30 Data Centre Cooling Templates Vincent Byrne Consulting

5 IT CLOSETS 5 SERVER ROOMS
5 SMALL DATA CENTRES 5 MEDIUM DATA CENTRES

5 LARGE DATA CENTRES 5 HIGH DENSITY ROOMS
30 DATA
CENTRE
COOLING
TEMPLATES
www.vincent-byrne.com
CONTENTS
Introduction 4
Vincent Byrne
Room 1 : IT Closets (2 Server Racks) 6
Graduated with an honours degree in electrical/electronic engineering
from Trinity College Dublin and the Dublin Institute of Technology. He has Room 2 : Server Room (5 Server Racks) 14
received post-graduate qualifications in project management and business
development from the Irish Management Institute and University College Room 3 : Small Data Centre (10 Server Racks) 22
Dublin where he has also guest lectured.
Room 4 : Medium Data Centre (15 Server Racks) 30
Vincent is a data centre design and efficiency consultant and managing di-
rector of his own consultancy firm, which operates throughout Europe, the
Middle East and Asia.
Room 5 : Large Data Centres (32 Server Racks) 38
He is the appointed data centre consultant adviser to the Sustainable En- Room 6 : High Density Solutions (40 Server Racks) 46
ergy Authority of Ireland and to over 30 Irish Government bodies includ-
ing The Revenue Commissioners, The Central Bank and the Office of Public Consulting Services 55
Works. He advises on a range of topics including data centre design and
efficiency, fresh-air cooling, data centre refurbishment and new Data Centre
builds. Vincent’s enterprise clients include Dell, Intel, Citibank, AIB, BP, Air
France, Xilinx and Accenture.
01 02
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INTRODUCTION
30 DATA CENTRE Data centre facilities are the IT brain of all organisations and provide the information and
analytics necessary for business continuity. This IT process depends on the provision of
uninterrupted power and cooling. This guide is created to assist data centre operators
COOLING TEMPLATES Air Distribution Configurations

Airflow within a data centre has a major impact on the thermal conditions created
within the space. Many of the temperature-related problems that exist in modern data
centres stem from poor airflow management rather than under-capacity. Many of the
problems are a result of inadequate planning. Vincent Byrne Consulting has developed
As power loads increase and governmental policy on ICT energy efficiency develops in techniques to successfully implement these airflow strategies into existing data cen-
response to industry needs, the importance of a clear understanding of the principles tres. Infrastructural analysis determines which airflow distribution method best suits the
behind efficient cooling design is crucial to business continuity. Using a set of original, load requirement within the constraints of the building. In this document we will con-
pre-tested data centre cooling layout, this design guide will assist customers in planning sider multiple airflow distribution techniques for different IT room sizes.
their data centre cooling needs. This document focuses on six different room sizes and
provides five different cooling solutions for each room.
Under-floor Air Distribution
The most widely used technique for delivering air throughout the data centre works as
follows: air is delivered under pressure by the Computer Room Air Conditioning units
(CRAC) into the floor void and re-enters the data centre through perforated floor tiles
or floor grilles. By positioning the floor tile to the front of the server racks the air may be
delivered to the exact location that it is needed.
Overhead Air Distribution

In collaboration with In a room where a false floor is not available overhead air distribution is used. There are
two options, a ducted system or a pressurised ceiling void. A ducted system provides
airflow volumes more consistent with design parameters while a pressurised ceiling
TileFlow by Innovative Research,Inc

void creates a redundantairflow plenum and the flexibility to allow ease of room recon-
figuration.
TileFlow
for Simulation of Airflow and
Temperature in Data Centers
Copyright © 2001-2010
Innovative Research,Inc.
03
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AIR DISTRIBUTION PROBLEMS Room 1 : THE IT Closet
Some of the most common air distribution problems are explained below. The IT Closet is designed to act as a secure environment for IT equipment in a small
business and to act as a network connectivity point within a larger office block or cam-
pus. This is the smallest of the IT rooms in our cooling analysis but it plays a vital role in
the drive to reduce energy consumption. In the case of large organisations, megawatt’s
(MW) of energy may be used to provide cooling to hundreds of IT closets throughout
large business , educational or hospital complexes.
Air Recirculation
This occurs when hot exhaust air circulates from the

rear of the racks to the front and re-enters the server
at a much higher temperature, creating a risk of server
failure due to overheating. The effects of this are seen
at high level in individual racks and at the end of rows.
Hot air recirculating into the cold aisle.
Air Mixing
This occurs when hot exhaust mixes with cold supply

air before the cold air reaches the servers or the hot air
returns to the CRAC units. The effects of this are lower
CRAC unit efficiency and supply air will need to be kept
unnecessarily low to keep servers within temperature
bands. Excess cold air mixing with hot exhaust.
This room is an IT closet, typically used in small to medium-size businesses to house
Room description their in-house IT systems. It can house one, two or three racks within an enclosed
and dedicated room.
Rack load This room is designed for 3KW per rack - perfectly suited for fresh air cooling.
Air Short-Circuiting
This occurs when hot exhaust mixes with cold supply air The cooling designs will utilise a number of fresh air and refrigerated cooling de-
Cooling solution
before the cold air reaches the servers or the hot air signs all of which are aimed at providing low cost but well designed solutions.
returns to the CRAC units. The effects of this are lower
CRAC unit efficiency and supply air will need to be kept The room dimensions will range from 3,000mm x 1,500mm which can accomodate
Room dimensions
unnecessarily low to keep servers within temperature one rack to 3,000mm x 2,700mm which can house up to three racks.
bands. Cold air is sucked back into cooling unit.
Temperature control Temperature should be measured at the server intake and not allowed to rise above
25 degrees Celsius.
Fire rating The recommended fire rating for a room of this nature is one hour.
05 Vincent Byrne Consulting all rights reserved © 2010 www.vincent-byrne.com Vincent Byrne Consulting all rights reserved © 2010 www.vincent-byrne.com 06
Capex
Room 1 : THE IT Closet rOOM 1: IT Closet - Design 1 Opex
Efficiency
Cooling using air from surrounding rooms.
Reliability
Performance
SCORE 22/25
Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Warm air is extracted at high level through a

