www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 15
Business
OPTIMISING DATA CENTRE COOLING WITH FABRIC AIR DIFFUSERS
By Eamonn Ryan
Fabric air diffusers such as those produced by DuctSox have been making strides within the agricultural and medical care sectors .
They are a logical accessory to cooling data centres and have gained traction in the sector globally , says Nico Koegelenberg , managing director : DuctSox Africa , but have yet to make an impact among South Africa ’ s data centre sector .
The marriage of custom engineering , directional flow control , durability , and cost efficiency positions DuctSox as a formidable player in this industry where innovation is key .
Having been associated with DuctSox since 2006 , Koegelenberg reflects on the early days when the technology was a novel addition to the South African market . It wasn ' t until 2012 that the company actively pushed its fabric air diffusers , marking a significant turning point . DuctSox has since witnessed substantial success , supplying solutions not only in South Africa but across the continent , including installations in Mauritius and Seychelles .
“ Regarding the data centre landscape , where precision and efficiency are the cornerstones , innovations in cooling systems hold significant sway . The central appeal of fabric ducting is the customisability of DuctSox . Engineered specifically for the intended space , these fabric ducts represent a departure from the one-sizefits-all approach of traditional metal ducting . The focus extends beyond mere customisation ; it involves intricate engineering , particularly concerning ventilation and airflow ,” he explains .
DuctSox holds the distinction of being pioneers in introducing directional flow into data centres . This engineering feat ensures a targeted and efficient cooling process , crucial for maintaining optimal conditions within the server rooms . The fabrics used by DuctSox are ISO 5 certified and incorporate anti-static properties to counteract the static issues commonly associated with metal ducting in data centres .
“ Ventilation velocity is a critical consideration in data centre cooling . Traditional metal ducts often result in higher velocities , necessitating the use of additional structures or containment systems . DuctSox ' s approach involves a combination of adjustable nozzles and different porosity textiles , strategically designed to maintain low velocities at the target areas . This reduces or eliminates the need for external containment structures , a significant departure from the conventional methods associated with metal ducting in data centres ,” says Koegelenberg .
Maintaining a velocity within the equipment lower than two metres per second becomes a key objective , achieved through DuctSox ' s design . By doing so , they enhance the cooling efficiency .
By directing the flow precisely where needed , DuctSox ' s
Image by DC Studio on Freepik
Modern data centre providing cloud services enabling businesses access computing resources storage .
technology resolves various challenges associated with conventional diffusers . The directional flow ensures efficient cooling of equipment , maintaining temperatures up to 5 % cooler than traditional metal duct diffusers , he adds .
A significant departure from the limitations of metal ducting lies in the durability of DuctSox ' s fabric solutions . “ We have installations that are over 30 years old . The absence of corrosion or microbial growth , coupled with the inherent strength of these textiles , contributes to their longevity . While metal may seem stronger due to its weight , DuctSox ' s fabric air diffusers challenge this notion , backed by warranties of up to 20 years in certain applications .”
Furthermore , switching to fabric air diffusers comes with tangible benefits in terms of installation efficiency and cost-effectiveness . Koegelenberg notes that the cost of installation can be 50 to 70 % lower than traditional metal ducting . The absence of on-site building and the custom engineering that works off a plan contribute to this cost efficiency . “ The installation process , facilitated by either cable or track systems , is remarkably quicker — 50 to 80 % faster than traditional methods , offering both time and cost savings .
“ Maintenance of DuctSox ' s fabric ducting is equally designed to be hassle-free . The launderable nature of the systems , along with separate on-and-off capabilities , simplifies the cleaning process . Adjustability is another advantage , allowing for easy customisation or replacement of sections as needed . Should expansion or alterations be necessary , the fabric ducting lends itself to effortless adaptation , contributing to the overall flexibility of the system ,” says Koegelenberg . RACA
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2024 15