Maximise Efficiency: Optimise Cooling and Achieve PUE Goals with Aisle Containment Solutions!

In the fast-paced world of Data Centres, efficiency is not just a goal; it is a necessity. 

As the demand for processing power surges, so does the need for effective cooling solutions that can sustain high-performance operations without excessive energy consumption. Enter aisle containment systems—an innovative strategy that not only streamlines airflow but also drastically enhances thermal management. By strategically enclosing aisles, these systems effectively manage airflow, enabling the optimisation of cooling systems that not only enhance performance, but also play a crucial role in achieving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) goals. 

In this blog post, we will explore how implementing aisle containment systems can transform your Data Centre operations, leading to increased efficiency, reduced energy costs, and a greener footprint, all while maintaining peak performance for your critical infrastructure.

What is Aisle Containment?

Modern Data Centres use aisle containment as a highly effective cooling strategy to optimise cooling performance and energy efficiency. At its core, this strategy involves physically separating the hot exhaust air produced by servers from the cold supply air that cools them, preventing the two air streams from mixing. As a result, it creates clearly defined hot and cold aisles.

This separation is crucial for maintaining efficiency. Without it, hot exhaust air can recirculate back into the cold aisles. This recirculation elevates the intake temperature of the servers, forcing the cooling system to work significantly harder to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The increased workload on the cooling system directly leads to higher energy consumption and can potentially reduce the server lifespan due to overheating.

Data Centres typically implement one of two main types of aisle containment solutions:

• Cold Aisle Containment (CAC): focuses on enclosing the cold aisle to create a contained, cool environment. Typically, a combination of physical barriers—such as a roof over the aisle, doors at the ends of the aisle, and blanking panels to seal gaps or unused rack spaces—encloses the cold aisle. This setup ensures that servers receive only cool air, maximising the efficiency of the cooling infrastructure. CAC proves particularly effective when coupled with underfloor air distribution or in-row coolers.
• Hot Aisle Containment (HAC): captures the hot exhaust air emitted by servers by enclosing the hot aisle. HAC uses a similar structure as CAC, employing roof panels, end doors, and blanking panels. The configuration ducts the collected warm air back to the cooling units, preventing contamination of the cold air dedicated to cooling equipment. HAC proves especially beneficial when directing hot air back to specific cooling units or when the existing Data Centre infrastructure makes implementing CAC challenging.

Whether you implement Cold Aisle Containment or Hot Aisle Containment, the goal of aisle containment remains consistent: to establish a controlled thermal environment within the Data Centre. By preventing the mixing of hot and cold air, aisle containment allows cooling systems to operate at peak efficiency, delivering targeted cooling where it's needed most. This approach translates into significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall performance and reliability of the Data Centre infrastructure. Furthermore, aisle containment provides a more stable and predictable thermal environment, which can extend the lifespan of servers and other IT equipment.

Why is Aisle Containment Important in Optimising Cooling?

Without aisle containment, hot exhaust air from servers mixes with the cool air in the room, creating issues such as:

• Increased Server Intake Temperatures: Servers forcefully draw in warmer air, which can lead to overheating and reduced performance.
• Higher Cooling System Load: The cooling system works harder to counteract the mixed air, consuming more energy.
• Uneven Cooling Distribution: Certain areas of the Data Centre remain cooler than others, leading to hotspots and potential equipment failures.
• Reduced Cooling Capacity: The system struggles to maintain acceptable temperatures, effectively reducing its overall cooling capacity.

Aisle containment directly addresses these issues by:

• Enabling Higher Supply Air Temperatures: By preventing hot and cold air streams from mixing, aisle containment increases the supply air temperature from the Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC) or Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAH) units. This increased temperature difference allows the cooling units to operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
• Eliminating Hotspots: Aisle containment ensures that servers and other IT equipment only intake cool air, helping to eliminate hotspots and maintain a more uniform temperature distribution throughout the Data Centre.
• Improving Cooling Capacity: With less wasted cooling, aisle containment increases the overall cooling capacity of the system, allowing for higher server densities within the Data Centre.
• Reducing Cooling Costs: The optimised cooling system consumes less energy, which directly translates into lower operational costs.

