Effective airflow management is crucial for keeping data centres running efficiently, reducing energy costs, and extending the lifespan of critical equipment. Despite its importance, many data centres fall victim to simple but impactful mistakes that compromise cooling efficiency and lead to increased operational costs. Here are the five most common mistakes in data centre airflow management, along with practical solutions to avoid them.
1. Poor Rack Placement and Hot Aisle Containment Issues
Mistake:
Improper placement of server racks and failure to implement hot aisle/cold aisle containment is a prevalent issue. Without strategic alignment, hot and cold air can mix, reducing cooling efficiency and creating hot spots.
Solution:
Arrange server racks in a hot aisle/cold aisle configuration. Position cold air intakes to face each other and hot air exhausts to do the same. Use physical barriers or curtains to contain hot and cold air, optimising airflow and reducing the strain on cooling systems.
2. Blocked Airflow Under Raised Floors
Mistake:
In raised-floor environments, airflow can be blocked by power cables or other obstructions placed under the floor, impeding cold air distribution and causing insufficient cooling.
Solution:
Regularly audit the raised floor to identify and remove obstacles. Use organised cable management solutions to keep the path for air distribution clear. Maintaining a tidy under-floor area maximises cooling efficiency and prevents uneven temperatures.
3. Using Blank Panels Inconsistently
Mistake:
Leaving open spaces in server racks without blanking panels allows hot air to recirculate, reducing cooling effectiveness and creating hot spots.
Solution:
Install blanking panels in any empty rack spaces to prevent hot air from flowing back into the cold aisle. This simple adjustment can improve airflow management and ensure cold air reaches active equipment.
4. Overcooling the Data Centre
Mistake:
Setting cooling systems to extremely low temperatures, thinking “cooler is better,” wastes energy and places unnecessary wear on cooling units.
Solution:
Implement monitoring and temperature sensors to maintain an optimal operating range (typically between 18-27°C, as recommended by ASHRAE). Intelligent cooling systems can dynamically adjust temperatures based on real-time data, ensuring efficient energy use without compromising equipment safety.
5. Neglecting Regular Maintenance of Airflow Systems
Mistake:
Neglecting maintenance of CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) units, filters, and vents leads to dust buildup and restricted airflow, reducing cooling system efficiency.
Solution:
Establish a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning filters, checking fans, and ensuring vents are free of dust or debris. Regular maintenance keeps cooling units operating at peak efficiency, extending the lifespan of both cooling equipment and servers.
Avoiding these common mistakes is essential for maintaining an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective data centre. By optimising rack placement, managing cables effectively, using blanking panels, monitoring temperatures, and committing to regular maintenance, you can significantly improve airflow management and reduce energy consumption. Small changes yield substantial benefits, ensuring your data centre performs optimally and remains resilient against heat and inefficiency.
