Design of today’s IT equipment combined with RADICAL changes in software are DOUBLING or TRIPLING the IT equipment demand / utilization. Demand on IT equipment is moving to 50% to 75%. This is NOT a theoretical change but rather a MAJOR paradigm shift. This means the shift is toward higher heat loads per sq ft or per rack. Computer Virtualization will substantially change heat loads. Equipment manufacturers have taken steps to increase the thermal thresholds of computers so as to withstand higher operating temperatures.

Before you can change the supply temperature you must first ensure that all rack inlets are operating safely below the new standard. Additionally, return temperatures must be warmer in order for AC systems to operate at peak capacity. This means you must separate the hot and cold airflow in the data center. Containment is the best way to fully separate the hot and cold airflow. One way of separating airflow is by using the drop ceiling void as a return plenum to the AC units. AC extensions (CRAC-up™) that draw air from the drop ceiling void are used to both balance the thermal load to each AC unit as well as ensure that only warm dry air is returning back to the AC coil.