We’re all too familiar with the unique challenges data centers face when compared to other types of structures, residential and commercial alike. After all, we’re dealing with precious cargo, valuable data, and computing infrastructures, carefully housing processing, distribution, IT operations, and, quite critically, backup and recovery.

Scalability and redundancy are the hallmarks of data centers, and with this, company IT and general operators rely on their strength to protect their data.

It’s no surprise then when a hot spot is generated within a data center – typically due to poor air circulation in a localized area that begins to dangerously accumulate – there is the potential to destroy data and upend IT processes that any company, regardless of size or sector, could struggle with coming back from.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel due to breakthrough cooling technologies that not only eliminate hot spots but negate their formation altogether. With these technologies, data center operators and the companies they support can rest easier, knowing that their data and IT processes are in a stable environment – as well as providing a higher level of energy efficiency.

Unfortunately, many of the current cooling technologies operate in a reactive manner rather than a proactive one. The thermal management strategies employed in data centers are becoming increasingly inadequate, relying heavily on monitoring hot spots through heat sensors placed at the tops of racks and equipment. When these sensors trigger alerts, data center managers are compelled to open doors to enhance airflow and ventilation around the enclosures, sometimes even resorting to portable fans.

When these makeshift “solutions” fail, data centers and the valuable data they protect find themselves in a precarious position. Improper handling of hot spots can lead to several serious consequences:

A significant decrease in reliability can result in complete system failures.

An uptick in downtime which disrupts access to the stored data.

Damage to routers, switches, storage systems, servers, and other equipment.

Wasted energy usage in trying to target hotspots, resulting in a lack of energy efficiency.

Increased cooling costs are especially concerning when multiple cooling solutions run in tandem, causing too much airflow in the data center, and ultimately turning into hot spots.

Fortunately, the challenges linked to traditional cooling methods in data center environments are gaining recognition, which is reflected in substantial projected growth: 2023 reports a projected market size valued at $15.16 billion, expected to rise to $16.84 billion in 2024, and reach $42.48 billion by 2032, showing a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period.

Much of this comes from a desire to embrace more energy-efficient cooling technologies, and among these is one that leverages a straightforward and proactive approach to sustaining proper data center operations.

Thermal destratification is a unique process in which mixing air in a data center (as well as other structures, especially those involved in mission-critical applications) is utilized to balance indoor temperatures and eliminate temperature layers properly. This starkly contrasts with thermal stratification, which is the layering of differing air temperatures from floor to ceiling. It is essentially driven by hot air rising to the ceiling because it is lighter than the surrounding cooler air. This natural physical process has the cooler air sinking to the floor as the warmer air rises to the ceiling.

Through thermal destratification, data centers can avoid the potential for disruptive hot spots to dramatically affect operations and allow them to safeguard the data and IT processes that are the backbone of business. Thermal destratification allows for the reduction in blower speed to achieve full saturation of HVAC air to all corners of the center, ultimately resulting in more cost-friendly energy bills.

Thermal destratification can and will reduce the temperature difference between the roof and the outside, reducing the amount of heat lost through the roof.

In the realm of business, data centers act as vital partners, allowing executives to concentrate on significant challenges—such as growth and profit maximization—rather than worrying about the security of their data. Business leaders should have confidence that their information and IT operations are well-managed and that the data centers responsible for them are leveraging cutting-edge technologies instead of outdated techniques focused solely on high HVAC air output.

This comprehensive solution often escapes data centers that rely on forceful methods to mitigate the effects of thermal stratification. Moreover, an independent study conducted by Purdue University highlights that the adoption of thermal destratification and innovative cooling strategies revolutionizes how data centers should manage their cooling systems. This is particularly relevant as there is a growing emphasis on achieving operational consistency and harnessing energy efficiency benefits.

Richard Halsall is CEO of Exhale Fans.

Welcome to DediRock, your trusted partner in high-performance hosting solutions. At DediRock, we specialize in providing dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals alike. Our mission is to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure hosting solutions that empower our clients to achieve their digital goals. With a commitment to exceptional customer support, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure, DediRock stands out as a leader in the hosting industry. Join us and experience the difference that dedicated service and unwavering reliability can make for your online presence. Launch our website.