Data centers are the backbone of modern business operations, and effective airflow management is crucial for ensuring optimal performance. However, facility managers overseeing legacy enterprise and multi-tenant data centers can encounter unique challenges in optimizing airflow, especially when housed in facilities not designed initially for them, such as limited space and inefficient cooling systems. Left unaddressed, these challenges will result in increased operational downtimes and inefficiencies, ultimately meaning lost revenues. 

Why it matters 

Optimizing airflow management in data centers is crucial for enhancing performance, reducing energy consumption, and extending equipment lifespan. Here's what you'll learn: 

• The main challenges legacy data centers face with airflow management.
• Best practices for effective airflow management.
• How Mantis Innovation's solutions can help you achieve optimal performance.
• Real-world examples of successful airflow optimization projects. 

The hidden risks of poor airflow management 

Proper airflow management is the lifeline of any data center, ensuring safe and reliable operations. Without it, data centers can face a cascade of issues: 

• Overheating: Inadequate airflow can cause servers and other equipment to overheat, leading to potential failures.
• Increased Energy Consumption: Inefficient airflow management forces cooling systems to work harder, driving up energy usage.
• Reduced Equipment Lifespan: Constant exposure to higher temperatures can significantly shorten the lifespan of data center equipment.
• Higher Maintenance Costs: Frequent overheating and equipment failures result in increased maintenance and repair costs. 

Why legacy data centers struggle 

Legacy data centers, especially those housed in facilities not originally designed for them, encounter unique hurdles: 

Facility Design and Size Limitations 

Limited space makes it challenging to implement optimal airflow solutions. Legacy data centers, particularly those converted from office buildings or hospitals, often require significant optimization to handle increased power density. 

Tighter Budgets 

Financial constraints can restrict the ability to invest in advanced airflow management systems. While utility incentives can help offset project costs, legacy data centers may still struggle with upfront expenses. 

Difficulty in Optimizing Performance: 

Legacy data centers may lack the expertise or resources to identify and implement the best airflow practices. Operators often focus on immediate operational needs, making it difficult to prioritize long-term optimization projects. 

Proven strategies for optimal airflow 

Effective airflow management is all about creating a controlled environment where cool air is efficiently delivered to equipment and hot air is effectively removed. Key strategies include understanding airflow dynamics, isolating hot and cold air streams, right-sizing cooling capacity, and continuously monitoring conditions to make real-time adjustments. By focusing on these principles, data centers can enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend equipment lifespan. 

Here are some specific solutions that achieve these strategies: 

Hot and Cold Aisle Containment 

Hot aisle/cold aisle containment is more efficient than mixed setups, so separating aisles to maintain optimal temperatures gives the best results. In-row cooling, which involves cooling within the racks rather than perimeter units, is often used in slab floor environments to provide targeted cooling directly to the equipment. 

Proper Placement of Perforated Tiles: 

Implementing directional perforated tiles and slide dampers can direct airflow precisely where needed, improving overall efficiency. Proper tile placement ensures cold air is directed where needed, avoiding inefficiencies caused by air mixing. Raised floor environments use cold air pumped under the floor by A/C units, which comes out through perforated tiles in cold aisles.  

Use of Blanking Panels 

Blanking panels create solid barriers in racks, preventing air mixing. Sealing floor breaches ensures cold air only comes out where needed. Installing doors at the end of aisles and using polycarbonate barriers (Polygal) on cages helps isolate cold air in cold aisles. 

Monitoring and Maintenance 

Regularly monitoring airflow and making necessary adjustments can help your team optimize your equipment. At Mantis Innovation, we go beyond basic monitoring by implementing advanced controls logic that automatically turns on backup units in the event of high temperatures or another CRAC failure. This unique capability ensures that your data center remains protected and efficient, even under unexpected conditions. While many companies can install best practices like aisle doors, twin walls, and blanking panels, our expertise in controls sets us apart, providing a comprehensive solution that enhances both performance and reliability. 

A qualified facility performance consultant who specializes in data center airflow management can assess and implement best practices like these into your facility’s airflow management strategy. 

Real-world examples of best practices in action 

 Here are some examples of our work: 

• Our team implemented best practices and saved 7 million kWh annually, translating to $532,000 in savings for a project in Texas.
• Another project in New Jersey had a total project cost of $308,000, with annual savings estimated at $84,000 based on kWh reduction. Utility incentives covered up to 50% of the project cost, reducing the customer's out-of-pocket expense to $154,000.
• In another scenario, we helped another site leverage facility performance analytics for operations that only required 800 tons of cooling but used 2460 tons, leading to overcooling and energy waste. These insights helped our clients maximize cost savings while adjusting their cooling systems for prime usage. 

Why you may need an efficiency consultant with data center expertise 

With two decades of experience serving data centers of all sizes, Mantis Innovation has seen the best and worst of airflow management practices. We've learned that a comprehensive approach, including best practices, control strategies, and utility rebate management, is essential for optimizing performance. An energy efficiency consultant with specific data center experience can augment your management team’s capabilities and make the most out of your facilities. 

Don’t leave your airflow management to chance – Leave it to the pros 

Implementing effective airflow management solutions can be challenging to tackle alone, especially given each data center's complexities and unique needs. Bringing in the right partner with extensive project management experience, like Mantis Innovation, ensures you have the expertise and support needed to navigate these challenges. Our team can help you achieve optimal performance and efficiency, making the process smoother and more successful. 

In conclusion 

Proper airflow management is vital for maintaining your data center’s efficiency, reliability, and profitability, regardless of layout and capabilities. But rest assured—there are powerful solutions and strategies available to you. Having the right guidance to implement the right best practices for your layout can get your data center’s energy management and operational strategies on the path to peak performance. 

Does your team need to get on that path soon? Connect with Mantis Innovation's data center optimization experts today to start optimizing your facility.