Office air cooled Fresh air cooled Ceiling DX unit ducted or wall mounted fan extract.
Cold air enters at low level through grilles in wall.
Score : 22/25 Score : 21/25 Score : 13/25
400mm 800mm 1200mm 1600mm

above floor level above floor level above floor level above floor level
Design 4 Design 5
Cold air from the surrounding office environment is used to cool the relatively
Wall DX : option 1 Wall DX : option 2 How it works : small IT heat load in the IT closet. Air is drawn through the closet by an extract
system located at high level at the rear of the servers.
Where is this This is suitable when the IT closet is located in a room adjoining a relatively large
open-plan office. The open-plan office area should be a minimum of 150sqm in
suitable ? size and cooled through mechanical means.
Redundancy may be provided by installing a secondary extract fan or by installing

Redundancy : a wall-mounted direct expansion (DX) cooling unit.
It may be possible to reuse the extracted heat during the heating season by di-
Green tip : verting into an open plan office area or into adjoining ancillary areas. Specific
Score : 11/25 Score : 11/25 designs should be tailored to suit site requirements.
Each customer’s design will require specific consideration to ensure that correct
Caution : air movement is achieved.
To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here
DX : Direct Expansion cooling unit
Capex Capex
rOOM 1: IT Closet – Design 2 Opex
rOOM 1: IT Closet - Design 3 Opex
Efficiency Efficiency
Wall-mounted free cooling unit. Ceiling mounted DX units provide cooling.
Reliability Reliability
Performance Performance
SCORE 21/25 SCORE 13/25
Cold air enters room and is projected to the front

of the rack.
Warm air is extracted from the room at high level

in the hot aisle. Warm air is returned vertically to cooling unit.
Cool air is delivered into the room by an exter-
nally-mounted fan complete with filter and con-
trols.
A DX unit may be installed to provide additional Watch out for recirculation of hot air into the top
redundancy within the room. row of servers. Some containment may assist in
this goal.
Primary and secondary units are installed to pro-

Ensure the unit is installed at the correct height. vide redundant cooling.
The cooling is provided by means of a fresh air fan unit, which is installed in an The cooling is provided by two DX units (Direct Expansion) located above the
How it works : external wall of the IT Closet. The hot air is extracted from the rear of the racks at How it works : hot server exhaust. These units should direct the air at a slightly downward angle
high level and either reused in ancillary rooms or dumped-to-atmosphere. therby ensuring the cold air reches the server intake.
Where is this This solution is suited to rooms with loads up to 6KW and with outside walls to a Where is this This design is suitable where the cooling load is greater than 6KW and limited
suitable ? fresh uncontaminated air source. suitable ? aand free cooling is not available
Redundancy is provided by the installation of an additional DX unit which acts as

Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a DX unit that may act as backup. Redundancy : a backup cooling source.
To improve the cooling performance of these units it is possible to connect duct-

Green tip : This is a highly efficient cooling design and coupled with soft containment will Green tip : work to the supply side which directs the cold air towards the location of the
provide significant reduction to the It Clostes energy costs. server intake. This needs to be designed specifically for the site.
Ensure the units are correctly positioned, and located at the right height in or To allow for the imperfect airflow charicteristics of this design the DX units should
Caution : onthe outside wall. Failure to do so will result in overheating. Caution : be sized to cool the total IT load plus 25%.
To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here
Capex Capex
rOOM 1: IT Closet – Design 4 Opex rOOM 1: IT Closet – Design 5 Opex
Wall mounted DX units provide cooling. Wall mounted DX units provide cooling.
Cooling units should be located to the rear of the

Cooling units are located to the rear of the racks racks so that the cold air is projected downward
and the cold air is projected over the top of the to the front of the servers.
racks.
Warm air is returned over the top of the racks to
the DX unit.
Warm air is returned vertically to the DX unit.
Watch out for recirculation of hot air at the

side of the rack. Watch out for recirculation of hot air at the side
and top of the rack which may cause overheat-
ing.
Primary and secondary units are installed to pro-
vide redundancy. Primary and secondary units are installed to pro-
vide redundancy
The cooling is provided by DX units (Direct Expansion) located on the wall behind The cooling is provided by two DX units located on the wall behind the racks. In
How it works : the racks. These units project the air horizontally across the top of the racks. How it works : this case the air is blow downward to the front of the racks where it is taken in by
the servers.
Where is this Where ceiling mounted units are not an option. By positioning the DX units on Where is this Where ceiling mounted units are not an option. By positioning the DX units on
the wall they are more easily accessible and pose less of a risk from leakage but the wall they are more easily accessible and pose less of a risk from leakage but
suitable ? performance is reduced. suitable ? performance is reduced.
Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional DX unit which act

