Data Center Containment: Types, Benefits & Challenges
We are living in a data-driven world. Hence, it becomes essential to maintain the efficiency and reliability of data centers to ensure optimal performance of equipment and effective management of cooling systems. Containment solution must be mentioned in this regard which is designed in such a way as to isolate hot and cold airflows. This helps to improve the overall efficiency of cooling systems in data centers.
Understanding the requirement of containment solutions
The high density of servers and other IT equipment contributes to a large amount of heat in data centers. Now, if this heat is not vented out appropriately, it can result in equipment failure, performance reduction, and even increase in energy costs. To save data centers from such challenges, containment systems are implemented. The containment systems prevent the mixing of hot and cold air and helps to create a controlled environment where the cooling can be directed to the required area. This empowers the cooling units to work efficiently and reduce energy consumption. In fact, with the help of containment solutions, data centers can save cost while improving its operational reliability.
Types of available containment
There are primarily two types of containment used in data centers: Cold Aisle Containment (CAC) and Hot Aisle Containment (HAC). Each of these containments serve a specific purpose hence, is chosen based on the layout and requirements of the data center.
Cold Aisle Containment: It involves enclosing the cold aisles where the equipment is located so that the cold air is not mixed with the hot air that is exhausted by the servers.
Benefits
- Cooling efficiency is maximized by directing the cold air towards the IT equipment
- Energy is saved when cold air is contained and not wasted
- Consistent and reliable cooling reduces the risk of overheating
Hot Aisle Containment: It involves enclosing the hot aisles at the exhaust of the IT equipment. This hot air is contained there and is directed back to the cooling units, while preventing from mixing with the cold air.
Benefits
- Efficiency is improved by containing the hot air
- Since it allows for targeted cooling, it’s beneficial for small data centers with fewer racks
- Better suction of hot air in facilities with in-row cooling units
Making a choice!
When choosing between Cold Aisle Containment and Hot Aisle Containment, a lot depends upon the size of the data center, how it operates, the number of racks, the size of the server hall, and the type of cooling units in use. Netrack believes that in data centers with fewer racks and smaller server areas, Hot Aisle Containment should be the preferred solution due to its ability for target cooling as mentioned above. Whereas, for larger data centers with extensive server halls, Cold Aisle Containment is more beneficial. By containing the cold air, this approach ensures that cooling is not wasted, and is reserved for mission-critical equipment.
Last word
Netrack further suggests that where peripheral cooling units are used, Cold Aisle Containment is more effective since, it contains the cold air for using it later. This improves the overall efficiency of the cooling system. But for in-row cooling units, Hot Aisle Containment is a better choice that ensures better suction of the hot air. This helps to maintain optimal operating conditions for the mission critical equipment while improving the cooling efficiency.
Now, if the data center is equipped with air blow heat exchangers, Cold Aisle Containment should be chosen. This will ensure that the cold air is effectively contained and directed where it is most needed.
