Cooling system for server room

Types of server room cooling systems

The purpose of a cooling system for server room is to control the temperature, humidity, and pressure of the entire room so that the equipment may function normally. There are numerous methods available to maintain the server room environment that are cost-effective and energy-efficient. The methods below may be adopted based on the design of the server room.

• Centralized air conditioning system: A centralized air conditioning system uses a central unit that contracts and extends refrigerant lines to and from the indoor units. Centralized air conditioners with multiple indoor units are usually suitable for bigger server rooms with more equipment. A PAC (Precision Air Conditioner) is another type of central air conditioner that is specifically designed to cool IT equipment in server rooms and computer spaces. The main feature of a PAC is its ability to sustain constant temperature and humidity. In contrast to traditional central air conditioners, which must wait for the dehumidifying process to kick in before cooling, a PAC can commence working immediately.
• Split air conditioning system: The indoor unit of a split air conditioner is smaller than that of a centralized air conditioner, making it easier to install tightly against a wall. If there isn't enough space in the server room for centralized indoor units, this wall-mounted indoor unit would be a good substitute. The cooling capacity of a single outdoor unit can be shared by multiple indoor units, thanks to the advanced refrigerant management technology employed in split air conditioners.
• Server room cooling system without air conditioning: A server room's environment may be maintained without utilizing an air conditioner by increasing passive thermal management and employing server room fans. In places where the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is usually lower than the indoor designed temperature, this methodology helps reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The effectiveness of this strategy depends on proper insulation, sealing, and the deployment of server room cooling fans strategically located to direct airflow to hot spots. The fans' function is to create a steady flow of air over the servers to dilute heat, making it easier to maintain the server room's temperature without using air conditioning.

Specification and Maintenance of Cooling Systems for Server Rooms

Specifications for a server room cooling system should be based on actual room or downflow requirements.; They include the following:

• Coolant Flow Rate

  This is the amount of fluid, usually water or refrigerant, that circulates within the cooling system per unit of time. It is typically expressed in liters per minute (L/min) or gallons per minute (GPM).

• Heat Transfer Area

  It is the surface area within the cooling system through which heat exchange occurs. This parameter is relevant to coolers such as radiators or heat exchangers. It is usually expressed in square meters (m²) or square feet (ft²).

• Heat Exchanger Efficiency

  It is the ability of a cooling system to transfer heat from the server to the external environment. This efficiency is often expressed as a percentage.

• Fan/G Pump Power

  It is the power of the pump or fan that circulates air or coolant within the cooling system. It is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).

• Operating Noise

  This is the noise level generated by the cooling system during operation. It is usually measured in decibels (dB).

Maintaining a Cooling System for a Server Room

The performance and longevity of a server room cooling system are highly dependent, on the maintenance it receives. Below are some server room cooling system maintenance tips:

• Regular inspection

  Users should regularly inspect the components of the server room cooling system to ensure there are no apparent signs of damage, leaks, or deformation in the ducting, pipes, or equipment.

• Clean and de-dust

  Dust and impurities will be deposited onto the surface of the cooling system. Users should make it a point to clean the device regularly. A microfiber cloth can be used to clean the server room's surface and a vacuum cleaner or blower to remove dust from tight spaces and corners for air-based systems.

• Observe and Maintain Temperature

  Users should monitor the functioning of the cooling system, including fan speeds, coolant flow rates, etc. They should also observe the temperature-control setting of the system and ensure it is within the appropriate range. Server components shouldn't be allowed to run too hot or too cold, which could affect their lifespan and performance.

• Replace Wearing Parts

  Generally, a server room cooling system will have some wearing parts, such as blades, gaskets, etc. These parts are prone to wear and tear over time. Users should check their status regularly to replace them if required.

• Environmental Control

  Users should control the humidity and dust levels in the server room environment. Keeping the room dry and reducing dust influx can help alleviate the burden on the cooling system and reduce the frequency of cleaning and maintenance.

Usage Scenarios of Server Room Cooling System

Adequate functioning of the machine is crucial for the comfort of users, and so is the optimal performance of a server room. Hence, a server room's cooling system must work perfectly for the scenarios below to ensure that other areas of the building or campus are well served. Here are some scenarios in which a server room's cooling system must function optimally:

• Data Preservation:

  The data stored on the servers of a server room must be well preserved to serve the purpose for which it was intended. Fortunately, a cooling system provides temperature and humidity control, which helps to preserve the data. Without the assistance of a cooling system, the data risk getting corrupted.

