Data center operators face increasing challenges as they strive to meet the demands of rapidly evolving IT infrastructures. One such challenge is the need to plan and deploy cooling and networking systems ahead of IT equipment installation. Traditional approaches to rear door heat exchangers (RDHX) often rely on custom-built, costly structures. However, a new solution, the wall-of-cool rear door heat exchanger (RDHX) system, is revolutionizing the process.
The wall-of-cool solution is a freestanding, modular structure that allows data centers to deploy and commission cooling systems without relying on existing building structures for support. These floor-anchored support units, when compliant with industry standards like UL2416, can support RDHX units independently of the racks or building framework. This eliminates the need for custom-built infrastructure that can be both expensive and time-consuming to implement.
Traditionally, RDHX units are mounted directly onto IT racks, utilizing the rack’s frame as a support structure. However, for data centers that want to deploy cooling systems before their IT equipment is ready, the wall-of-cool solution provides an efficient alternative. By allowing operators to install and commission heat exchangers without waiting for IT gear to be in place, this system streamlines the deployment process.
Key Benefits of the Wall-of-Cool Solutions
Colocation Data Centers: Wall-of-cool systems allow colocation facilities to deploy their cooling infrastructure well before IT equipment is available. This ability to scale quickly without needing to update cooling systems makes it easier for colocation operators to add racks as their customers’ computing demands grow.
Lab Environments: Data center labs, where equipment is constantly moved in and out, benefit from the wall-of-cool technology. The freestanding nature of these systems allows operators to detach and reinstall racks without disturbing the cooling system, facilitating more flexible equipment management.
Hyperscale Data Centers: For hyperscalers, where equipment is swapped out every few years, wall-of-cool solutions minimize downtime during maintenance. With RDHX units detached from racks, operators avoid the costly time wastage of reattaching cooling units, which is critical when servicing is needed, especially for AI infrastructure deployments.
Simplifying Data Center Installations
Wall-of-cool systems simplify data center IT installations by enabling easy setup and flexibility. When selecting a wall-of-cool solution, operators should consider the following:
Single-Person Setup: Choose systems designed for easy one-person installation and anchoring to the floor.
Rack Compatibility: Ensure the racks support both top and bottom feed applications, with mounting points for overhead cable pathways.
Hose Management: Look for systems with raised floor hose ingress and universal tool-less clamps for secure network frame attachment.
UL2416 Stability Compliance: Verify that the solution meets UL2416 stability standards, with minimal aisle protrusion and compatibility across different rack manufacturers.
By integrating the wall-of-cool solutions, data center operators can improve their cooling system deployment, reduce costs, and ensure long-term scalability for their infrastructures.
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