Use a HARP to Improve Energy Efficiency in Data Centers and Server Rooms

HARP, also known as Hot Aisle Return Plenum, will be featured in this blog post that nVent HOFFMAN provided in order to show how the principles of physics can help to  lower energy costs and CO2 emissions dramatically: 

About 20-60% of energy costs in data centers are consumed by cooling the system down, forcing operators to heavily invest in new hardware. In order to meet the requirements of a continuously rising data load, servers have recently become more powerful, therefore requiring higher density racks. As the amount of processed data increases, so does the temperature in the server racks; as the technical requirements for cooling in the server rooms increase, so do their costs.

How it works
The HARP is a containment solution that separates hot air from cold air. It directs the hot air to the back of the rack, then upward to a ceiling plenum where it is directed to a facility cooling unit.

This unit channels the cooled air back into the ambient air of the data center, where it is drawn into the racks from the front. It flows through the rack and on its way to the back, the cooled air removes heat from the system and maintains a perfect ambient temperature for the installed electronics. Then, it is pushed back into the hot aisle as warm air to repeat the cycle.

HARP Features
• Channels hot air into CRAC/CRAH units (Computer Room Air Condition / Computer Room Air Handler), preventing hot and cold air from mixing

• Pairs with existing aisle containment doors like 600mm, 750mm, 800mm and 1200mm wide panels – custom sized panels are also available

• Manufactured to fit the cabinet and facility ceiling height

• Pairs with ProLine Aisle Containment sliding doors

• Reduces data center carbon footprint

• Quick and simple installation with only two tools (3mm and 8mm Allen keys)

That’s it- By directing airflow in a controlled manner, as well as separating hot air from cold air, operators can dramatically reduce their data center energy costs and quickly create a positive ROI.

Sound interesting? Contact your local Accu-Tech Representative today to learn more about nVent HOFFMAN's product line, or visit their vendor page here.