Airflow

A well-planned and managed airflow strategy is able to produce an efficient data center where utility consumption is reduced, IT equipment life is extended, and cost savings is realized in multiple areas of the data center.

ACCESSORIES

AISLE CONTAINMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

CFD ANALYSIS

INDUSTRIAL OPTIONS

switchair

Best practices

Implement best practices–the first and simplest step in improving data center airflow

The segregation of cold and hot air inside the rack, identified as a data center best practice by industry organizations, is the first step in achieving energy efficiency. Segregation eliminates recirculation and bypass air, allowing rack mount equipment to receive as much conditioned air as possible. Implement best practices by filling and sealing open areas in and around the rack with accessories from Vertiv.

Common best practice accessories from Vertiv are compatible with VertivTM racks and other industry racks.

VertivTM Rack Data Center Essential

VertivTM Aisle Containment

Create the most efficient aisle containment strategy

VertivTM SwitchAir

Vertiv™ SwitchAir helps prevent failure by channeling cool air from the front of the rack to the air intakes regardless of where the equipment is mounted.

SwitchAir

Environmental monitoring

BAS and DCIM Components

Installation of products related to Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) help data center managers monitor airflow by providing real-time insight into efficient and inefficient conditions in the data center. STACK integration services from Vertiv includes installation of components related to BAS & DCIM* solutions.

Racks integrated with BAS/DCIM components can include:

SENSORS

  • Installed in multiple locations on the front and/or rear doors to measure temperature and pressure
    differentials within the rack
  • Also used to measure humidity, dew point, etc.
  • The majority of VertivTM PowerIT PDUs accept a limited number of Vertiv™ Geist™ sensors, typically 2 or 3; rack mount expansion bays accept sensors for increased monitoring

POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS

  • VertivTM PowerIT PDUs from Vertiv feature monitoring capabilities

ASSET MANAGERS

  • Installed in the front of the rack, typically along the inside frame or front rail
  • Inventories equipment installed in each RMU of the rack
  • Advanced options include ability to monitor power usage of every piece of equipment

CFD analysis

Visually evaluate existing data center performance or analyze how a new layout will work

Not sure of the best airflow strategy for a new or existing data center? We can help. Computational Fluid Dynamics—CFD—provides visual insight into the airflow and temperature of individual racks or an entire data center. Software integration with thermal, power, and asset management tools allow the assessment of current data center performance and the following:

IDENTIFY INEFFICIENCIES

  • Over cooling
  • Recirculation
  • Hot spots or obstructions in air delivery

EVALUATE NEW CONCEPTS

  • Containment
  • CAisle layouts
  • CIT hardware deployment
  • Floor tile migration/movement

ANALYZE “WHAT IF” SCENARIOS

  • CRAC unit failures
  • Increasing IT load capacity
  • Increasing temperature set points

ACCESSORIES

Test out new layouts and reduce capacity planning mistakes (hey, it happens). Eliminate the possibility of rework while saving time and money.

Energy Efficient

Identify areas that need airflow segregation and implement best practices. Fix hotspots. Improve cooling.

Uptime Efficient

Eliminate the hotspots and you eliminate the possibility of overheating and shutdown. Running 24/7/365…that’s your goal!