Redundancy : sas a backup cooling source. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of two DX units which act as secondary
cooling source.
Install blanking panels in the racks to reduce the risk of air short circuiting through Air containment is necessary to control the hot return air and prevent it from
Green tip : the racks. Use air curtains or ducts to direct the air to the server intake in the cold Green tip : re entering the servers. To improve performance install air containment feature
aisle. where possible.
To allow for the imperfect airflow charicteristics of this design the DX units should
Caution : be sized to cool the total IT load plus 25%. Caution : Overheating may occur if you do not plan and layout this room correctly
ROOM 1 : IT Closet analysis Room 2 : THE Server Room
The Server Room as understood for the purposes of this analysis is a small data centre
containing a maximum of five server racks and two connectivity racks. Common used
throughout industry and small government departments. These rooms may or may not
be designed with raised floors. Historically these rooms have been given very little de-
sign attention resulting in poor design and higher operational costs.
This room is a server room typically used in small to medium size businesses to ac-
Room description comodate in-house IT systems. It contains five server racks and two connectivity
racks located within the room.
The overall room IT load is 19KW and is made up of 3KW per server rack and 2KW
Rack load per rack for connectivity.
Acombination of overhead and underfloor air distribution, with and without con-
Cooling solution tainment systems shall be considered.
How to read the above results : The recommended room dimensions are for this rack configuration is 7200mm x
Room dimensions 3600mm
In the case of reading the capital costs and the operational costs on the graph above
one means that the cost is high while a rating of five means that the cost is low. In
The recommended temperature is 22 degrees Celsius in the cold aisle without con-
the case of efficency, reliability and performance a rating of one means low efficiency, Temperature control tainment and 26 degrees Celsius with containment
reliability or performance and a reading of 5 means highefficiency, reliability or perfor-
mance.
Fire rating The recommended fire rating for a room of this nature is two hours.
To learn more about these cooling solutions Click Here
Capex
Room 2 : THE Server Room rOOM 2: Small Data Centre – Design 1 Opex
Efficiency
Fresh air cooling with underfloor air delivery.
Reliability
Performance
SCORE 22/25
Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air

from outside and mixing it with the hot return air
Fresh Air Cooling Underfloor with Ceiling DX unit to create the optimum supply air temperature.
underfloor containment
The cold air is supplied into the floor void and de-
livered into a contained cold aisle.
Score : 22/25 Score : 18/25 Score : 15/25 Hot air is returned to the front of the CRAC unit.
Design 4 Design 5
Fresh air is utilised to provide free cooling by using a specially designed CRAC unit which
Up flow – no Up flow – with How it works : has a fresh air intake. When the outside air it is too cold it is mixed with server exhaust air
and when the outside air is too warm it is cooled within the CRAC unit.
containment containment
Where is this It is suited to new and retrofit situations where an outside wall is reachable by
suitable ? installing ductwork.
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.
This may be installed with hot or cold aisle containment to improve the internal
Green tip :
Score : 13/25 Score : 11/25 airflow performance.
Keep the duct runs short where possible so that the associated pressure drop can
Caution : be overcome by the CRAC units internal fans .
Capex Capex
rOOM 2: Server room – Design 2 Opex rOOM 2: Server Room – Design 3 Opex
Downflow - no containment. Upflow units using a ceiling air delivery with con-
tainment
By using cold aisle containment up can control Cold air is delivered from the up-flow CRAC units
the supply air temperature into the servers with through the ceiling void and drops into the cold
greater accuracy. aisle.
Hot air is returned above the floor to the CRAC Containment improves the efficiency of the cool-
units. Air intake to the CRAC units is at the ing system.
front face.
Hot air is returned above the floor to the CRAC
units. Air intake to the CRAC units is at the front
Cold air is delivered from the up-flow CRAC units face.
through the floor void and into the servers.
Cooling is provided by means of downflow CRAC units situated at one end of Cooling is provided by means of upflow CRAC units which deliver the air through
How it works : the server room which delivers cold air into the contained cold aisle. The hot air How it works : the ceiling void and into the cold aisle via ceiling grills. The air is returned above
exhausts into an open hot aisle and returns to the top of the CRAC units. the floor and into the front face of the CRAC units.
Where is this This layout is suitable for most server rooms for a load of up to 6kw per rack. The Where is this This solution is most suited to room with no floor void and with a ceiling void of
of 450mm minimum. This design is particularly suited to retrofits where upflow
suitable ? units willincrease in size as the power load per rack goes up. suitable ? units are already in place.
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC unit. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC.unit..
Containment will increase efficiency by 15 to 20%. and improve the distribution

The installation of cold aisle containment increases the design efficiency greatly
Green tip : of air in the cold aisle. As a result heavily powered equipment can to be posi- Green tip :
and also increases the reliability and performance of this design.
tioned at any point along the row.
It is important to ensure that the cold aisle is not over pressurised, this can be To prevent over pressurising, specify EC fans in the CRAC units and install presure
Caution : prevented by the installation of pressure sensors in the contained aisle.Avoid in- Caution : sensors in the cold ailse. Ensure that the ceiling void is sealed so that cold air is
stalling cabling or other obstructions to airflow in the flow void. not lost to the adjoining rooms through service opes.
Capex Capex
rOOM 2: Server room – Design 4 Opex rOOM 2: Server room – Design 5 Opex
Upflow units using a ceiling air delivery path with Ceiling mounted DX with no containment.
no aisle containment installed.
Cold air is delivered from the up-flow CRAC units Cold air is delivered from the ceiling mounted DX
through the ceiling void and drops into the cold units into the cold aisle to the front of the racks.
aisle.
Ceiling-mounted DX units at high level above

racks.
Note: Without containment, hot air can easily re- Hot air is returned from the rear of the servers up-
circulate into the cold aisle. ward to the intake of the DX units.
Note: Improvement to this design can be made

