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19-inch server cabinets with built-in cooling
Server cabinets with built-in cooling are extremely important in times of digitalization, Industry 4.0, and the permanent processing of huge amounts of data to protect IT equipment from possible damage due to high temperatures. At Lehmann-IT you will find a large selection of air-conditioned servers and network cabinets.
Why should IT equipment be cooled?
Electricity flows through electronic IT equipment, which causes heat to be generated and radiated at the same time. In a server cabinet, there are usually several IT devices in a smaller space, which is why the heat from the servers, routers, and switches accumulates and can lead to a temperature that is too high for the equipment. If this temperature is not regulated by cooling, this can have considerable consequences for the devices and components. In addition to reduced performance, damage to the electronics or total failure can be consequences of permanently increased temperature influence. The purchase of a server cabinet with integrated air conditioning can therefore make perfect sense and even save costs in the medium to long term. IT equipment itself is already very expensive, which means that the replacement of the individual devices alone already incurs considerable expenses. Additional costs arise as a result of downtimes and possible data loss, which can exceed the acquisition costs even further. Air-conditioned server cabinets are therefore a sensible investment, especially for companies with large IT systems.
The different cooling systems
Integrated cooling systems have the task of precisely and reliably cooling the contents of a server cabinet. Inside the closed cabinets, the cooling system ensures that the cold and hot air is separated. Precisely these overheated spots, which can occur when the entire room is air-conditioned, are thus effectively eliminated. Especially in server cabinets where IT equipment is very close together, such as those found in large data centers, we recommend using an air-conditioned server cabinet, as heat can accumulate in these. There are various ways to cool server cabinets. Which integrated cooling system is right for you depends, of course, entirely on your requirements and the number of IT devices to be stored in the cabinet. If you need assistance in selecting the cabinet, we will, of course, be happy to help you. Basically, however, a distinction is made between active and passive cooling in 19-inch server enclosures.
Server cabinets with passive cooling
Passively cooled server cabinets use uncooled air that is fed into the cabinet through openings such as vents or perforated doors, creating a natural airflow that keeps the servers, routers, and switches cool. The cooling capacity of passive systems is accordingly very limited. These server cabinets only have a comparatively low degree of protection of IP20 or IP30. Furthermore, server cabinets with passive cooling should only be used in a clean environment, as a high level of dust and dirt transports more particles into the cabinet via the airflow and clogs possible openings there. This would interrupt the airflow and ensure that the warm air can no longer be conducted out of the cabinet. Of course, server cabinets with passive ventilation can be used with low heat loads. However, we recommend always using actively cooled systems. Especially with total power loads of more than 1000 watts inside the cabinet, we advise choosing air-conditioned server cabinets.
Server cabinets with active cooling
In server cabinets with active cooling, a specially installed device is used to supply the inside of the cabinet with cold air. This can be done via a fan or an air-conditioning unit, which is placed on the roof of the cabinet, for example. Alternatively, we also have cabinets on offer that have built-in water cooling in the rear door. In contrast to passive cooling, the cooling capacity of active systems is significantly higher, even in a small space. Since active cooling systems are not dependent on external air circulation, the location of the server cabinet can be chosen much more freely than with models with passive cooling systems. What must be taken into account, however, is the air circulation in the cabinet. Here it is important that the incoming cold air can reach all the equipment in the cabinet. If this is not the case, overheating can quickly occur at these corresponding points, which in turn can lead to equipment failure or breakdown. In our online shop, you will find server enclosure models with active cooling in a wide performance range from 1 kW up to cooling capacities of 35 kW. The cooling capacity you need depends on the heat load of your server enclosure. However, we always recommend choosing a higher cooling capacity to have room for more servers or routers. This way you are also well prepared for possible heatwaves in summer.
Further measures for temperature regulation
Purchasing a server cabinet with integrated climate control usually keeps your IT equipment cool very well, but beyond that, there are other aspects that can be considered to protect the equipment from temperature influences. If you have decided against an air-conditioned cabinet and are in favor of a conventional model, we also recommend that you consider the following measures.
Choosing a suitable place
In principle, good air circulation is important for any cabinet, as this prevents heat from accumulating inside. To ensure that this air circulation is always guaranteed, the choice of a suitable location is also crucial. First of all, you should make sure that there is nothing in the way that can block or otherwise negatively influence air circulation. Possible blocking elements are partitions, shelves, or cabinets. In general, placement in niches should be avoided. Furthermore, depending on the space, other influences can have an impact on the temperature inside the cabinet. For example, if you place the cabinet next to a window through which the sun's rays shine directly on the server cabinet in summer or in direct proximity to the heating system, which radiates considerable heat in the winter months, this also has a direct influence on the temperature in the rack. Furthermore, additional aspects should be considered when choosing a location, but these have no direct influence on the temperature. Ideally, server racks should not be placed in the immediate vicinity of workplaces or places with customer traffic, as they can sometimes emit noise that can disturb your employees and customers. It is also advisable to choose a room where there is not a lot of traffic. Ideally, the room should also be lockable, as this provides additional protection against theft. IT equipment is extremely expensive and should be protected as much as possible.
Regular cleaning measures
Another measure to protect your server cabinet from high temperatures is to carry out regular cleaning. Over time, both dust and dirt can accumulate inside the cabinet and block openings that are relevant for cooling, for example, and disrupt the air supply. But it is not only in the cabinet that dust can collect in the ventilation system; dust deposits inside the IT equipment also lead to increased temperature and consequently to a shortened service life or even component failure. For cleaning a server enclosure, we recommend the use of compressed air. With this, deposits can be easily removed even from the smallest openings. If you do not have the capacity to clean the cabinet regularly, a brief check should be carried out at least every six months to check the actual condition.
Customer service at Lehmann IT
If you have any questions about our server and network cabinets or need assistance in choosing a model, you can of course contact us by phone, e-mail, or our contact form. We will be happy to help you.
