Maximize Data Center Efficiency: Managing Heat in High-Density Configurations

Discover the latest techniques to optimize data center operations and drive business growth with advanced engineering solutions.

July 15, 2024

Supporting the next generation of AI and machine learning requires more power and resources than ever before. By utilizing high-density configurations, data centers can maximize their available footprints to pack more computing power into smaller areas— reducing latency and improving the performance of apps and access to data. Yet, as data centers grow denser, effective heat management becomes increasingly critical to prevent equipment failure and maintain optimal performance.

More power = more heat

High-density data centers are purposefully designed to accommodate a larger number of servers per rack. By compacting equipment within a single cabinet or chassis, high-density configurations enable parallel processing for improved throughput and resource utilization. This scalability is essential for running complex simulations or training AI models on vast datasets, such as those used for large language models.

However, the increased power demand, often reaching 35+ kW per rack, generates significantly more heat. This strains conventional cooling solutions which lack the proper airflow patterns needed to adequately cool high-density servers. Evocative tackles this challenge head-on with the use of hot and cold aisle containment systems that address the limitations of traditional cooling approaches—so you can efficiently power your investments.

Evocative’s proven cooling options

Evocative employs hot and cold aisle containment as a key strategy to enhance data center efficiency. With decades of experience in design, installation, and management, our industry-leading colocation facilities offer a wide assortment of cabinet, cage, and arrangement options with customizable power, connectivity, and security packages to suit your needs. Now you can confidently embrace the high-density AI/ML workloads with optimized cooling solutions that perform—for up to a 30% improvement in cooling efficiencies, 20% reduction in energy costs, and a 50% increase in power density. Here's how:

Hot aisle containment - One of the most effective ways to manage heat in high-density data centers is through hot aisle containment. Evocative’s hot aisle containment is a physical arrangement that separates the location of servers (the hot aisle) from the cooling units (the cold aisle). The heat expelled from servers is centralized and removed using overhead ducts, which is then directed to the cooling units themselves. This divide helps ensure hot air is not recirculating with cold air, prevents temperature inconsistencies, and reduces hot spots in the data center. Our hot aisle containment systems can also improve power density and resource allotment as data center operators can pack more IT equipment into the same space—optimizing physical footprints and driving significant savings on capital and operating expenses.
Cold aisle containment - While hot aisle containment systems focus on grouping equipment and extracting heat from a centralized location, Evocative’s cold air containment systems focus on improving airflow at the rack level. In cold aisle containment, server racks are strategically arranged in alternating rows facing one another. Pressurized air is introduced through perforations in the floor, which is then drawn into the front of the servers to cool them (the cold aisle). Exhaust from the servers is then directed toward the back of the rack (the hot aisle) and released through the ceiling, preventing hot air from coming in contact with the server intake. A physical barrier, such as curtains, plexiglass sheets, or doors, helps further control temperatures by isolating warm air from cold air in the data center. This means servers can consistently receive cool air, minimizing the risk of overheating and equipment failure.

Ready to maximize your investments and minimize your footprint? With Evocative’s hot and cold containment options you can save money with an efficiently powered colocation facility—capable of supporting next-gen AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics.

Contact Us to learn more today!

High-density AI workloads are also demanding liquid cooling. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post covering this cooling innovation in greater detail!

Jeff Bettencourt

Jeff Bettencourt serves as the Director of Solution Engineering at Evocative, where he has been instrumental since September 2022. With nearly 20 years of industry expertise, Jeff is a seasoned professional in strategy, leadership, and account management.

Before joining Evocative, Jeff was the Director of Solutions Engineering - West at INAP. There, he led the Solutions Engineering Team for the western U.S., engaging with key accounts and providing expertise for complex solutions.

Jeff's extensive career and broad experience in managed hosting services and solutions architecture has equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record of success.

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