Hot air returns above the floor to the CRAC by installing containment which would help the
units. Air intake to the CRAC units is at the cooling system ballance the cold air supply and
front face. demand.
Cooling is provided by means of an upflow CRAC units which deliver the air into The cooling is provided by means of a ceiling mounted DX positioned to the rear
How it works : the ceiling void and into the cold aisle via ceiling grilles. The air is returned above How it works : of the server racks. The air is pumped into an open cold aisle and returns vertically
the floor into the front face of the CRAC units. into the DX unit
Where is this This solution is most suited to a room with no floor void and with a ceiling void Where is this
of 450mm minimum. This design is particularly suited to retrofits where upflow This solution is suitable in roomes witout a raised floor.
suitable ? units are already in place. suitable ?
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second DX uni.
This is an efficient way of overcoming the restriction of a reduced floor void. It

Additional airflow control mab be achieved by directing the air using ductwork
Green tip : can also be a very adequate way of increating the operating efficiency of upflow Green tip : mounted to the air supply side of the DX units.
units
Ensure grilles are positioned correctly and the ceiling void is sealed and decon- Ensure the units are positioned to prevent leakage onto the racks from the con-
Caution : taminated. Caution : densate drain . A drip-tray and water detection should be installed.
Room 2 : Server Room analysis Room 3 : THE Small Data Centre
This room is a small data centre and is capable of housing up to ten racks each with a
maximum load of 6KW. Connectivity may be included or located in an adjoining room.
The design includes the distribution board, UPS units and batteries housed within the
room.
This room is a small data centre and typically found in a small to medium sized busi-
Room description ness. It consists of ten racks within an enclosed and dedicated room.
Rack load This room is designed for a maximum IT load of 6KW per rack giving an overall room
server load of 60kW.
A combination of overheard and underfloor distribution, with and without contain-

Cooling solution ment systems shall be considered.
How to read the above results : Room dimensions The recommended minimum room dimensions are 6,600mm x 4,800mm for this
rack configuration.
the case of efficency, reliability and performance a rating of one means low efficiency, Temperature should be measured at the server intake and set at 22 degrees Celsius.
Temperature control If containment is installed this temperature can be raised to 26 degC.
mance.
Fire rating The recommended fire rating for a room of this nature is 2 hour.s
Capex
Room 3 : THE Small Data Centre rOOM 3 : Small Data Centre – Design 1 Opex
Efficiency
Reliability
Performance
SCORE 22/25
Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air

Fresh Air Cooling Underfloor with Underfloor with to create the optimum supply air temperature.
underfloor hot containment cold containment
Note: Hot aisle containment may also be utilised.
Design 4 Design 5
Overhead with How it works : has a fresh air intake. When the outside air it is too cold it is mixed with server exhaust air
Underfloor with and when the outside air is too warm it is cooled within the CRAC unit.
containment no containment
Score : 17/25 Score : 13/25 Green tip :

airflow performance.
Capex Capex
rOOM 3 : Small Data Centre – Design 2 Opex
Downflow units with hot aisle containment. Downflow units with cold aisle containment.
Note : When installing hot aisle containment it is

necessary to use a ceiling plenum to return the
air to the CRAC unit.
By installing cold aisle containment the perfor-

Hot air is returned through the contained hot
mance of the room greatly improves leading to
aisle into the ceiling plenum and back to the
higher efficiency.
CRAC units.
Cold air is delivered into the floor void and up

through the floor grilles into an open cold aisle.
By using hot aisle containment we are creat- The containment system prevents the occurrence
ing a large pool of cold air which is available of hotspots at the end of the cold aisles.
during a cooling failure.
Cooling is provided by means of down-flow CRAC units delivering cold air into Cooling is provided by means of down-flow CRAC units delivering cold air into
How it works : the floor void which is vented into the cold aisle via floor tiles. The hot aisle is con- How it works : the floor void which is vented into the cold aisle via floor tiles.
tained up to ceiling level thereby forming a return air path to the CRAC units
Where is this This solution is suitable for loads of up to 6KW and a total of 60kW. The layout Where is this Suitable for loads of up to 6kW and a total of 60kW. The layout require a floor void
requires a floor void of 300mm clear. A ceiling depth of 450mm can be created. of 300mm. Cabling should be installed overhead. Existing rooms can be easily
suitable ? suitable ? retrofitted.
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC unit. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC unit.
When the hot aisle is containment the remiander of the room becomes an open
With containment in place supply and return air temperatures can be increased
Green tip : cold aisle. This increases the amount of available cold air during cooling system Green tip : with a resultant increase in the co-efficiency of performance of the CRAC units
failure.
Clean the ceiling void before flushing with air to ensure the majority of the dirt or To prevent over pressurising, specify EC fans in the CRAC units and install presure
Caution : dust particles are removed. Caution : sensors in the cold ailse. Ensure that the ceiling void is sealed so that cold air is
not lost to the adjoining rooms through service opes.
Capex Capex
Upflow units with cold aisle containment. Downflow units with no containment.
Cold air is delivered through the ceiling void into Cold air is delivered through the floor void and
a contained cold aisle. up through the floor grilles into a contained cold
aisle.
Hot air is returned through the open hot aisle into

