Everything You Need To Know About Cooling Systems in Colocation Centers

Anyone who has worked around data systems can testify that these types of devices put out a large amount of heat. In a high performance computing (HPC) environment, servers, disk drives and other computing devices use huge amounts of power. This power comes at a price, when it is converted to heat. While servers and similar devices are equipped with exhaust fans, these basic measures prove insufficient to the task of maintaining optimum operating temperatures. Overheating of these critical elements can result in heat damage to equipment and even fires. To combat the problems of cooling computing systems, businesses can either spend large amounts of Efficiency Heating
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money to install proprietary cooling equipment, or they can invest in the best cooling systems available by hosting at a colocation center.

Colocation Centers Explained

A colocation facility is a datacenter which is equipped to house servers and other computing devices. Clients pay a fee to store their equipment at the colocation center. In exchange, the facility takes care of all infrastructure concerns like power supply, network connections, fire protection, cooling and security. The colocation provider is especially equipped with advanced cooling systems, which provide an optimum environment for high performance computing.

What Cooling Systems Are Best?

The recommended temperature range for best performance of HPC systems is 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should be maintained at a level between 40 and 55%. Systems that only cool and do not handle humidity can result in dangerous condensation on electronic components. The costs of cooling properly will depend on the climate where the colocation center is located. Obviously, a colocation facility in a cool and dry climate will be easier to cool than one in a hot and humid environment.

Cooling systems are achieved through proper design of the facility. Floors are raised to allow room for power cables and to circulate airflow below server racks. Air is cooled using water or air chilling systems. For maximum efficiency, hot and cold air should be isolated from each other. This type of isolation is referred to as a hot and cold aisle system. Server cabinets face each other in rows, so that only cold air reaches the intake areas on machines. The front and back of cabinets are partitioned using metal plates and fittings, which prevents cross contamination of hot exhaust air with cold intake air. Additionally, the back of server cabinets should have exhaust fans, applying negative pressure and pulling hot air away from the machinery.