An efficient datacenter design can save companies money and ensure systems availability. The first step in reducing energy consumption and emissions is to understand the environment. A high performance data center is not only good for the business, but an environmentally and socially responsible way to manage operations. Find out more from this presentation given by CEO of DP Air Corp, Arnie W. Evdokimo.

1. Datacenter Design:
Key Components and Sound
Strategies

2. Datacenter design
An efficient datacenter design can reduce down-
time, increases operational efficiency and cuts
maintenance costs. A good design also saves money
by eliminating the need to expand or upgrade the
facility in the future. Industry analysts report data
center managers are looking for solutions to reduce
energy costs and increase capacity to extend the
facility’s useful life.

3. Datacenter design
Key Components of Datacenter Design
For a top performing data center, companies need to look at three key areas:
Equipment. IT equipment accounts for the majority of power consumption. As
datacenter design focuses more on “green” options, companies are focusing on
energy-efficient hardware and replacing older hardware.
Newer equipment comes equipped with thermostatic fan control. By maintaining
equipment so no dust accumulates in intake grills, companies can improve
reliability. Data center managers should also ensure cabling is protected and all
equipment is positioned to not block exhaust ports. Careful datacenter design can
help eliminate equipment operational issues.

4. Datacenter design
Airflow. In proper datacenter design, air should flow from the air
conditioning equipment through the IT equipment and back to the air
conditioning equipment. However, airflow can take a couple other paths
that produce undesirable effects.
One example of improper airflow is when air flows from the air
conditioning equipments outlet and back directly to the input. In this
situation, the air conditioning equipment does not provide adequate
cooling and the total capacity is reduced.

5. Datacenter design
Another case involves the hot exhaust air exiting from IT
equipment. The hot air being expelled into the datacenter
must be re-circulated through the facility’s air conditioner
and cooled. However, before it is re-circulated, some of this
hot air may be returned to the IT equipment through its air
intake vent. The recycling of hot exhaust air in this manner
reduces the effectiveness of the air conditioning equipment
and puts the IT equipment at risk of not being properly
cooled.

6. Datacenter design
Datacenter design needs to manage airflow by isolating hot
and cold air. By doing so, companies can save money on
cooling. Equipment racks should be configured in such a way
to eliminate extra spaces and be aligned in a “hot aisle/cold
aisle” design. Using this design technique ensures equipment
air intake comes from a “cold aisle” and exhaust air is pushed
out into a “hot aisle.”

7. Datacenter design
Temperature. Just as heat can cause major issues,
overcooling causes inefficiencies and is a common problem in
datacenter design. The hot and cold air separation
techniques outlined in the previous section represent the
starting point to temperature control. The next step is to
thoroughly understand the manufacturer’s specifications for
each piece of equipment.
By adhering to the temperature requirements listed on data
sheets, IT managers can avoid overcooling the facility. By
improving energy efficiencies, companies can save money on
data center operations.

8. Datacenter design
Developing Sound Strategies for Datacenter Design
When designing or updating a data center, IT managers need
to think about their future as well as current needs.
Considerations should include company growth and when
upgrades are expected. With careful planning and use of
sophisticated tools, data center managers can understand
equipment, airflow and temperature issues.

9. Datacenter design
An efficient datacenter design can save companies money
and ensure systems availability. The first step in reducing
energy consumption and emissions is to understand the
environment. A high performance data center is not only
good for the business, but an environmentally and socially
responsible way to manage operations.

10. About the Author
Arnie W. Evdokimo is Chief Executive Officer of
DP Air Corporation, a leading provider of data
center design, build and maintenance services
based in Phoenix, Arizona.
For more information about datacenter
design, visit http://www.DPAir.com today.