the ceiling plenum and back to the CRAC units.
Hot air is returned above the floor to the front

face of the CRAC units. A lack of containment allows the hot air re-
circulate into the end rack as it returns to the
CRAC unit. This decreases the overall cooling
efficiency.
Cooling is provided by means of up-flow CRAC units delivering cold air through Cooling is provided by means of down-flow CRAC units delivering cold air into
How it works : the ceiling void and into the cold aisle via perforated ceiling tiles. The cold aisle How it works : the floor void which is vented into the cold aisle via floor tiles.
containment is extended to the ceiling to forms the supply air path.
Where is this This solution is best suited to rooms with no floor void but have enough room to Where is this Suitable for a rack loads of up to 6KW and a total of 60kW. The layout requires a
create a ceiling plenum that can act as an air delivery path. This solution is suit-
suitable ? able for loads of up to 6KW amounting to a maximum total of 60KW.
suitable ? minimum floor void of 300mm. This is easily retrofitted to existing rooms .
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of a second CRAC.
This solution combines cold aisle containment with the lack of floor void to create The hot exhaust air may be returned through the ceiling to improve the efficiency
Green tip : a very efficient air delivery method. Green tip : of the design by reducing the risk of hot air recirculation.
Clean the ceiling void before flushing with air to ensure the majority of dirt and Floor depth to be kept at a minimum of 300mm, 450mm is preferred for rack
Caution : dust particles are removed.
Caution : loads above 6kw. Cabling should be installed overhear.
Room 3 : Small Data Centre ANALYSIS Room 4 : THE Medium Data Centre
This room is a medium-size data centre and is capable of housing up to 15 Server racks
at a maximum load of 6KW. In addition, there is room for up to four connectivity racks
capable of supplying 3KW of power load in each. The design allows for the distribution
board, UPS units and batteries to be housed within the roo
This room is medium data centre and typically found in a medium to large size busi-
Room description ness. It consists of up to 15 racks within an enclosed and dedicated room.
Rack load This room is designed for maximum of 6KW per rack giving an overall room Server
load of 90W

How to read the above results : The recommended minimum room dimensions are 6,600mm x 4,800mm for this
Room dimensions rack configuration.
Temperature should be measured at the server intake and set at 22 degrees Celsius.
the case of efficency, reliability and performance a rating of one means low efficiency, Temperature control If containment is installed this temperature can be raised to 26 degC.
mance.
Fire rating The recommended fire rating for a room of this nature is 2 hour.s
Capex
Room 4 : THE Medium Data Centre rOOM 4 : Medium Data Centre – Design 1 Opex
Efficiency
Reliability
Performance
SCORE 22/25
Note: Fresh air cooling or airside economising is

at the foreground of data centre efficient design.
Design 1 Design 2 Design 3
Underfloor - no Underfloor with Underfloor with
Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air
containment containment 2 containment 1
to create the optimum supply air temperature.

Note: Hot aisle containment may also be utilised
where the cold air is delivered above the floor to
an open cold aisle.
Design 4 Design 5
Up flow – no Up flow – with How it works : has a fresh air intake. When the outside air it is too cold it is mixed with server exhaust air
containment containment
Score : 19/25 Score : 19/25 Green tip :

airflow performance.
Capex Capex
rOOM 4 : Medium Data Centre – Design 2 Opex
Upflow units with hot aisle containment. Downflow units with cold aisle containment.
Note: When installing hot aisle containment it is Note: Ensure that the cold aisles are not over-
preferable to use a ceiling plenum to return the pressurised. This is achieved by specifying CRAC
air to the CRAC unit. Fixed ductwork may also be units with EC motors and installing pressure sen-
used. sors in the cold aisles.
Cold air is delivered through the floor void into a

Cold air is delivered through the floor void into contained cold aisle.
an open cold aisle and hot air is returned through
the ceiling plenum back to the CRAC units. Hot air is returned to the CRAC units through an
open hot aisle.
When the hot aisle is containment the remiander
of the room becomes an open cold aisle. This in- Cold aisle containment guarantees adequate air
creases the amount of available cold air during delivered at the correct temperature, volume and
cooling system failure. and made available at any point in the cold aisle.
Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the outside wall which Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the outside wall which
How it works : deliver cold air via the floor void into the open cold aisles.. Hot air is returned to How it works : deliver cold air via the floor void into a contained cold aisles.. Hot air is returned
the CRAC units through a contained hot aisle via the ceiling void. to the CRAC units via an open hot aisle.
Where is this This design works with a floor void of 450mm or without a floor void where the air Where is this This is suitable where a floor void of at least 450mm is available for the delivery of
is dumped into the open data centre above floor level. A ceiling or common duct
suitable ? is required to return the hot air to the CRAC units suitable ? air to the cold aisles.
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.
By increasing the supply air temperature up to 26 degrees Celsius, the server ex- With containment in place supply and return air temperatures can be increased
Green tip : haust temperature will increase and so will the cooling efficiency. Green tip : with a resultant increase in the co-efficiency of performance of the CRAC units
To prevent over pressurising, specify EC fans in the CRAC units and install presure
Hot aisle containment should be built using very strong materials as the air veloc-
Caution : ity in the hot aisles will be significant.
Caution : sensors in the cold ailse. Ensure that the ceiling void is sealed so that cold air is not
lost to the adjoining rooms through service opes.
Capex Capex
Upflow units ducted with no containment. Downflow units with cold aisle containment.
Cold air is delivered through an overhead duct

system into an open cold aisle. Cold air is delivered through the open ceiling ple-
num into a contained cold aisle.
The hot air is returned to the CRAC intake which

