Air Distribution

If you think of the controlled environment of a data center as a cocoon, it's easier to imagine how forced currents of air are heated and cooled in a continuous cycle. The basic principle of convection is what makes the system work: Cold air drops, hot air rises.

The cycle of air flow in the room follows this basic pattern:

  • Air is cooled as it passes through the air conditioning (HVAC) units.

  • Conditioned air is forced into the raised floor void and directed up into the room and into equipment racks by means of tiles with perforations or cutouts.

  • Conditioned air continues through equipment racks, cooling components.

  • Heated air from components is forced out of the racks and rises toward the ceiling.

  • Warm air is drawn back into the ...

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