime.
