Hot-aisle containment

In a hot-aisle containment system, two ITE rows are positioned back-to-back. As illustrated in Figure 7, the warm air exhausts into a common aisle area that is isolated from the rest of the room by doors and vertical ducts. The warm exhaust air is directed up to a dropped ceiling plenum and back to the CRAH.

Figure 7: Hot-aisle containment with dedicated ductwork

Basic room requirement:

Dropped ceiling

CRAH

ITE racks

A variation of hot-aisle containment uses a vertical air duct that vents exhaust air from the rear area of an ITE rack to a dropped ceiling air plenum. The HP 10K-G2 Series 42U Rack Air Duct Kit (Figure 8) can be the answer for an individual rack or in environments where full hot-aisle containment is not practical from a maintenance perspective.

Hot-aisle containment eliminates the mixing of hot and cold air, thus ensuring that only exhaust air returns to the CRAH. This allows the air conditioning system to operate more efficiently than cold-aisle containment systems.

The disadvantage of hot-aisle contain- ment, particularly in facilities without raised flooring, is the lack of cold air pressurization that helps direct air to the front of the IT racks.

Figure 8: Hot-aisle containment with the HP 10K-G2 Series 42U Rack Air Duct Kit

	Air duct	Ceiling
	Air duct	Grid
		Grid

Rack with rear extension kit installed

Floor

Grid

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.