Hot air is returned above the floor to the air in-
is located at the front of the units.
take at the front face of the CRAC units
Note: If containment of the cold aisle is not used

then it is necessary to duct the cold air to the Note: Hot aisle containment does not work with
cold aisle. overhead air distribution.
Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the outside wall which Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the outside wall which
How it works : deliver cold air via an overhead ducted system to an open cold aisles. Hot air is How it works : deliver cold air overhead into a contained cold aisle. Hot air is returned above the
returned above the floor to the air intake at the front face of the CRAC units. floor to the air intake at the front face of the CRAC units.
Where is this This design works where no floor void is available and there is at least 700mm Where is this This design works where no floor void is available and there is a ceiling space of
suitable ? between the tops of the racks and the ceiling slab. suitable ? 450mm depth
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC units.
Green tip : Contain either the cold or hot aisles and increase the supply air temperature. Green tip : Raise temperatures to achieve maximum efficiency at the CRAC unit.
Care should be taken during the installation of ductwork. Light weight ductwork To prevent over pressurising, specify EC fans in the CRAC units and install presure
Caution : is available and is be easily installed with reduced risk. Caution : sensors in the cold ailse. Ensure that the ceiling void is sealed so that cold air is
not lost to the adjoining rooms through service opes.
ROOM 4 : Medium Data Centre ANALYSIS Room 5 : THE Large Data Centre
This room is a large-sized data centre and is capable of housing up to 32 racks each with
a load of 6KW and two connectivity racks with a load of 3KW. The remaining four racks
are designed for patching and can deliver 2KW. All IT racks are 600mm x 1,000mm while
the connectivity racks are 800mm x 1,000mm. Distribution boards, UPS units and batter-
ies shall be housed in adjoining rooms and are not considered in this design.
This room is a large-sized data centre and typically found in mid to large organisa-
Room description tions. It consists of up to 32 racks within an enclosed and dedicated room.
This room is designed for 32 x 6KW, 2 x 3KW and 4 x 2KW giving an overall room
Rack load load of 206KW

How to read the above results : Room dimensions The minimum room dimensions are 10,800mm x 10,200mm.
the case of efficency, reliability and performance a rating of one means low efficiency, Temperature should be measured at the server intake and set at 22 degrees Celsius.
Temperature control If containment is installed this temperature can be raised to 26 degrees Celsius.
mance.
Fire rating The recommended fire rating for a room of this nature is 2 hours.
Capex
Room 5 : THE large Data Centre rOOM 5 : Large Data Centre – Design 1 Opex
Efficiency
Fresh air cooling with containment.
Reliability
Performance
SCORE 22/25
Note: Fresh air cooling or airside economising is
at the foreground of data centre efficient design.
Fresh air with Underfloor with Over head with hot Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air
containment cold containment containment from outside and mixing it with the hot return air
1 to create the optimum supply air temperature.
Score : 22/25 Score : 19/25 Score : 19/25 The cold air is supplied into the floor void and de-
Note: Hot aisle containment may also be utilised

Click Here where the cold air is delivered above the floor to
Design 4 Design 5 an open cold aisle.
Underfloor with Over head ducted

rack chimneys with no containment
How it works : has a fresh air intake. When the outside air it is too cold it is mixed with server exhaust air
suitable ?
Score : 16/25 Score : 15/25 installing ductwork.
Green tip : airflow performance.
Capex Capex
rOOM 5 : Large Data Centre – Design 2 Opex
Downflow units with cold aisle containment. Upflow units with cold aisle containment.
Note: Ensure that the cold aisles are not over

pressurised, this is achieved by specifying CRAC
units with EC motors and installing pressure sen- Cold air is delivered through the floor void into
sors in the aisles. an open cold aisle and
Cold air is delivered through the floor void into a

contained cold aisle.
Hot exhaust air is returned to the CRAC units
through an open hot aisle. Hot air is returned through the open floor area
back to the air intake at the front face of the CRAC
units.
Note: Cold aisle containment ensures adequate
air at the correct temperature which can be made
available at any point in the cold aisle.
Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the perimeter walls which Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the perimeter walls which
How it works : deliver cold air via the floor void into contained cold aisles. Hot air is returned to How it works : deliver cold air via the ceiling void into contained cold aisles. Hot air is returned
the CRAC units via an open hot aisle. above the floor to the air intake at the front face of the CRAC units.
Where is this This is suitable where a floor void of at least 600mm is avail for the delivery of air Where is this This design works with a floor void of 600mm or without a floor void where the
to the cold aisles. Cold aisle containment allows for a more efficient and reliable air is dumped into the open data centre above floor level. A ceiling or ductowrk
suitable ? design. suitable ? system is required to return the air to the CRAC units.
Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC units.

