Data Center Air Flow Design Applications
Customizable Airflow Solutions
DuctSox has developed the first directionally adjustable air displacement system for the data center industry. The air displacement portion of the DuctSox system places large volumes of air within the cold aisle with low velocity. The adjustability allows for higher-wattage server targeting. As a result, minimal hot air entrainment is achieved, reducing or eliminating the need for physical containment structures, while lowering construction costs and getting better PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) ratings.
-
Targeted Air Dispersion
- 100% Customizable: DuctSox are designed to fit the specific need of each space allowing for data centers to get the exact airflow where it is needed.
- Specially Designed Fabric: A unique combination of anti-static and porous materials help prevent any static charge that could build up while dispersing large volumes of air at low velocities.
- Adjustable Nozzles: With 360-degree rotation, each nozzle provides targeted, consistent velocities along the entire length of the cold aisles to allow for maximum efficiency of equipment in the aisles. Explore the variety of Ductsox air dispersion options.
-
Temperature Consistency
Temperature control is crucial in ensuring that all hardware equipment is working efficiently at all times. Unlike conventional methods of air delivery that entrain warm air into the supply stream, DuctSox uses targeted air dispersion to place the air into the cold aisle. The results are lower temperatures in the air delivery area of 3°F - 5°F.
- Consistent Inlet Temperatures: Targeted air dispersion is used to achieve consistent temperature along entire aisles putting less burden on hardware and reducing the workload on Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units.
-
Air Separation
Lower air velocities are crucial in allowing hardware to accurately draw in the necessary airflow without having to overwork the equipment.
- Reduced Physical Containment: By lowering air velocities, DuctSox can reduce or eliminate the need for physical containment structures, while lowering construction costs and getting better PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) ratings.
- Large Air Volume: DuctSox allows for large volumes of cooled air to be introduced into the cold aisles without the presence of higher air velocities that are associated with traditional air dispersion methods.
- Lower Air Velocities: Reduces the entrainment of hot air into the cold aisle while also reducing spillage outside of the cold aisle where cold air is not required.
CONTACT AN APPLICATION SPECIALISTS
DuctSox understands that no two facilities are alike. Because of this each system is designed to meet the specifications for each space to ensure optimum performance placing the correct amount of airflow where it’s needed.
Case Study: Involta - Cedar Rapids
The Iowa-based company Involta has developed more than 256,000 square-feet of colocation data centers operating across the United States. Involta worked with Ductsox engineers to improve its air distribution system in data centers. This process involved retrofit conversions from metal systems to DataSox. Datasox is a round, overhead and porous fabric HVAC duct system designed to distribute large volumes of air within data centers. These updates reduced electric utility costs.
Read the Full Case Study
Cast Study: Involta - Northpointe
This is another case study from the Iowa-based Involta. Involta Northpointe is a 40,000 square foot data center in Pennsylvania. This data center is in the top five percent of efficient multi-tenant data centers worldwide. Their team realized that metal ductwork’s inherent high velocities resulted in turbulence that prevented fans from drawing cooling air onto racks. The Involta team worked with DuctSox engineers to develop a system to distribute air at lower velocities throughout the plant.
Case Study: Liquid Web
Liquid Web decided to use an innovative approach when retrofitting its multi-server Michigan location. The company developed plans to use a new data center design with DuctSox for its 75,000 square foot Michigan facility. This involved transitioning the open-air facility to a series directed-air areas. DuctSox worked with Liquid Web to design a new layout with a raised plenum surface at the end of each row.
These were fitted with a customized adapter so the fabric ducts would extend vertically towards the ceiling and then have a 90-degree turn that extends the duct horizontally across the length of each server row. Adjustable nozzles on the ducts forced air in targeted directions at the server racks. The Liquid Web team credited the customization of the fabric duct nozzles with solving their air distribution challenges.
Next Steps
When designing a fabric system, DuctSox engineers will detail performance and design requirements while creating a custom solution for your application.
In addition to data center HVAC design assistance, DuctSox provides an extensive Engineering and Design Manual that will guide you through the key elements of a DuctSox system.
Whether for a new building or retrofitting an existing space, DuctSox Airflow Solutions just make more sense than metal ductwork.
Explore Additional Critical Environment Applications
Food Processing
New innovations have made maintenance and hygiene a vital advantage to using DuctSox products in food processing facilities.
Grow Facilities
Fabric airflow solutions can be customized to ensure optimum growing conditions for each stage of growth.
Laboratory & Healthcare
DuctSox traditional and diffuser products are engineered to provide better air dispersion control for these demanding environments.