Types of Data Center Cooling Methods

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

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

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 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

When designing server rooms, experienced employees use the maps of hot and cold aisles. These are special tunnels inside the premises, in which hot or cold air flows. Thus, cold aisles intake chilled air and flow it through the room, while hot aisles contain the exhausted warm air from the server rack.

When arranging the server room taking into account this map, the staff can achieve more effective use of natural airflows and improve data center cooling strategies without using passive 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.

Brand New Cooling Strategies

In addition to the above-mentioned data center cooling methods, most experts predict the introduction of brand-new solutions in the near future. Here, they frequently mention two strategies:

Liquid Cooling Technologies

A list of methods is developed based on this theory. According to it, experts suggest refusing the principle of air conditioning and switching to the use of all sorts of liquids (not only water but also other substances). Liquid substances are known to provide better cooling characteristics, while they 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 further evaporated and is 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. Depending on the type of premise, the server system, and their sizes, an optimal cooling method is chosen. Nowadays, most solutions use the air for conditioning, while more innovative ways imply using liquids. Liquid cooling is considered the more advanced solution for the management of the server room environment. Experts assume that in the future, we’ll switch to liquid cooling since it is more effective, cost-efficient, and less energy-consuming.