Data Center Essential Element

Written by Julianus Yu

Ramp

Constructing a ramp is the most common and practical way to get equipment in or out of a data center. The ramp must support the weight of the equipment, people, and mechanical devices used to lift the equipment (such as electrical powered pallet jacks).

Aisles

Aisles refer to the space between two rows of racks. Aisles and open space around corners and walls must be wide enough for moving racks and large, heavy equipment (movement that involves a forklift and few people). There must be enough space to remove and roll out a broken rack and roll in a new rack.

Raised Floor

A raised floor is constructed on a grounded framework of vertical pedestals and stretchers that support floor tiles, The space below the tiles is called the plenum. The raised floor provides for the following:

• A place for the equipment to sit. The tiles must be strong enough to support the weight of the equipment.
• Grounding for the equipment.
• A means to channel cold air from the HVAC units throughout the plenum in an optimal manner and direct it up to the data center to cool the equipment.
• A place to route network cables and power outlets and cables for equipment on the tiles. Since they are under the floor tiles, the data center looks less congested. The cables are also safe from being accidentally unplugged or kicked around by data-center people.

Tiles can be solid (that is, with no holes) or perforated (with holes for cold air to enter the data center). Tiles provide a great deal of flexibility in controlling air-flow patterns between the plenum and equipment. Solid tiles redirect air flow and help preserve pressure in the plenum or subfloor. Perforated tiles are used next to equipment racks and below bottom-cooled heavy equipment to redirect some cold air into the room or directly to equipment racks.