www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2023 25
Feature
RACK DENSITIES DEFINE DATA CENTRE COOLING STRATEGIES
Written by Eamonn Ryan
Rack densities may be the hottest thing in a data centre .
Literally . The Pan-African DataCentre Exhibition & Conference boasted a high proportion of HVAC & R companies . It also hosted a panel discussion on the subject of Key Considerations in Future Cooling Applications for Data Centres . The latter was moderated by Jonker Bester , director : Spoormaker & Partners , with the following industry expert panellists :
• Vincent Laidet , managing director : Systemair
• David Bourke , director of sales : data centre technologies EMEA , Munters
• Matteo Faccia , product management director and tech dep operation coordinator , HiRef
The following is a summary of their discussion . Efficient cooling is a critical aspect of data centre operations , directly impacting equipment performance , energy consumption , and overall reliability . The panellists shared insights on cooling strategies , common mistakes , and best practices to achieve optimal airflow management . By examining design considerations , temperature control , and infrastructure maintenance , data centre operators can enhance cooling efficiency and reduce energy costs .
Understanding airflow management : To ensure effective cooling , it is essential to focus on airflow management within data centres . The panel emphasises the importance of correct positioning and sizing of equipment to maintain optimal conditions . Simply increasing airflow speed may not yield the desired results . Instead , the goal should be to provide the right amount of airflow consistently , optimising energy usage and equipment performance . The discussion highlights the need to align with basic principles and avoid common mistakes that hinder proper airflow management .
Avoiding common mistakes : The panel points out two common mistakes frequently encountered in data centres :
• The first involves placing server cabinets too close together , causing short cycling and inadequate airflow circulation . This error limits cooling efficiency and may lead to equipment performance issues .
• The second mistake pertains to incorrect installation of the cooling unit . Sometimes , the cooling unit is mounted upside down or obstructed by design elements , impeding its functionality , and forcing the system to work harder to achieve desired results . Such errors can be avoided with attention to detail and adherence to best practices .
All images by © Eamonn Ryan | RACA Journal
1 . Matteo Faccia , product management director & tech dep operation coordinator , HiRef
2 . David Bourke , director of sales : data centre technologies EMEA , Munters
3 . Vincent Laidet , managing director : Systemair
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Temperature control and humidity considerations : Proper temperature and humidity control play a crucial role in data centre cooling . The panel emphasises that achieving the right temperature range is essential for optimal performance and energy efficiency . Even minor deviations in temperature can lead to higher energy consumption and equipment strain . Maintaining a balanced airflow that efficiently removes heat from the server cabinets and controls humidity levels ensures a conducive environment for equipment operation . The panel stresses the importance of maintaining the right balance in airflow and temperature for maximum efficiency .
Best practices and infrastructure maintenance : Implementing best practices is vital to achieving efficient cooling in data centres . Properly sizing the data centre and adopting conservative expenditure graphs help align infrastructure with operational needs , reducing unnecessary energy consumption . Regular maintenance and infrastructure audits allow operators to identify potential issues and implement corrective measures promptly . The panel emphasises the significance of maintaining a pre-emptive approach to infrastructure maintenance to ensure optimum cooling performance .
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www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I September 2023 25