Redundancy : Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit>
Increase the supply air temperature up to 26 degrees Celsius to get a high server By increasing the supply air temperature up to 26 degrees Celsius, the server ex-
Green tip : exhaust temperature back to the CRAC units. Green tip :
haust temperature will increase as will the cooling efficiency.
Hot aisle containment should be constructed using very strong materials as the
Caution : Do not over pressurise the cold aisle. Caution : air velocity in the hot aisles will be significant.
Capex Capex
Chimney racks with underfloor air delivery and ceiling Over-head air delivery through a ducted system with
return. no containment.
Note: If containment of the cold aisle is not used

then it is necessary to duct the cold air to the cold
aisle.
Hot air is diverted to the ceiling via a rear rack Cold air is delivered through an overhead duct
chimney. The chimney is supplied as part of the system into an open cold aisle.
rack system.
Cold air is delivered through the floor void into The hot air is returned to the air intake which is
the bottom of the racks. From here it is diverted located at the front of the CRAC units.
to the front of the racks where it is taken in by
Note : The hot and cold aisles are open which
the servers.
gives rise to recirculation and short circuiting of
Note: Chimney racks are difficult and expensive the hot exhaust air.
to install in retrofit projects.
Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the perimeter walls which deliver Cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the perimeter walls which
How it works : cold air via the floor into the bottom of the chimney racks where it is diverted to server in- How it works : deliver cold air via an overhead ducted system to open cold aisles. Hot air is re-
take. The hot exhaust air returns to the CRAC through the ceiling void via a rack chimney.
turned above then floor to the air intake at the front face of the CRAC units.
Where is this This solution requires a minimum ceiling and ceiling void of 700mm and enough Where is this This design works where no floor void is available and there is at least 700mm
space to accommodate racks which are 1,200mm deep. It does not suit retrofits between the tops of the racks and the ceiling slab. There are two separate choices
suitable ? as the cost of supplying and installing these racks is prohibitive . suitable ? for air delivery. Open ceiling plus containment or ducted and no containment.
Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC units. Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC units.
This design creates a hot aisle containment system which offers higher return
Green tip : temperatures and a resulting energy reduction. Green tip : Contain either the cold or hot aisles and increase the supply air temperature.
These racks are difficult to accomodate in existing data centres because of their Care should be taken during the installation of ductwork. Light weight ductwork
Caution : Caution : is available and be easily installed with reduced risk.
1,200mm depth.
Room 5 : Large Data Centre Analysis Room 6 : THE High Density dATA CENTRE
This room is designed to deliver 400KW of IT power in 40 racks, giving 10KW per rack. The
goal is to achieve this in the least space possible and at the highest energy efficiency.
This room is a high density data centre and is typically found in Universities and
Room description other organisations with large IT processing need.
Rack load This room is design ed for 10KW per rack giving an overall room load of 400KW
Cooling solution We shall consider a range of special high density solutions
How to read the above results : Room dimensions The minimum room dimensions are 11,300mm x 11,000mm
the case of efficency, reliability and performance a rating of one means low efficiency, Temperature control Temperature should be measured at the server intake and set at 22 degC. If contain-
ment is installed this temperature can be raised to 26 degC.
mance.
Fire rating The recommended fire rating for a room of this nature is 2 hours.
Capex
Room 6 : THE high density data centre rOOM 6 : high density dC – Design 1 Opex
Efficiency
Fresh air cooling with hot aisle containment.
Reliability
Performance
SCORE 22/25
Comments : Fresh air cooling or airside economis-
ing is at the foreground of data centre efficient
design.
Fresh air with Up flow – no Underfloor with Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air
containment containment containment 2 from outside and mixing it with the hot return air
to create the optimum supply air temperature.
The cold air is supplied into the floor void and

Score : 22/25 Score : 18/25 Score : 19/25 delivered into an open cold aisle.
The hot air is returned through a contained hot

air into the ceiling and back to the CRAC units
Design 4 Design 5
Underfloor with Up flow – with
containment 1 containment
How it works : has a fresh air intake. When the outside air it is too cold it is mixed with server exhaust air
suitable ?
Score : 19/25 Score : 18/25 installing ductwork.
Green tip : airflow performance.
Capex Capex
rOOM 6 : High Density DC – Design 2 Opex
rOOM 6 : High Density DC – Design 3 Opex
In row cooling with hot aisle containment. In-Row cooling with cold aisle containment.
Cold air is supplied by in row cooling units which Cold air is supplied by in row cooling units which
take air from the closed hot aisle , cool it and de- take air from the open hot aisle , and deliver it
liver it into the open cold aisle at the required temperature into the contained
cold aisle
The hot aisles temperatures can be kept high en-

suring a higher level of cooling unit efficiency. The hot aisles should be cooled with supplemen-
tary cooling in the form of additional perimeter
CRAC units.
Cooling is provided by In-Row cooling units which take the hot air form the closed Cooling is provided by In-Row cooling units which take the hot air form the open
How it works : hot aisle and deliver it at the required temperature into an open cold aisle.
How it works : hot aisle and deliver it at the required temperature into a contained cold aisle. The
hot air is expelled into an open hot ailse and returned to the In-Row cooling.
Where is this This design is suitable for high density data centres where a raised floor is not Where is this This design is suitable for high density data centres where a raised floor is not
suitable ? available. suitable ? available.
Redundancy is provided by the installation of additional In-Row cooling units in Redundancy is provided by the installation of additional In-Row cooling units in
Redundancy : each row of racks.
Redundancy :
each row of racks.
This design is very efficient as the hot aisle is kept at a very high temperature
Green tip : ensuring the In-Row cooling unites operate at the highest coefficiency of perfor- Green tip : This design is efficient as it involves a very short air circuit.
mance possible.
Caution : The hot ailse needs to be accurately monitored to ensure overheating do not Caution : Supplimental cooling is necessary to keep the general room temperature within
become a possability. design parameters.
Capex Capex
rOOM 6 : high density DC – Design 4 Opex
rOOM 6 : high density DC – Design 5 Opex
Downflow units and chimney racks. Overhead XDV cooling units.
The cold air is supplied by perimeter CRAC units Cold air is supplied by overhead cooling units
into the floor void and from there into the open which take air from the open hot aisle, cool it
cold aisle. and deliver it at the optimum temperature into
the open cold aisle
The hot air is returned through chimney at the As the hot aisles are open, hot air is free to circu-
rear of the racks into the ceiling plenum where it late throughout the data centre. The use of con-
returns to the CRAC units tainment prevents recirculation from occuring.
Subsidiary room cooling in the form of CRAC

