Better Airflow Improves Cooling Capacity, Cuts Operating Costs

Bill Kleyman

March 26, 2013

2 Min Read
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New data center environments are being designed and built to support large amounts of users. Furthermore, these infrastructures are created to handle powerful workloads capable of distributing data and information all over the world. In architecting the modern data center platform, administrators are striving to create and environment built on performance and efficiency. Part of the development process will always revolve around airflow and room-level control.

In many cases, data centers are built with some of the best equipment, top of the line power management systems, and utilize space optimally. However, in some cases, the all-important process of airflow control is left to the last design minute. In fact, recent research by Upsite Technologies of 45 computer rooms reveals that on average 48% of conditioned air is escaping from unsealed openings and misplaced perforated tiles.

There are a few ways to deploy a solid air flow management system. Of course, the size and design of your data center will dictate optimal air flow management, the process of the actual control is very important nevertheless. In Upsite’s whitepaper, we are able to see the direct benefits in controlling air flow within the data center environment.  Many sites have implemented air flow management and cooling best practices and have seen some of the following benefits:

  • Improved IT intake air temperatures

  • Improved IT equipment reliability

  • Increased volumes of cooling airflow delivered by perforated tiles

  • Ability to add more perforated tiles and cool more cabinets to the room without compromising raised floor static pressure

  • Increased cooling unit efficiency

  • Increased cooling unit capacity

  • Reduced operating expense

In creating a solid data center, all aspects of efficiency must be considered. This includes airflow control and management. Download Upsite’s white paper to learn about the direct data center benefits which revolve around bypass airflow management. Furthermore, you’ll see the four necessary steps to creating a better airflow system for your data center environment.

About the Author(s)

Bill Kleyman

Bill Kleyman has more than 15 years of experience in enterprise technology. He also enjoys writing, blogging, and educating colleagues about tech. His published and referenced work can be found on Data Center Knowledge, AFCOM, ITPro Today, InformationWeek, NetworkComputing, TechTarget, DarkReading, Forbes, CBS Interactive, Slashdot, and more.

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