Keeping Your Data Center Cool: Best Practices for Efficient and Effective Cooling - Rahi
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Keeping Your Data Center Cool: Best Practices for Efficient and Effective Cooling

By Rahi

March 7, 2023 -

As data centers become more critical to the success of businesses, ensuring that they are properly cooled has become increasingly important. Efficient cooling not only reduces energy costs, but it also helps to prolong the life of your equipment, prevent downtime, and maintain the safety and reliability of your data center. In this article, we’ll explore some best practices for data center cooling.

Importance of Data Center Cooling

Data centers generate a significant amount of heat, which can cause equipment to malfunction and even fail if not properly managed. To prevent this, cooling systems are necessary to maintain an optimal temperature range. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a temperature range of 18-27°C (64-80°F) and a humidity range of 40-60% for data centers.

In addition to equipment failure, poor cooling can also lead to increased energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooling systems can account for up to 40% of a data center’s total energy consumption. This means that reducing energy consumption through efficient cooling practices can lead to significant cost savings.

Here are some best practices for data center cooling:

Use of Containment Systems

Containment systems are an effective way to improve cooling efficiency by separating the hot and cold air streams in the data center. By isolating the hot air streams generated by IT equipment, containment systems can prevent hot air from mixing with the cold air supply, improving the effectiveness of cooling systems. There are two types of containment systems:

Hot and Cold Aisle Containment

In a hot and cold aisle containment system, IT equipment is arranged in alternating hot and cold aisles, with cold air supplied through the front of the racks and hot air exhausted through the back. This creates a closed loop for the cold air supply, reducing energy waste and increasing cooling efficiency.

Use of Economizers

Economizers are cooling systems that use outside air to reduce the need for mechanical cooling. This can be especially effective in areas with cooler climates or during cooler seasons, as it can reduce energy costs and improve the efficiency of cooling systems.

Use of Airflow Management Solutions

Airflow management solutions are another way to improve cooling efficiency. By optimizing airflow, these solutions can help reduce the need for mechanical cooling and improve the effectiveness of cooling systems. Examples of airflow management solutions include floor grates, baffles, and curtains.

Use of Liquid Cooling Systems

Liquid cooling systems are becoming increasingly popular in data centers, as they can provide more efficient cooling than traditional air-cooling systems. By using liquid to cool IT equipment, these systems can reduce energy consumption and increase cooling efficiency.

Conclusion

Efficient data center cooling is essential for maintaining the reliability and safety of your data center, while also reducing energy costs. By implementing best practices such as the use of containment systems, economizers, airflow management solutions, and liquid cooling systems, you can improve the efficiency of your cooling systems and prolong the life of your equipment.

Author

  • Rahi is an independently operated subsidiary of Wesco Distribution, Inc. Wesco is a Fortune 200 Company with Annual Revenues of more than USD $19B, 19,000+ Employees, and operates in 50+ countries globally. Rahi was acquired by Wesco in November of 2022. With warehouses and offices in 50+ countries, Rahi offers the advantage of IOR services, local currency billing, and RMA services - helping businesses operate efficiently and successfully at any location. Rahi combines its global reach and in-depth analysis services to understand clients’ business goals, IT requirements, and operations while placing them on the journey toward success.

, Thinker & Designer

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