A crucial aspect for data centers to achieve maximum performance—and keep them profitable—is temperature maintenance. Due to the number of servers in a data center, it can be easy for temperatures to rise and reach levels that can hinder performance. A way to prevent this starts with devising an airflow management plan that ensures cooler temperatures. Learn more about creating a data center airflow management plan ahead.

Determine the Power Usage Effectiveness

A common practice Google uses with its worldwide data centers is routinely measuring the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). You can track performance levels by determining the PUE in your data center often. A PUE serves as the first indication of where data center airflow efficiency improvements are necessary. 

Detect Hotspots

The next tip concerning creating a data center airflow management plan is hotspot detection. This is because lower temperatures are the key to the performance of a data center. Figuring out the hot spots will help you figure out where to place various objects. Hot spots typically occur behind a server where the data center cabling is located. 

Consider These Techniques for Proper Airflow

Now that you have an idea of the performance levels of certain areas of your data center, you can take the next step in devising your airflow management plan. There are several techniques that can be used to ensure proper airflow management in a data center. Here are some tactics to consider:

  • Using hot and cold aisle containment is becoming a common practice that prevents cold and hot air from mixing.
  • Blanking or filler panels can help ensure that the cold air is forced to move through your active equipment.
  • Free cooling is another tactic you can use to cool data centers, taking advantage of water instead of chillers.
  • Ensure your data center server racks are outfitted with doors with enough perforation. This allows for enough cold inlet air and allows warm air to exit properly.