Aisle containment enables us to precisely target cooling where we need it most: at the server intake. This targeted approach dramatically improves cooling efficiency and reduces the overall energy footprint of the Data Centre.

What is PUE and Why is it an Important Data Centre Metric?

Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) serves as a critical metric that Data Centre Managers use to gauge the energy efficiency of their facilities. It offers a simple yet powerful way to understand how effectively a Data Centre uses its energy resources. To calculate PUE, divide the total energy consumed by the entire facility—covering everything from servers to lighting and cooling—by the energy used solely to power the IT equipment performing the actual computing and data storage functions:

PUE = Total Facility Energy / IT Equipment Energy

The resulting PUE score clearly indicates energy efficiency, with a lower score signifying a more energy-efficient Data Centre. For instance, a theoretical PUE of 1.0 represents perfection, indicating that every single unit of energy entering the facility directly powers the IT equipment. However, achieving a PUE of 1.0 proves exceedingly challenging in practice due to necessary overheads like cooling, lighting, and power distribution. Yet, the closer a Data Centre gets to this ideal, the more effectively it manages its energy consumption.

PUE is an important metric because:

• Provides a Benchmark for Energy Efficiency: PUE serves as a vital benchmark, enabling Data Centre Managers to objectively evaluate their energy performance. It allows them to make meaningful comparisons against industry standards, best practices, and the performance of other Data Centres. This benchmarking process helps them identify areas where the Data Centre excels and areas requiring improvement.
• Identifies Areas for Improvement: By understanding PUE, Data Centre operators can pinpoint specific aspects of the facility that contribute to energy wastage. They can ask questions like: Is the cooling system inefficient? Are there power distribution losses? Is the lighting outdated? Identifying these problem areas allows operators to adopt a targeted approach to optimisation, focusing resources on the most impactful changes.
• Reduces Operational Costs: By improving PUE, Data Centres achieve significant cost savings. Lowering energy consumption leads to reduced energy bills, a substantial component of a Data Centre's operational expenses. These cost savings can subsequently get reinvested in other areas of the business, fostering further growth and innovation.
• Enhances Sustainability: In an era of growing environmental awareness, PUE becomes a powerful tool for promoting sustainability. Lowering energy consumption reduces the Data Centre's carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the planet but also enhances the Data Centre's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious clients.

Additionally, PUE encourages innovation in Data Centre design and operation. It incentivises the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as advanced cooling systems, optimised airflow management, and the use of renewable energy sources.

In today's increasingly environmentally conscious world, PUE has become a critical metric that demonstrates a Data Centre's commitment to sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and responsible resource management. Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulators, use this key indicator to assess a Data Centre's overall performance and environmental responsibility. By actively monitoring and improving PUE, Data Centres can position themselves as leaders in the industry, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future.

How Aisle Containment Aids PUE Goals

Aisle containment is a critical strategy for Data Centres striving to achieve optimal Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) figures. By strategically controlling airflow and enhancing cooling efficiency, aisle containment directly contributes to a reduction in overall facility energy consumption, which is the core driver of a lower, more desirable PUE score. A lower PUE indicates a more energy-efficient Data Centre, meaning a larger proportion of the total energy used is dedicated to powering IT equipment rather than overhead infrastructure like cooling.

Aisle containment contributes to PUE reduction via:

• Reduced Cooling Energy Consumption: As previously detailed, aisle containment fundamentally improves the effectiveness of cooling systems. This focused cooling approach reduces the overall amount of energy required to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Considering that cooling often constitutes a significant portion (typically 30-50%) of a Data Centre's total energy footprint, any efficiency gains in this area have a substantial and positive impact on the overall PUE.
• Optimised CRAC/CRAH Unit Operation: Aisle containment allows Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) and Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH) units to operate at higher supply air temperatures. Without containment, lower supply air temperatures are often necessary to compensate for hot and cold air mixing, leading to inefficient operation. By maintaining separation, containment enables the CRAC/CRAH units to deliver warmer air, which is more energy-efficient to produce. Furthermore, precisely controlling airflow directs cooling only to the areas that require it, further reducing energy waste associated with over-cooling unintended zones. This optimised operation directly translates to reduced energy consumption by these critical cooling components.
• Reduced Fan Energy Consumption: In a Data Centre without aisle containment, fans within the cooling units and potentially within the server racks themselves must work harder to overcome the mixing of hot and cold air streams, so to maintain the desired temperatures. This increased workload translates to higher fan speeds and, consequently, greater energy consumption. Aisle containment creates a more predictable and efficient airflow pattern, allowing fans to operate at lower speeds while still effectively cooling the IT equipment. This reduction in fan energy consumption further contributes to the overall PUE improvement.
• Potential for Free Cooling: A significant advantage of aisle containment, particularly in regions with suitable climates, is the potential to leverage "free cooling" strategies. Free cooling involves using outside air to cool the Data Centre, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for energy-intensive mechanical cooling during certain times of the year. Aisle containment enhances free cooling systems' effectiveness by ensuring that the cooler outside air channels to the IT equipment and effectively removes hot exhaust air. This can result in substantial energy savings and a dramatic improvement in PUE, making it a highly desirable outcome for environmentally conscious data centres.

Implementing aisle containment represents a strategic investment for Data Centres aiming to significantly improve their energy efficiency, reduce operational expenditure, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices. The benefits of aisle containment, from reducing cooling energy consumption to enabling free cooling strategies, make it a crucial component of any modern, high-performance, and energy-conscious Data Centre design. Lower utility bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and an enhanced reputation as an environmentally responsible organisation achieve the return on investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the adoption of aisle containment systems in Data Centres represents a crucial advancement towards maximising efficiency and improving cooling optimisation. By effectively separating hot and cold air streams, these systems dramatically enhance the performance of existing cooling systems, resulting in significant energy savings and improved Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). With data demand constantly growing, efficient cooling is paramount. Implementing aisle containment not only reduces operational costs but also supports sustainable energy management practices. We encourage you to evaluate your Data Centre operations and consider how aisle containment systems can be integrated to boost efficiency and support your long-term sustainability objectives.

For more insights about energy efficiency and aisle containment solutions tailored to your needs, visit us at www.edpeurope.com.

Blanking Panels: Optimising Data Centre Rack Airflow

In the ever-changing world of Data Centres, we prioritise efficiency above all else. Beyond power and storage capacity, we often overlook a critical aspect: airflow management. As Data Centre airflow experts, we recognise that maintaining optimal operating temperatures is crucial for overall performance and equipment longevity. Failing to manage airflow effectively, risks costly downtime, reduced equipment lifespan, and increased energy usage. Fortunately, several solutions can help, including blanking panels—often referred to as rack panels. These aren't just accessories; they are essential tools in your arsenal for effective Data Centre airflow management.

What is Data Centre Airflow Management?

Data Centre airflow management involves the strategic control and manipulation of air movement within the data hall. It combines the art and science of ensuring that cool air reaches the intake vents of IT equipment while directing heated exhaust air away, preventing hot spots and recirculation. The goal is to create a system where cool air moves efficiently through the equipment and hot exhaust air is effectively removed. When this process is not optimised, energy bills can increase, hot zones can damage equipment, and even risk system failures. By neglecting a proactive air management strategy, environments are created that lead to inefficiencies and additional equipment replacement costs.

Efficient airflow management depends on thoughtful design. It requires the understanding of where cold air enters the data hall, how it interacts with racks containing IT equipment, and how it exits. This is where best practices come into play, enabling companies to manage cold and hot air-streams to prevent them from mixing. Blanking panels play a vital role in achieving this goal.

Why is Data Centre Airflow Management Important?

