Compact Axial Fans for Server Cooling

Learn about the importance of compact axial fans for server rack cooling.

Compact axial fans are a crucial component for server rack cooling in data centres and must provide reliability and efficiency for constant operation. Data centres are critical infrastructure essential to security and public health and therefore must be operational 24/7. An effective cooling system is vital in protecting servers and additional components from overheating which could lead to damages or system failures. Selected fans should provide high durability, require low maintenance and have a long-life span to avoid unnecessary failures and shutdowns. 

Servers generate a lot of heat which must be dissipated to protect the longevity of equipment. A common cooling system in a data centre with multiple server racks features a raised floor, a conditioning unit which provides cool air via floor vents that are installed under the raised floor, and fan server racks within the server cabinets. Compact axial fans, installed into server racks, draw the cool air up through the front of the cabinet to cool the server equipment and exhaust warm air out of the back of the units where it is collected, cooled, and recycled back around via the air conditioning unit. This hot and cold aisle containment method allows for several cabinets to be placed facing each other resulting in a cold central aisle and a hot aisle at the back of the cabinets. It offers a cost-effective solution whilst providing reliable temperature and humidity control.

Fan server racks can be placed in several places within a server cabinet, between the equipment trays, at the top of the unit depending on space, the cabinet sides, or on the perforated doors. It is beneficial to place fan server racks in hot spots where heat is more likely to accumulate i.e., towards the top of the unit where heat naturally rises. 

To reduce energy consumption and costs, EC compact axial fans are the preferred choice for server rack cooling in data centres. They can provide enhanced performance at lower operational costs and a longer life span that AC alternatives. Sustainability is an important focus for data centre developers who are facing rapid growth in the industry and increasing pressure to reduce cardon emissions. Selecting EC fans has many benefits and is a step towards achieving future sustainability goals.  

In line with reducing scope 2 carbon emissions, TRT-10A230V-NO normally-open thermostats can be used to limit the operation of the fan by setting it to only operate at a maximum pre-set temperature, as opposed to constant operation. This can significantly reduce fan energy consumption and is another step towards achieving net zero goals.