Cold-aisle containment

In a cold-aisle containment system, two ITE rows face front-to-front, with the cold air coming up through vented floor tiles of the common aisle. Cold air is isolated from the rest of the room air with curtains and/or Plexiglas panels (Figure 6). This ensures that only cold air is drawn into the ITE racks. The warm exhaust air exits the rear of the racks and is collected conventionally by the CRAHs.

Figure 6: Cold-aisle containment strategy

ITE racks

Basic room requirement:

Raised floor

CRAH

Cold-aisle containment is generally the easiest strategy to implement in a data center. There are no restrictions for cable trays above the racks, and IT systems are easily scalable. But because much of the data center room is at the hot air stream temperature, cold air meant to cool personnel in the room will mix with the warm air from the ITE racks, resulting in cooler air returned to the CRAH. Low return-air temperature can reduce cooling system efficiency, causing it to use shorter compressor cycles and/or re-adjust the chilled-water flow more often.

If you retro-fit an existing data center with an air containment strategy, you must adhere to fire codes. Fire suppression systems must have access to the face of the ITE racks.

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.