Submittal

WW-CPWP-09, Rev.0, 09/2009

Deploying a Vertical Exhaust System

to Achieve Energy Efficiency and Support Sustainability Goals

Cross-Sectional

Exhaust Area

186 sq. in. (1200 sq. cm) 372 sq. in. (2400 sq. cm)

Cabinet Width

~24 in. (600 mm) Cabinet

with Cable Mgmt Arms

~32 in. (800 mm) Cabinet

Effective Free Space

Behind Servers

~8 in. (200 mm) ~12 in. (300 mm)

Figure 5. Top View Showing Impact of Cabinet Width and Cable Management on Exhaust Area Space

Cable Management Considerations

Panduit has identified several best practices to follow in order for data center stakeholders to maximize VES

effectiveness while maintaining optimal network performance. In general, the exhaust area should be kept as

free from obstruction as possible to enable the unimpeded flow of hot exhaust air from the cabinet into the

vertical duct. Installers should route data and power cables toward cabinet side walls and away from server

exhaust areas. Also, the use of cable management fingers is preferred over cable management arms, as the

arms create an obstruction that impedes airflow.

The following best practices address specific areas within the cabinet where optimal airflow should be

observed.

• In-cabinet exhaust area. The most critical area of the in-cabinet exhaust area is the upper four to six

rack unit spaces. Although cabling-related obstructions below this point can impede airflow,

obstructions above this point present a direct risk to cooling system performance as they block the

vertical duct channel and directly inhibit the ability of air to exit the cabinet (see Figure 6). For

example, server cabinets provisioned with Top of Rack (ToR) switching architectures are prone to this

type of risk, as dense fiber and copper cable bundles (as well as equipment) may protrude several

inches into the exhaust area.