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The reasons for baying are to reduce the amount of space needed, increase the stability of the configuration and reduce the number of rack components needed. In the case of baying racks together, suppose we bay 10 racks together, then only the 2 outermost racks need to have side panels. The 8 racks in the middle are joined together and do not need side panels. This results in a good savings for the user. One of the benefits of baying, is the client can expand their system in steps. It goes without saying; the racks must be of the same model to be bayed together. This becomes an important selling point, as repeat business is the preferred method. The client must be aware of this at the time of the original installation, and they will want to continue with the same product they started with.
Location: If the location is not secure, the rack should be equipped with locks on the door and side panels. In a secure room, these are not needed, but some clients want the added security. The location also dictates the area available. The client will want to use the smallest amount of space possible, so not only the proper rack is needed, but also the type of door possible even may restrict us.
To measure the total area needed by a rack, you must measure the arc of the doors when opened plus the depth of the rack. For example, a 600 x 800 rack equipped with front and rear doors will take up 2.0 meters of floor space. That is 600 for the front door plus 800 for the rack plus another 600 for the rear door.
In addition to the size of the site, the floor type and cooling method must be observed. Sites will be either the raised floor type or standard floor type. Cooling will be either climate control over the room or be forced up from under the raised floor. The cooling method plus the equipment installed inside the rack will suggest the type of doors needed. These factors are related to the thermal management of the rack.
Thermal management is a critical factor in today's rack environment. The density of equipment, especially of rack-mounted servers, generates great amounts of heat, which if not properly dissipated, can seriously damage the equipment in the rack. The way we control the heat is through proper door selection, roof ventilation and use of fan trays. There are three primary cooling methods. The methods and rack configuration needed are:
1. Front to Rear: This is the most common method now used in the USA . It is based on the principal of the installed equipment pulling air from the front and exhausting in out the rear. Most rack mount servers are equipped with their own fans and these are mostly pulling from the front of the rack. This type of rack must have maximum ventilation of both the front and rear doors. This type of cooling is associated with a site in which the entire room is climate controlled. The roof should be ventilated as well to allow any heat buildup to escape through the top. A fan tray installed in the roof will also assist in expelling heat, which has risen to the top.
2. Chimney or bottom to top: This technique is found in a raised floor environment where the cool air is forced up through the rack. The doors should have little or no ventilation. The roof must be equipped with fan trays and should also have some ventilation. The room itself is not usually climate controlled. The potential conflict of using rack mounted servers, which are following the front to rear cooling method, but limiting the airflow must be pointed out.
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