The best practices for data center cooling has become a hot topic for data managers today, who are faced with various and often conflicting opinions on how to improve efficiency and cut operating costs. As data center usage intensifies around the globe and new cooling strategies are introduced at a rapid rate, it is important to ensure that the cooling architecture at your data center is sufficient to protect the organization's valuable information, while also avoiding unnecessary waste.
One of the most straightforward means of improving data center energy efficiency is to rethink current operating temperatures. Often, cooling processes are established for "worst case scenarios," or the record summer heat of your area. According to Emerson Network Power's statistics, cooling represents approximately 35 percent of total energy usage. By adjusting the heat management to more accurately reflect ambient temperatures, it is estimated that data centers could experience a 15 percent energy reduction.
Liquid cooling has also ballooned in popularity in recent months. According to a report titled Liquid Cooled IT, from market analyst The 451 Group, liquid cooling techniques can cut power costs while eliminating the noise and vibrations caused by traditional air conditioners which can also cause server failures.
"When processors are immersed in liquid, you don't need to worry about keeping the servers in a rarified atmosphere as there's no chance of smoke or dust getting to them," Andrew Donoghue, the author of the report wrote.
Professionals need to be conscious of data center infrastructure management strategies that can improve efficiency while reducing negative impacts on the environment. Being diligent in these matters can safeguard the valuable information stored on the server, and avoid stress caused by equipment failure.
