Datacentre Airflow Management
There are several levels to consider when looking to improve airflow in a datacentre or large server room with multiple server racks.
Blanking Panels
Use blanking panels to ‘plug’ unused spaces in the front of server racks and prevent cold and hot airflows from mixing within the cabinet. Use sealing tape kits for side panels and between tails to prevent air recirculation.
Floor Grills and Grommets
Raised Access Floor: use floor grills and front of rack panels to efficiently direct airflow to the front of server racks. Ensure floor tiles are fitted correctly and use grommets or brushed floor tiles for cable entries and prevent underfloor static pressure drops and cold air leaking into the room.
Hot and Cold Aisle Containment Systems
For multiple server rack installations consider using cold and hot-aisle containment solutions to make the most efficient use of cool air supplies and the return of hot air to the air conditioning and cooling solution.
Cooling Solutions
Ensure server room and datacentre air conditioning solutions are installed to deliver optimum cool airflow and efficient return of the hot-exhaust air. In smaller server rooms wall mounted air conditioners should be installed behind and above server racks as cold air will then fall to the front of the rack inlets. In datacentres the underfloor plenum is typically used to deliver cool air to the front of the server racks.
Environment Monitoring Devices
Install suitable temperature and humidity environment monitoring systems to ensure that the cooling and airflow arrangements are preventing hot-spots within at the room and rack levels.
Please contact us if you would like a free site audit and airflow evaluation.
Modelling Datacentre Airflow Management
For a high-level overview, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be used to model datacentre airflow pre and post-installation of airflow improvements. Typical benefits from installing an airflow management solution can include:
- PUE Ratios: lowered from 0.15 to 0.2
- Cooling Fan Speeds: reduced by up to 35%
- Cooling System Loading: less requirement for multiple unit operation
- IT Server Inlet Temperatures: reduced by up to 5°C
- Cooling Supply Temperatures: reduced by up to 6°C
- Operational Costs: decreased by up to £45k for a 4,000sqm facility
For more information on our server room and datacentre solutions for airflow management please contact our projects team.
