Do you know what the differences between passive and active airflow management are?
The answer might not be as simple as it sounds. It all depends on how the question is framed.
For example, to some people. active airflow management means adding fans in floor tiles, cabinet chimneys, plenums, etc., to help with air movement. This contrasts to passive airflow management where the only sources of air movement would be the server fans and the primary cooling equipment fans.
Ian Seaton, Chatsworth Products’ Global Technology Consultant, recently discussed this complex subject in this article from Upsite Technologies.
“Maximum air segregation in conjunction with separate temperature and airflow control loops provide the path to assuring all electronic equipment in the data center is adequately cooled at the most economic energy use,” he writes.
When looking for ways to maximize your cooling efficiencies without the need for additional CRAC units, in-row air conditioners or liquid cooling solutions, be sure to check out CPI's Passive Cooling® Solutions. Go here to see how to extend the life of your data center and avoid spending $5-$25 million on a new one.
Raissa Carey, eContent Specialist