Energy efficiency on a DC
Demands on cooling systems have increased substantially in recent years as server densities have risen to unprecedented levels. This change has not only created the need for increased cooling system capacity, but also has exposed inefficiencies in existing approaches to data center cooling. As a result, cooling now represents the second highest opportunity for IT energy cost savings in many facilities (just after reducing the IT equipment load).
There are 5 main points to be considered:
- Proper sealing of the Data Center environment.
Cooling losses through floors, walls and ceilings, or the introduction of humidity from outside the facility. Keep doors closed at all times and use a vapor seal to isolate the data center atmosphere.
- Optimizing Air flow.
The goal is to move the maximum amount of heat away from the equipment while utilizing a minimum amount of energy. The three main aspects of this, is to evaluate and consider
- Rack arrangement
- CRAC placement
- Cable management
Typical and good configuration is Hot aisle/Cold aisle:
- Use economizers to achieve free cooling
In many locations, outside cool air can be used to supplement data center cooling and provide “free cooling” during colder months. This is accomplished through the use of Economizer Systems. There are two basic types:
- Air-side Economizers
- Fluid-side Economizers
- Increase the efficiency of room air conditioners
Three factors are critical to optimizing the efficiency of CRAC units:
- How efficient the units operate at partial load.
- How efficient the units are at removing sensible heat as compared to latent heat.
- How well multiple units work together.
- Deploy supplemental cooling
The solution to rising rack densities and high room diversity proved to be a pumped refrigerant cooling infrastructure that supports cooling modules placed directly above or alongside high-density racks to supplement the air coming up through the floor.
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