BECAUSE ENERGY CONSUMPTION MATTERS
Data center cooling represents up to 50% of overall energy consumption.
An enormous amount of energy is used every day to maintain an acceptable intake temperature to the IT equipment. In recent years, there has been no greater positive impact on the cooling of data centers than the introduction of containment. The energy savings alone has saved hundreds of millions of dollars and has greatly decreased data centers’ carbon footprint. Data center containment has virtually changed the way IT facilities are designed and operated by fully separating cold supply from hot equipment exhaust air.
WHAT IS DATA CENTER CONTAINMENT
Data center containment is the separation of cold supply air from the hot exhaust air from IT equipment.
Aisle containment plays a crucial role in the modern data center. This system prevents hot and cold air from mixing with each other. This simple separation creates a uniform and predictable supply temperature to the intake of IT equipment as well as a warmer, drier return air to the AC coil.
Hot aisle and cold aisle containment is a primary way leading businesses today help reduce the use of energy and optimize their equipment’s performance within their data center. Adopting a cold and/or hot aisle containment solution increases air efficiency, translating to increased up-times, longer hardware life and valuable energy savings.
BENEFITS OF DATA CENTER CONTAINMENT
- Reduced Energy Consumption
- Increased Cooling Capacity
- Increased Rack Population
- Consistent Acceptable Supply to IT Intake
- More Power Available for IT Equipment
- Increased Equipment Up-time
- Longer Hardware Life
WHAT TYPE OF DATA CENTER CONTAINMENT IS BEST?
The choice depends on the facility design
The question most asked when it comes to data center containment is “what should I do — hot aisle, or cold aisle containment?” The choice depends on the facility design. Research has continuously proved that there is improved energy efficiency through the consistent separation of cold and hot air in data centers. There are several factors to be considered when determining which air to contain: obstructions, room design, space, budget, etc.
What is Cold Aisle Containment?
Cold aisle containment systems enclose the aisle of a data center to deliver a uniform and predictable flow of cold air directly to your facility’s IT equipment. Airflow controls are utilized to match the air supply needs of each individual aisle, eliminating hot spots and ensuring optimal operating efficiency. Cold Aisle Containment involves doors on the ends of the cold aisles and some form of partitions or roof over the cold aisle to contain supply airflow.
What is Hot Aisle Containment?
Hot aisle containment systems consist of a physical barrier that guides hot exhaust airflow back to the AC return. Hot aisle containment (HAC) increases the effectiveness of your data center cooling. Hot aisle containment includes doors on the ends of the aisle and a configuration of baffles and ductwork from the hot aisle to the returns of the cooling units. Drop ceiling plenums are often used as the means to duct the return air back to the cooling units.
Thoroughly understand your Options
The decision affects the longevity of your facility and your bottom line
Intelligent data center solutions begin with understanding your unique situation. Let us educate you in the latest insights and options, so you can make informed and confident decisions for your facility.
