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Operating and Maintenance Instructions – 10 Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Rittal Liquid Cooling Package Plus
data centre. The "cold" water is provided by water chillers (with adequate re-
dundancy, especially in regard to the pumps). The water is distributed over a
cooling water network in the data centre to fan coil or ceiling cooling units.
What key disadvantages of
today's air-cooled solutions are
remedied by water cooling?
The chief problem of conventional cooling involves directing large amounts of
cool air through raised floors, suspended ceilings and within the room. Often,
because of complex flow conditions, the cold air does not reach the servers in
sufficient quantities. There is actually enough cold produced; often, the cooling
output from raised floor systems lies far above the electrically connected load
of the unit, which needs to be cooled. In spite of this, the cooling is insufficient.
This effect is explained by the fact that the cooling air is already warmed too
much through recirculation on its way to the server. By using water to remove
the heat out of the enclosure, an excellent separation between cold air and re-
moved thermal energy is achieved. Because of its material characteristics, wa-
ter can transport thermal energy almost 4,000 times "better" than air. Small
pipes are capable of transporting very large quantities of heat.
Can accessories and other
equipment from 482.6 mm
(19") enclosures be used in
conjunction with the Liquid
Cooling Package?
The Liquid Cooling Package and the accompanying server enclosure are stan-
dard products within the Rittal family of enclosures. All components and acces-
sory parts can be used without limitation.
Up to what depth may servers
be installed?
Modern server systems may be up to 800 mm deep. Because of that, it is rec-
ommended that the 482.6 mm (19") level in the enclosure be installed so that
the same distance remains to the door in front and in back. In combination with
the space on the side between the 482.6 mm (19") level and the Liquid Cooling
Package, sufficient room for the air which is fed or emitted is achieved. The side
openings do not need to be completely open throughout their depth.
How does the Liquid Cooling
Package respond to an
elevated ambient temperature
or fire?
Because the closed design seals the system to the outside, even greatly in-
creased ambient air temperatures are not a problem – as long as the cold water
supply is functioning. This represents an effective protection against the effects
of fire in case of a fire in the room. Smoke, corrosive gases, water steam and
fire-fighting water are securely kept away. Only extremely high temperatures or
direct exposure to flames would be critical, but the consequences of fire in the
area or in the adjacent room are in any case restrained.
Does the maximum depth
available for installed
equipment correspond with the
enclosure's depth?
Almost the entire depth of the enclosure can be used for installed equipment.
No other space for installed mechanical equipment, e.g. fans, is required.