• System Performance:

  The optimal performance of the servers in the server room is necessary for other areas of the building or campus to be well served. While these servers generate a lot of heat during operation, a cooling system's job is to remove the excess heat and keep the servers functioning optimally, thereby promoting their full potential.

• Network Uptime:

  A server room hosts network infrastructure vital for ensuring systems' connectivity and communication. This network infrastructure includes routers, switches, and servers, all of which must function optimally to promote seamless connectivity. A cooling system comes to the rescue by preventing network downtime caused by overheating hardware; thus, facilitating uninterrupted connectivity.

• Compliance Requirements:

  Many industries have strict regulations regarding data management and storage. In a case like this, a cooling system ultimately becomes essential to the server room. Not only does it preserve the data, but it also makes it possible for the room to meet the compliance standards and hence avoid penalties.

• Client Hosting:

  Some businesses and organizations often rent out space in their server room to host clients' servers. For that hosting to happen smoothly, the servers to be hosted must be in a comfortably cool environment so they can function well. A cooling system provides this cool environment so the server room can host other clients' servers.

• Shared Infrastructure:

  In a case where the server room forms part of a shared infrastructure like a cloud data center or a colocation facility, the optimal performance of the room's props and facilities becomes really important, as many other end users have to depend on them to keep their own systems running. Here too, a cooling system helps by maintaining the ideal environment for all users' servers to function and run smoothly.

• Emergency Management:

  Sometimes, emergencies arise in a server room, and the only thing that can help prevent further disaster is the cooling system. An example is an unexpected power outage that occurs suddenly while server rooms are in operation. Thanks to the backup systems some cooling systems possess, potential disasters like this can be averted, and the servers likewise protected from further damage.

How to choose a cooling system for server room

Choose a server room cooling system by considering a few key aspects, including the capacity, the design, the redundancy, the energy efficiency, the monitoring system, and the noise level.

First of all, it's important to choose a cooling system with the right capacity. Calculate the total heat load in the server room to determine the amount of heat the server room needs to remove. Remember to take into account other factors such as the number of servers, the server's power consumption, the lighting, the insulation of the building, and the outside temperature and humidity. The heat load is usually measured in British thermal units per hour (BTUs/h) or watts.

The design of the cooling system has a significant impact on its performance. Rack level cooling, perforated tile cooling, or hot aisle/cold aisle containment are all effective ways to cool down a server room. In the containment approach, cold air is kept to the front of the servers, and hot air is kept to the back. Try to find a method that works best for the layout of the server room.

Having backup cooling systems is important because they ensure that servers will continue to be cool even if the primary system breaks. Pumps, chillers, CRAC units, and air handlers are all candidates that may serve as alternative cooling systems.

The energy efficiency of a cooling system has a significant impact on operating expenses as well as environmental impact. Look for features such as variable speed drives, efficient heat exchangers, and high-performance filters. Also consider using a cooling system that has the ability to work effectively even when the refrigerant is low.

Moreover, a good cooling system should allow remote monitoring and control of temperature and humidity levels in the server room. Some advanced systems also provide real-time alerts for critical parameters.

Finally, a cooling system for a server room shouldn't be too noisy because many servers are located in offices. Choose a cooling system with quiet fans and sound insulation.

Cool server room cooling system FAQ

Q1: How powerful is a server room cooler?

A1: The power of a server cooler is determined by the amount of heat it needs to extract from the room, which is measured in kilowatts (kW) or British thermal units per hour (BTU/hr). The power is also determined by the length of the equipment blowing air and the temperature difference between the refrigerant in the pipes and the ambient temperature. A small server room may require a 5kW cooler, while larger data centers may have 100kW coolers.

Q2: What are some ways to improve a server room cooling system?

A2: Improving a server room's cooling system can extend the life of servers, reduce downtime, and cut energy costs. Some practical tips include the use of hot aisle/cold aisle containment, ducting, insulating the roof, using variable speed drives, installing temperature, humidity sensors, and smart controllers, and going for regular maintenance.

Q3: What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor server room cooler?

A3: An indoor cooler is located inside the server room or adjacent space, which allows the indoor coolers to be compact. On the contrary, outdoor server room coolers are typically larger and more powerful because they have to be exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Outdoor coolers are also easier to install and more cost-effective compared with indoor coolers.

Q4: What are some top server cooler brands?

A4: Some famous brands are Schneider Electric, Tripp Lite, Vertiv, Aercool, etc. These brands offer different server room coolers with diverse features and specifications that meet the requirements of various users.