Optimizing airflow in a Data Center (DC) directly impacts reliability, energy consumption, and operating costs. Solving these problems doesn’t require significant investment but yields substantial results.
LEAKS THROUGH CABLE ENTRIES AND FLOOR TILES
Problem: Openings for cable entries and utility cutouts are often left in the raised floors of data centers. Cold air escapes through these, creating uncontrolled flows. As a result:
Cooling efficiency is reduced.
The cooling system “idles” and wears out faster.
Electricity costs increase.
Solution: Sealing cable entries and cutouts can reduce air leakage by up to 90%, directing the cold air strictly to the IT equipment area. This increases system efficiency and reduces operating costs.
UNCONTROLLED PRESSURE IN AISLES
Problem: A positive pressure of 15–20 Pa is typically maintained in the cold aisle to prevent hot air from recirculating. If the pressure differential exceeds 20 Pa, the reverse effect occurs:
- Cold air breaks through gaps, and spaces between cabinets and the floor.
- Part of the flow bypasses the servers and goes directly into the hot aisle.
- The cooling system operates inefficiently, energy costs and PUE increase, TCO increases, and the load on equipment and the risk of downtime rise.
Solution: For optimal cooling system performance, it is necessary to:
- Maintain the pressure differential within the 15–20 Pa range.
- Monitor it using sensors.
- Aisles (containment systems) must be sealed.
- If problems are detected, check the ventilation and seals. Such measures prevent the formation of “hot zones,” reduce the load on fans, and extend the equipment lifespan.
LACK OF SEALING IN AIRFLOW SEPARATION SYSTEMS
Problem: If hot or cold aisles are not isolated (from above, below, or between racks), airflows mix. As a result, a significant portion of the cold air is lost, failing to reach the IT equipment, which reduces cooling efficiency.
Solution: Using containment systems (isolating hot or cold aisles) allows you to:
Reduce energy consumption for cooling by 30–35%.
Lower both Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operating Expenses (OPEX).
Increase the efficiency and reliability of the data center operation.
Effective airflow management is not just about energy; it's about the strategic sustainability of any data center.
INCORRECT RACK PLACEMENT IN THE DATA CENTER
Problem: Randomly placing racks with respect to depth leads to airflow turbulence. This reduces cooling efficiency and causes uneven temperature distribution, increasing the risk of equipment overheating.
Solution: Aligning racks in rows along the front and rear lines when organizing “hot” and “cold” aisles increases air distribution uniformity by up to 25%. This approach reduces the likelihood of “hot spots” forming and increases the reliability of cooling systems.
BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTATION
Reduced Energy Consumption: Up to one-third of cooling costs.
Increased Reliability: Elimination of “hot spots” and reduced risk of failures.
Equipment Longevity: Reduced load on fans and compressors.
Economic Impact: Increased energy efficiency (PUE) and lower operating costs.
Conclusion
Small engineering measures—sealing cutouts, correct rack placement, maintaining optimal pressure, and aisle containment—can transform the cooling system from a cost center into a tool for increasing data center reliability and economic efficiency.
SIMPLE MEASURES – MAXIMUM RESULTS.