Discover how advanced airflow management can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of data centers. Legrand and Equinix experts provide valuable insights into innovative solutions and best practices that optimize data center performance.

What is Airflow Management in Data Centers?

Airflow management refers to the strategic control and optimization of air distribution within a data center to improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. This involves separating cold air intake and hot air exhaust to prevent recirculation and ensure effective cooling of IT equipment.

Importance of Regulatory Compliance:
The European Commission's Energy Efficiency Directive mandates data centers to report metrics such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), and Energy Reuse Factor (ERF). Countries like Germany require new data centers to achieve a PUE of 1.2 or lower by 2026.

Phased Approach to Airflow Optimization:
Phase 1: Implement air containment solutions to prevent hot and cold air mixing. This includes using blanking panels and sealing gaps within the data hall.

Phase 2: Optimize temperature and fan speed settings to enhance cooling efficiency.

Phase 3: Ensure efficient distribution of chilled water and assess the cooling generation plant.

Phase 4: Increase supply air and water temperatures to maximize free cooling opportunities.

Best Practices for Airflow Management:

Containment Solutions: Utilize cold and hot aisle containment to maintain separation of airflows. This helps in maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing energy use.

Sealing Gaps: Ensure all gaps within racks and between equipment are sealed to prevent recirculation of hot air.

Advanced Airflow Kits: Legrand's airflow management kits provide a more airtight solution than traditional brushes, significantly improving efficiency.
 

Collaborative Efforts:
Data center operators and suppliers must work together to share best practices and guidelines. Collaboration ensures that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to achieve higher efficiency and sustainability.

Why is Airflow Management Crucial?

Effective airflow management is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures, reducing energy consumption, and extending the lifespan of data center equipment. By implementing advanced airflow management techniques, data centers can achieve significant energy savings and comply with regulatory requirements.

How Can Data Centers Implement Effective Airflow Management Practices?

Start with Air Containment: Focus on separating cold and hot airflows using containment solutions.Seal All Gaps: Address gaps within racks and between equipment to prevent hot air recirculation.Optimize Cooling Systems: Adjust temperature and fan settings to balance cooling efficiency and energy use.Collaborate and Share Knowledge: Work with industry experts and suppliers to adopt best practices and innovative solutions.