16.1 kW

Server blade systems and 1U servers let you assemble high-density infrastructures; however, these systems create much more heat per square foot of floor space and more hot spots. In instances like this, the open-area approach cannot keep up with the demand for cool air.

Figure 2 compares two examples of server loading for a 42U rack. In Figure 2A, our rack contains 20 HP ProLiant DL380 G5 servers, each consuming approximately 424 watts for a total rack consumption of 8.47 kW. In Figure 2B, our rack contains 42 dual-processor DL160 G6 servers consuming 383 watts per server for a total rack consumption of over 16 kW of power.

Figure 2: Examples of power consumption in 42U IT equipment racks with different server loads

A:ProLiant DL380 G5 2U servers

(20 servers @ 423.9 W per server)

8.47 kW

20 servers

B:ProLiant DL160 G6 1U servers (42 servers @ 383 W per server)

42 servers

4.23 kW

10 servers

8.0 kW

21 servers

Power	Power
consumption	consumption

Higher power consumption produces more heat. Virtually all power consumed by rack-mounted equipment is converted to sensible heat, which increases the temperature in the environment. The sensible heat load is typically expressed in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) or watts, where

1 W equals 3.413 BTU/hr. The rack’s heat load in BTU/hr can be calculated as follows: Heat Load = Power [W] × 3.413 BTU/hr per watt

For example, the heat load for a ProLiant DL160 G6 server in a 2P configuration consuming

383 watts is calculated as follows:

383 W × 3.413 BTU/hr/W =1307 BTU/hr

This means that the heat load of our fully-loaded 42U rack of DL160 G6 servers is 54,901 BTU/hr. In the United States, cooling capacity is often expressed in "tons" of refrigeration, which is derived by dividing the sensible heat load by 12,000 BTU/hr per ton. Therefore, the cooling requirement for our rack of DL160 G6 servers is computed as follows:

54,901 BTU/hr ÷ 12,000 BTU/hr per ton = 4.58 tons

Modular Cooling System specifications

The HP Modular Cooling System (MCS) is a state-of-the-art solution designed to efficiently manage the heat generated by high-density IT environments. As data centers face the ever-increasing demand for processing power, traditional cooling methods often fall short, leading to inefficiencies and raised energy costs. The HP MCS addresses this issue with a scalable, flexible design that optimizes cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption.

One of the main features of the HP Modular Cooling System is its modular architecture, which allows for easy expansion and customization based on the specific needs of a data center. This scalability means that as a facility grows or changes, the cooling system can be modified without the need for extensive renovations or replacements. The MCS can be installed in various configurations, further enhancing its versatility.

The technology behind the HP MCS includes advanced cooling methods such as direct evaporative cooling and chilled water cooling. Direct evaporative cooling utilizes the principles of evaporative heat exchange to cool air without excessive energy consumption, making it an eco-friendly choice. In contrast, chilled water cooling uses a network of pipes filled with chilled water to remove heat from the server environment efficiently. This combination allows the MCS to adapt to various heat loads and ambient conditions.

Another notable characteristic of the HP Modular Cooling System is its intelligent controls and sensors. These components continually monitor temperature and humidity levels within the data center, automatically adjusting cooling output to maintain optimal conditions. This proactive approach helps to prevent overheating, reduces energy usage, and ensures the longevity of IT equipment.

Energy efficiency is further enhanced through the MCS's integration with HP's monitoring and management software. This software analyzes cooling performance trends, providing actionable insights for facility managers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding cooling strategies. Additionally, the system is designed with environmentally sustainable practices in mind, aligning with global initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and promote green technology.

The HP Modular Cooling System stands out for its combination of innovative technologies, flexibility, and a commitment to energy efficiency. As data centers continue to evolve, the MCS remains a crucial asset in the pursuit of optimized performance and sustainability, providing a reliable solution to meet the demanding cooling needs of modern IT infrastructure.