Which cooling approach is effective for managing localized hotspots in data centers?

In-Row Cooling Units are specifically designed to address localized hotspots in data centers by placing the cooling units closely adjacent to the server racks that generate the most heat. This design allows for precise and efficient cooling targeted at areas with higher thermal loads, rather than relying on a more general or centralized cooling approach.

By positioning the cooling units in proximity to the heat source, In-Row Cooling minimizes the distance that cool air must travel and reduces the mixing of hot and cold air, which is essential for maintaining optimal thermal conditions for the equipment. This leads to improved energy efficiency and better overall performance of the cooling system since it can respond quickly to increases in temperature and cooling demands.

Other cooling methods listed may serve distinct purposes but are not as effectively suited for addressing localized hotspots. For instance, chilled beam cooling relies on convection and is typically used in larger, open areas rather than targeted cooling for dense server configurations. Heat exchangers facilitate the transfer of heat – often between different mediums – and may not be as effective in directly managing localized thermal issues in a data center. Variable Frequency Drives are used to control the speed of motors, such as those in HVAC systems, but do not directly provide cooling solutions. Thus, while each of these options plays a role in broader