Best Practices of Server Rack Cooling

Computing hardware produces too much warmth during operation. Calculations and other computing operations with datum result in apparatus heating. Since dozens of active hardware are placed in a relatively small area of a server rack (or even in an enclosed body), heat accumulates quickly. Moreover, devices tend to exchange heat. All these factors will certainly boil down to the increase in the temperature of devices if the cooling strategy is chosen incorrectly. This is why the issue of sufficient rack cooling is a crucial one for every network system.

TOP Cooling Techniques

Let’s see what server rack cooling best practices are used by the maintenance staff to guarantee smooth functioning and create an optimal indoor environment.

Being careful about using cooling strategies

When choosing a proper cooling strategy, it is important to pick the most appropriate method since any change in the environment can influence the functioning of the system and the lifetime of the devices.

For example, too dry air leads to the accumulation of a static charge, which can lead to disruption of the circuit boards and hardware. Too wet air results in condensation.

Temperature in server rooms

As mentioned above, server rack cooling is essential since network hardware overheats well. According to the set standards, the temperature in a data center should be 68-77 F. This indicator is optimal to keep computing devices cool and ensure their smooth and durable operation.

Using Hot-Cold layout

Maps of hot and cold aisles are widely used by the related staff as natural means of data center cooling. The thing is that the air flows inside premises in certain directions. If server racks are arranged properly taking into account these maps, the airflow will cool down the room. Thus, the maintenance staff won’t have to install fans and other devices to force the air to circulate between open and enclosed constructions installed in specialized premises.

Using the right server body

Open bodies provide more appropriate conditions for cooling using the natural air since open-frame racks not have side panels. It means that the air can freely penetrate the rack, circulate through equipment, and cool it down by exchanging heat with devices.

Here, two main classes of server bodies are distinguished. These are four-upright and two-post racks. The first group is bigger in size and allows accommodating more devices. It is more suitable for large systems. Two-post racks allow housing fewer items of equipment.

Open-frame products are preferable in terms of cooling if compared to enclosed models, where side doors and walls impede air circulation.

Managing airflow properly

Yet, note that both types of server bodies are popular in data centers. If the natural airflow is not able to reduce the temperature of the hardware, forced ventilation systems are used. Fans are installed inside cabinets to force the air to flow in the desired direction. Cabinet enclosures are usually produced with tech holes for fan mounting.

Also, make sure to allocate devices correctly. One of the main rules of maintenance employees is to place hardware inside server furniture loosely. Too tight housing will lead to overheating due to heat exchange between components of the system. To cope with the task successfully, it is recommended to make a layout. It will help find out all the flaws of your arrangement and prevent apparatus breakdown.

Filling all slots in server racks

The server enclosure is manufactured with all the needed tech holes for cable routing and other staff. Not always, system administrators use all of them at once. Thus, non-used holes can disorganize your cooling strategy by letting the air from the outside of the cabinet penetrate the body. This leads to insufficient functioning of fans and the violation of the optimal values ​​of the inner environment. Thus, special blank panels are used to plug non-used holes. Server constructions house hundreds of computing hardware items. If it is cooled improperly, devices will quickly overheat and break down, which results in system downtime. The use of natural airflow, forced ventilation strategies, and hot/cold aisles help solve the issue and ensure durable and uninterruptible system functioning.