We cannot overstate the importance of good Data Centre airflow management. Poor airflow management triggers a domino effect of negative outcomes. Inefficient cooling raises operating temperatures, affecting the performance and lifespan of IT equipment like servers, storage systems, and networking devices. In the worst-case scenario, this can result in system shutdowns, disruption of vital services, potential data loss, or premature equipment replacement. Additionally, poor airflow management increases energy consumption, making facilities less energy efficient. When hot and cold air mix, cooling systems must work harder to maintain temperatures, causing CRAC units to operate inefficiently. This leads to inflated electricity bills, a higher carbon footprint, and unnecessary operational costs for businesses.

A fully optimised airflow system creates a stable and predictable operating environment, enhancing reliability. By following airflow management best practices and utilising solutions such as floor grommets, blanking panels, and aisle containment systems, it actively safeguards business continuity. By proactively optimising airflow management strategies, it maximises efficiency and reliability.

The Importance of Rack Blanking Panels

Rack blanking panels serve as a powerful tool for improving Data Centre rack airflow. While their design is simple, their impact on efficiency is profound. These panels fill unused spaces within server racks. Without them, it creates pathways for air to bypass IT equipment. These openings also allow hot exhaust air to circulate back to the front of the rack and mix with the cold air. This warmed air is then drawn into equipment air intakes.

Here’s how blanking panels help address this problem 

• Preventing Air Recirculation: Empty rack space forms a low-pressure zone that pulls hot exhaust air back to the front, mixing with chilled intake air. By using blanking panels, you create a closed front that prevents this hot exhaust from re-entering air intakes, ensuring your servers only take in the cool air they need. 
• Improving Airflow Efficiency: By preventing bypass and recirculation, you establish a more efficient airflow pattern. This improvement enhances the entire cooling system's performance due to a reduction in mixed air, allowing your cooling solutions to operate more effectively, which helps you save on energy costs. 
• Enhancing Cooling Capacity: Better airflow optimises your cooling system's capacity. The intended cool air flows directly into the equipment, ensuring consistent cooling performance and preventing local hot spots within the rack. Effective blanking panels maximise your cooling system's potential.

Thus, correctly utilising blanking panels goes beyond simply sealing gaps; it strategically optimises airflow paths within your racks. They ensure your IT equipment receives the necessary cool air while preventing the recirculation of hot air, maintaining an optimal operating temperature. You can find panels made from plastic, metal, or even brush strips, so it’s best to research which panel suits your specific application.

Modern Blanking Panel Solutions

While basic blanking panels have existed for some time, modern options like HotLok panels and Eziblank blanking panels provide significant enhancements in effectiveness and ease of use. 

• HotLok Panels: Designed for a tight and reliable seal, HotLok panels effectively eliminate bypass airflow through their cantilevered sealing vanes. These panels create a tight seal with adjoining equipment and panels. Plus, thanks to integral finger grips that improve handling they are quick and easy to install. Their design prevents panel movement after installation, ensuring that the seal remains intact, especially in environments where servers frequently enter and exit. Compared to basic panels, these offer a more robust and long-lasting solution. 
• Eziblank Blanking Panels: Eziblank panels emphasise flexibility with tool-less installation and removal. Supplied as 6U sheets, they easily resize at 1U intervals—just bend the panel at the required size to snap off. You can install these panels quickly with their integral clips, enabling rapid deployment to seal empty rack space efficiently.

By choosing modern solutions like HotLok and Eziblank, you are investing in more effective and convenient rack airflow management, ultimately enhancing the reliability and efficiency of your Data Centre. These advanced options streamline your operations, ensuring you get the most from your cooling system. The ease of installation provided by these modern panels will also mean better commitment to follow best practices by your team.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blanking panels represent a critical component of effective Data Centre airflow management. By addressing bypass airflow, particularly in rack gaps, you can enhance cooling efficiency, extend equipment longevity, and reduce operational expenses. Consider upgrading to modern options like HotLok panels and Eziblank panels to further optimise your airflow management strategy and safeguard your critical infrastructure for long-term reliability and performance. Understanding these vital considerations is essential for maintaining an efficient and reliable infrastructure.

Discover more about airflow management by visiting our website at www.edpeurope.com.