Is Clean Air the Secret to Data Centers Uptime?
In the realm of data centers, where continuity and connectivity reign supreme, there's a fundamental yet often underestimated factor: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Just like us, the sensitive equipment in these facilities thrives on clean air. By prioritizing IAQ, data centers can ensure optimal performance, extend equipment life, and potentially achieve significant cost savings. This newsletter dives deeper into importance of IAQ for data centers, exploring how it impacts equipment health, operational efficiency, and ultimately, your bottom line, exploring how it supports you to achieve global recommendations like ASHRAE and ISA. Don't let poor IAQ lead to downtime and costly repairs. Read on to learn how to safeguard your data center!
- Increased Equipment Repair and Replacement: Contaminated air (dust, corrosive gases) can damage sensitive components, leading to more frequent repairs and even complete equipment failure.
- Downtime Disruptions and Lost Revenue: Equipment malfunctions caused by poor IAQ can result in data center outages. Every minute of downtime translates to lost revenue for businesses relying on their online presence.
- Decreased Efficiency: Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing cooling systems to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and reduced overall efficiency.
- Potential Health Risks: While the primary concern is equipment health, poor IAQ can also impact the well-being of personnel working in data centers, potentially leading to respiratory problems and irritation
- SOURCES AND PREVENTIONWhat are the SOURCES?
- Dust: This includes construction dust, soil particles, and general dust from the surrounding environment.
- Sea Salt (Coastal Areas): Sea salt can be corrosive to electronic components and can cause electrical conductivity issues.
- Ground-Level Ozone: Found in polluted environments, ozone can accelerate the degradation of rubber and plastic components in data center equipment.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These can come from various sources like cleaning products, off-gasing building materials, and even human occupants. VOCs can damage electrical contacts and other sensitive components.
- Corrosive Gases: These can come from unexpected sources like leaks in cooling systems or battery backups. Examples include sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and chlorine.
- Minimize Entry Points: Seal all doors, windows, use airlocks, air-curtains and wall penetrations to prevent outside air from infiltrating the controlled environment.
- Positive Air Pressure: Maintain a slightly higher air pressure inside the data center compared to the outside world, further hindering unwanted contaminants by avoiding infiltration.
- Restricted Access: Limit access to authorized personnel only, and require them to follow proper protocols to minimize the introduction of dust and debris.
- Air Filters: CRAC units with disposable air filters, AAF Recirculation Units and other air purifying devices remove most minute particles from the indoor space.
- Regular Assessment: Conduct Air Quality Audit to review and update the system