units are required.
The cooling is provided by means of CRAC units located on the perimeter walls Cooling is provided by overhead cooling units which take the hot air form the
How it works : which deliver cold air via the floor void into an open cold aisle. Hot air is returned How it works : open hot aisle and deliver cold air into an open cold aisle.
to the CRAC units via the hot aisle containment which is created by the chimney.
Where is this This is suitable where a floor void of at least1,000mm is available for the delivery Where is this This design is suitable for high density data centres where a raised floor is not
suitable ? of air to the cold aisles. suitable ? available.
Redundancy : Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of additional overhead cooling units
Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC units.
in each row of racks.
Increase the supply air temperature up to 26degC to get a high server exhaust This design is efficient as it involves a very short air circuit.
Green tip : temperature back to the CRAC units and a resultant reduction in energy usage. Green tip :
Make sure the floor depth is adequate and free from obstructions Supplimental cooling is necessary to keep the general room temperature within
Caution : Caution :
design parameters.
ROOM 6 : High Density Data Centre ANALYSIS Data centre design services
Option 1: Data Centre Workshop

A tailored workshop delivered at the customers site to identify the customers
needs, assess the current condition of the data centre and provide a written
report which will identify the available the options, costs and risks of the cus-
tomers project. Book now and have your tailored workshop delivered at you
site within 7 days.
Option 2 : Data Centre RFP package

This option is aimed a customers who require a high density solution and wish
to have a new data centre designed, built, and maintained by a single contrac-
tor. We will deliver a tailored workshop and develop a RFP (Request for Propos-
al) document which may be issued for tender. At the request of the client we
can also offer project management and commissioning services.
Option 3 : Full Data Centre Design and Management

We offer a complete data centre design service aimed at customer who wish
to upgrade or expand an existing data centre or construct a new data centre
space. The service is divided into 5 stages as follows, initial workshop, data cen-
tre design, tendering, construction management and final commisioning.
Get started with your workshop now
How to read the above results :

the case of efficency, reliability and performance a rating of one means low efficiency,
mance.
30
DATA
CENTRE
COOLING
TEMPLATES
www.vincent-byrne.com

30 Data Centre Cooling Templates Vincent Byrne Consulting

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5 IT CLOSETS 5 SERVER ROOMS

5 SMALL DATA CENTRES 5 MEDIUM DATA CENTRES

COOLING TEMPLATES Air Distribution Configurations

Overhead Air Distribution

TileFlow by Innovative Research,Inc

This occurs when hot exhaust air circulates from the

Hot air recirculating into the cold aisle.

This occurs when hot exhaust mixes with cold supply

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Warm air is extracted at high level through a

Cold air enters at low level through grilles in wall.

Score : 22/25 Score : 21/25 Score : 13/25

400mm 800mm 1200mm 1600mm

Redundancy may be provided by installing a secondary extract fan or by installing

To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here

DX : Direct Expansion cooling unit

Cold air enters room and is projected to the front

Warm air is extracted from the room at high level

Primary and secondary units are installed to pro-

Redundancy is provided by the installation of an additional DX unit which acts as

To improve the cooling performance of these units it is possible to connect duct-

Cooling units should be located to the rear of the

Watch out for recirculation of hot air at the

Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional DX unit which act

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air

Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.

To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here

Containment will increase efficiency by 15 to 20%. and improve the distribution

Ceiling-mounted DX units at high level above

Note: Improvement to this design can be made

This is an efficient way of overcoming the restriction of a reduced floor void. It

A combination of overheard and underfloor distribution, with and without contain-

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Free cooling is created by drawing in fresh air

Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.

Score : 17/25 Score : 13/25 Green tip :

To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here

Note : When installing hot aisle containment it is

By installing cold aisle containment the perfor-

Cold air is delivered into the floor void and up

Hot air is returned through the open hot aisle into

Hot air is returned above the floor to the front

A combination of overheard and underfloor distribution, with and without contain-

Note: Fresh air cooling or airside economising is

Score : 22/25 Score : 20/25 Score : 19/25

Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.

Score : 19/25 Score : 19/25 Green tip :

To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here

Cold air is delivered through the floor void into a

Cold air is delivered through an overhead duct

The hot air is returned to the CRAC intake which

Note: If containment of the cold aisle is not used

A combination of overheard and underfloor distribution, with and without contain-

Note: Hot aisle containment may also be utilised

Underfloor with Over head ducted

Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.

To learn how to implement this cooling solution Click Here

Note: Ensure that the cold aisles are not over

Cold air is delivered through the floor void into a

Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC units.

Note: If containment of the cold aisle is not used

Cooling solution We shall consider a range of special high density solutions

The cold air is supplied into the floor void and

The hot air is returned through a contained hot

Redundancy : Redundancy is provided by the installation of one additional CRAC unit.