Row-Level-Cooling Dynamic Fan Management

John Bean, American Power Conversions

The increasing thermal density of information technology (IT) equipment deployed in rack mount enclosures has strained conventional raised floor cooling technology within most data centers. This has given rise to a host of innovative and efficient cooling solutions. One such solution that is gaining significant momentum is the adoption of row-level cooling that does not rely upon raised floor plenums for air distribution. Additionally the thermal dissipation diversity of IT equipment has transitioned from a relatively steady state to dynamic. Newer IT Equipment can see power reduction during low utilization of 4:1 or greater from the maximum values. Virtualization also promises to further increase the power diversity throughout the 24-7 operation of such facilities. The combination of these factors gives rise to a tremendous opportunity to reduce fan power associated with cooling equipment. Local in row-cooling systems can respond to adjacent IT equipment real time demand for cooling air without creating disturbance at the facility. This real time response to reduce demands will afford significant energy savings on the cooling equipment fan power consumption. These saving will be further compounded by reductions in load for the rest of the mechanical plant.

Biography:

John Bean is the director of innovation for racks and cooling at APC-MGE. Previously, John was the director for R&D Cooling Solutions at APC-MGE, developing several new product platforms and establishing engineering and laboratory facilities in both the USA and Denmark. Before joining APC-MGE, Bean was the engineering manager for other companies involved in the development and manufacture of mission critical cooling solutions. His career has spanned over 25 years dedicated to the design, support, manufacture and research of thermal solutions for demanding applications and environments. John has also severed on the Standard Committee for Method of Testing for Rating Computer and Data Processing Room Air-Conditioners and has contributed to the Technical Committee for Mission Critical Facilities, Technology Spaces, and Electronic Equipment.

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