Reviews Server Room Air Conditioner

However the collocation center typically overlooks one more critical aspect and that is the temperature control mechanisms that need to be there within the center to ensure the smooth functioning of all the hardware that is continuously running. You are aware that they generate a lot of heat and adequate cooling systems need to be put in place such that, the temperature and humidity percentages are well within the norms required. Failure to do this will lead to over heating and the network can collapse, besides causing immense damage to the equipment.

The collocation center encompasses three places where the cooling systems have to function perfectly. They are the entire facility, the air conditioning units at the server and computer rooms and the chiller room. Let us look at them in detail.

a) The entire facility -Though the server fans serve to blow the heat generated by the servers and cool air is sucked in from the front, the lay out of the server racks and other rows must be such that they allow for free circulation of cool air within them. This involves strategic positioning of the "hot rows" and "cold rows" such that there is no blockage to the cool air and all systems get enough of it, keeping them from overheating.

b) The design of the facility -Typically, the collocation center must be such that it allows for air to flow without hindrance to all parts of the facility. Whether you go in for raised floors to accommodate server towers or solid floors, you must ensure that adequate meshing at the top and bottom along with adequate air pressure is maintained so that the cool air can reach the top of the servers and pass through the mesh to cool the units adequately.

c) Adequate capacity -Since the air-conditioning units are huge, the back up units that take care of the pumps and the cooling units have to be well serviced and kept in good condition. There needs to be special air conditioners to take care of the cooling and humidity for these CRAC units so that there is no overheating. Adequate redundancy has to be ensured.

d) Check the capacity -The redundancy that needs to be put in place depends on the current capacity of tonnage, which is measured by dividing the sum tonnage by the space in square feet within the center. The correct ratio of .030 tons/square foot or more has to be ensured and this principle should also apply to the chiller and other systems.

e) Back up power -This is a well known fact and needs no explanation to make sure that continuous power keeps the air conditioning units working.