Types of Data Center Cooling Methods

Heat is a natural response to high computational tasks. Each equipment item emits heat when processing data, making calculations, or performing other computing tasks. Server systems can total several dozen or a hundred devices. They are placed in one server rack. When each system component is involved in the operation, they exchange heat. Thus, the probability of overheating increases.

When organizing a network system in a server room, the issue of cooling technologies arises as one of the primary questions. It is important to select a proper solution to guarantee that the inner environment will be perfect for hardware functioning.

What are data center cooling techniques?

Data center cooling is a modern and multifunctional system, the main purpose of which is to maintain optimal conditions and adjust this level to the required level if necessary. With proper operation of such devices, the servers or additional equipment do not fail due to overheating. This means that the whole system works stably and efficiently. And most importantly, significant data remains without loss or change. Properly installed and selected models not only maintain optimal conditions but also provide a high level of reliability, which means they extend their service life without having to carry out frequent maintenance or repairs.

Why is data center cooling so essential? 

When installing server hardware, one question is whether cooling is necessary or whether you can do without it. Regardless of the size of the room and the power of the devices, such systems always protect against overheating.

Speaking about the advantages of such systems, firstly, it is worth pointing out: 

• Preventing downtime. The equipment performs an important function, which means that every stop due to a breakdown and the need to repair or replace a part causes problems. The devices must work continuously, so it is necessary to maintain optimal indoor conditions. 
• The durability of the equipment. High-quality devices are expensive, so it is irrational to change them every year. If all the requirements for observing the correct conditions are met, the equipment will work following the service life specified in the instructions.
• Energy efficiency. Properly selected and mounted devices consume little energy, which is economical and environmentally friendly. Consider this aspect so that you don’t get huge electricity bills. 
• Comfort for employees. The company’s employees depend on the equipment in the office, so if it constantly fails, they simply cannot perform their official duties. Plus, constant downtime due to the need for repairs or ordering new parts for replacement. Comfortable conditions for employees are effective and high-quality work.

Kinds of DC Cooling Methods

The neglect of cooling issues will result in breakdown, malfunction, and downtime. In order for a computing system to ensure its smooth and durable operation, a server rack ventilation system should be developed thoroughly.

Let’s see what types of data center cooling systems are more common and popular in the IT sphere:

• Free Cooling

The maximum use of the outdoor atmosphere can decrease the level of required fans and other tools to organize a ventilation system inside the data center. Moreover, the consumption of outdoor air can decrease the amount of required electricity to power the ventilation system. Thus, the use of the outdoor atmosphere can significantly reduce expenses on consumable recourses.

• Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC)

This solution is very similar to the principle of operation of conventional air conditioners. The method uses a compressor that is responsible for drawing air around the server cabinet or the premise within which it works.

The equipment used is quite inexpensive. However, such systems consume a lot of energy, which means that a lot of money is spent to pay for housing and communal services.

• Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH)

This solution is more global and requires more territories. It is widely used at large facilities where a chiller (a pool or plant with chilled water) is provided. A CRAH unit is supplied with this water through a cooling coil, and fans draw the outside air. Due to the principle of operation that is based on cooling the external air, the method is suitable for regions with a cool atmosphere.

• Evaporative Cooling

This technology uses water for server rack cooling. The essence is to let water enter the premises and make it evaporate, making heat leave the room. This solution is cost-effective since it doesn’t need such units as CRAH or CRAC. Yet, in this case, users demand a lot of liquid. Thus, the solution is used in enterprises where towers are located nearby.

• Direct-To-Chip Cooling

This is one of the technologies of the future. The solution implies delivering cold liquid to chips using special pipes, where a coolant will exchange heat with chips and transport it outside the system and data center.

• Chilled Water System

This cooling system implies using chilled liquid to brought using air handlers. Generally, the method is similar in operation to CRAH technology and also requires the use of a chiller pool located at a plant.

• Cold Aisle/Hot Aisle Containment

Effective insulation prevents mixing of hot and cold air, which allows for more precise control of the temperature in the server room. This is achieved by installing partitions, panels, and doors that separate the hot and cold air zones. 

Sealants are used to eliminate air leaks that can occur at the joints of structures, cable passages and other potential leakage areas. The correct choice and use of sealants help to prevent loss of cooled air and improve the efficiency of air conditioning systems. 

Underfloor air distribution systems should also be provided at the preparatory stage. Raised floors allow you to create flexible channels for supplying cold air directly to racks and server equipment.

• Raised Floor

The use of raised floor allows for hiding all the tech wires, pipes, and other tools. This is an additional frame installed above the room’s concrete flooring. It is possible to stretch pipes for water cooling under raised floors, route cables to avoid cluttering the upper floor space, and improve the airflow due to the installation of forced ventilation devices.

• Adiabatic cooling

The main principle of this method is to use the phase transition of water from a liquid state to a gaseous one. Water is sprayed over the cooled components, and its vapors absorb heat. After exposure to the gas, a condensation process occurs and a liquid is formed again. The advantages of this method are its noiselessness, which means comfortable indoor operation, as well as environmental friendliness. And among the disadvantages, it is worth noting – quite a large energy consumption compared to some other methods.

• Free cooling

This is the simplest and most intuitive process, during which nothing is required except the natural movement of air to cool the computer components. Installing air conditioners, fans, or other special systems is unnecessary. The method is straightforward, economical, and environmentally friendly. However, it is only suitable for small rooms or small operating systems.

Brand New Cooling Strategies

Classical methods have been working for decades, so their importance and usefulness cannot be denied. However, in recent years, new methods have gained significant popularity due to their potential to reduce energy consumption and improve cooling efficiency significantly. Innovative methods are able, with minimal energy consumption, to cool exactly to the level necessary for optimal system operation. Among such innovations, they deserve special attention:

• Liquid Cooling Technologies

Based on this theory, a list of methods is developed. According to it, experts suggest refusing the principle of air conditioning and switching to using all sorts of liquids (water and other substances). Liquid substances are known to provide better cooling characteristics but do not produce dust and other debris. This means that the server room environment is not polluted with flying particles. Moreover, the solution is cost-effective since such methods require fewer experiences to power and run the system.

• Immersion Cooling

This is one of the particular examples of previous technologies. The method is based on the use of dielectric liquid. Such liquids are non-flammable and non-conductive. Yet, they perfectly absorb heat. The principle of operation is the following: leak-proof cases are used to contain equipment. Network hardware in cases is merged into this liquid. The liquid absorbs extra heat that is evaporated and reused as water for further cooling. Sufficient cooling of data centers and server cabinets is a vital issue for every network system. If hardware and the surrounding atmosphere are not cooled down, overheating is inevitable. The number of cooling strategies exceeds a dozen. An optimal cooling method is chosen depending on the type of premise, the server system, and their sizes. Nowadays, most solutions use air conditioning, while more innovative ways imply using liquids. Liquid cooling is the more advanced solution for managing the server room environment. Experts assume that we’ll switch to liquid cooling in the future since it is more effective, cost-efficient, and less energy-consuming.