Server room cooling
Server rooms need to be cooled to ensure the optimum performance and service life of the IT equipment located there. Here are some reasons why cooling a server room is essential.
Servers and other IT devices generate a lot of heat. Without adequate cooling, the temperature can quickly rise to a level that could damage the hardware.
Overheated devices can work more slowly or switch off unexpectedly, which can lead to a loss of performance and possible data loss.
A constant, optimum temperature helps to increase the reliability of the hardware and minimize the risk of failures.
Electronic components have a longer service life if they are operated within a certain temperature range. Overheating can accelerate the ageing of components and thus shorten their service life.
Efficient cooling systems can help to optimize energy consumption and reduce operating costs. Overheated appliances can work inefficiently and consume more energy.
In extreme cases, overheated appliances can cause fires, which poses a considerable risk to the entire infrastructure.
Conventional methods of cooling server rooms
A server room is air-conditioned using special techniques and equipment designed to control the temperature and humidity and dissipate excess heat. Here are the main methods and components used for air conditioning a server room
Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC), also known as precision air conditioners, are specialized air conditioning systems designed for use in server rooms. They regulate temperature and humidity and are designed for continuous operation. Wir empfehlen hier unsere ebm-papst EC Radialventilatoren RadiCal (auch mit aktiv PFC und Resonanzerkennung erhältlich).
Server racks are set up in an arrangement in which cold and warm air flows are separated. Cold aisles are areas where cool air flows to the front of the racks, while hot aisles take the heated exhaust air from the rear of the racks and return it to the air conditioning system. Overhead heat exchangers, in which our axial fans play a fundamental role, can provide support here.
A raised floor can be installed to distribute cold air evenly under the server racks. The cold air flows upwards through special openings or panels into the cold aisles.
In-row cooling systems or so-called 19-inch racks are located between the server racks and cool the air directly where the heat is generated. These systems are particularly efficient as they dissipate the waste heat directly. Our ebm-papst diagonal fans are particularly suitable for this, e.g. the Die Force120 or our new AxiEco 200. Our AxiTwin was specially developed for 19-inch racks.
Sensors for monitoring temperature and humidity are essential. They can be connected to a central monitoring system that automatically adjusts the air conditioning to ensure optimum conditions. Our fans can be adapted and regulated or controlled according to the application requirements.
To increase reliability, redundant air conditioning and cooling systems are often installed. If a system fails, a backup system can take over the cooling.
Efficient energy management and the use of energy-efficient cooling technologies help to minimize energy consumption and reduce operating costs. FlexiConnect Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCiM) offers the perfect overview and measures to reduce energy costs beyond our fans. Utilization messages, status messages or power consumption are displayed and controlled in real time.
Server room cooling without air conditioning
With free cooling, outside air is used to lower the temperature in the server room. This can be done directly or indirectly:
Direct free cooling: Outside air is fed directly into the server room after it has been cleaned by filters.
Indirect free cooling: A heat exchanger is used to utilize the cool outside air without it entering the server room directly. This cools the indoor air without compromising the purity and humidity of the room air. Our ebm-papst fans implement this with a supply/recirculation/exhaust air FanGrid.
The use of powerful blowers can help to efficiently remove the warm air from the server room and bring in cool air, e.g. with CRAHs and AHUs and our RadiPacs.
Warm air extraction: Blowers can be strategically placed to extract warm air from the server room and direct it outside.
Cold air supply: Cool outside air can be fed into the server room via ducts and fans.
A well-designed air duct system can optimize the circulation of cool and warm air.
Cold and hot aisle separation: Server racks are arranged in such a way that cold and hot aisles are created. Cold air is directed into the cold aisles and warm air is extracted from the hot aisles.
Roof fans: Roof fans can extract warm air from the server room and direct it outside.
This technology uses the evaporation of water to cool the air.
Evaporative cooler: Air is passed through wet filters or evaporative coolers, whereby the evaporation of the water cools the air. This cooler air is then fed into the server room.
A geothermal heat exchanger uses the relatively constant temperature of the ground to cool the air.
Air-to-earth heat exchanger: Air is fed through underground pipes, where it is cooled by contact with the cooler ground before flowing into the server room.
Use of the natural air flow for cooling.
Chimney effect: Warm air rises upwards and can escape through openings in the roof, while cooler air flows in through lower openings.
These methods can be used alone or in combination to achieve effective cooling of the server room without traditional air conditioning systems. It is important to consider the specific requirements and environmental conditions of the server room in order to find the best possible solution. We can offer the right ebm-papst fan solution for every method (whether axial or centrifugal).