Conquering Cooling Challenges at the Edge

As today’s organizations continue to embrace the many advantages of edge computing, they have simultaneously been left with significant cooling challenges resulting from the explosion of micro data centers (MDCs), tight-fitting edge server rooms and other single-rack installations. In the absence of a right-sized, self-contained rack cooling unit with enough capacity to support these applications, IT professionals have struggled to prevent equipment shutdowns, malfunctions and other failures caused by overheating or fluctuating temperatures.

Why Traditional Cooling Systems Fall Short

Our customers repeatedly asked us for a solution capable of reliably cooling essential IT equipment in these space-constrained installations with a cooling capacity higher than 3.5kW (12,000 BTU/hr) ― and we delivered! How cool is that? Well, 5.5kW (18,766 BTU/hr), to be exact!

Eaton is proud to unveil the newest addition to our SmartRack family of self-contained cooling rack enclosures: a 5.5 kW model specially designed for server rooms, MDCs, distributed IT and similar space-constrained environments. Featuring a pre-installed, 12U cooling unit mounted at the bottom of a 42U heavy-duty custom rack, the SmartRack 5.5 kW can be deployed out of the box with no HVAC professional required, saving customers the time and effort of assembling the cooling unit and mounting it in the rack.

Meet the Self-Cooling Server Rack Revolution

The first to market as the largest-capacity self-contained, rack-mountable cooling unit pre-installed in an insulated enclosure, the SmartRack provides 27U of rack space for IT equipment. And not only does the new model deliver 5.5kW (18,766 BTU/hr) of precision cooling, but it is packed with a range of dynamic capabilities — from an intuitive, easy-to-read touchscreen LCD control panel for ease of commissioning and diagnostics to a built-in network management (SNMP) card that enables full remote monitoring and control to reduce the need for site visits and provide peace of mind.

Even more, the new model is the only solution on the market to incorporate innovative, preinstalled 1U blanking panels that funnel cold air through equipment to maximize cooling effectiveness ― optimizing cold air flow where it’s needed most and dramatically increasing efficiency. Customers can easily remove the blanking panels as equipment is added to the rack.

Continuous Cooling Without HVAC Dependence

Designed to function as a one-rack primary cooling solution, the SmartRack eliminates the need to rely on building HVAC or expensive, bulky aisle containment units. In addition to providing continuous closed-loop precision cooling, the unit features embedded thermal sensors and an emergency ventilation system that activates in the event of a power outage or other failures, triggering the vents to open and allow hot air to escape while notifying the IT manager.

SmartRack: A Game-Changer for Channel Partners

Channel partners can immediately capitalize on supplying customers with the new SmartRack because there are no competitive solutions offering the same capabilities ― 5.5kW (18,766 BTU/hr) of cooling capacity incorporated within a self-contained, rack-mountable enclosure. In addition to server rooms and edge environments, the new model is suitable for a variety of other applications, including 5G, IoT, Industry 4.0 and on-premises IT enterprise environments. In addition to supporting permanent settings such as retail and commercial outlets, light industrial environments, and research and development locations, the SmartRack 5.5 kW Self-Cooling Server Rack represents an ideal solution for customers undergoing data center modernization and enterprise retrofit projects.

Take advantage of partnering with an industry leader and start adding Eaton’s 5.5 kW SmartRack to your quotes today. Learn more about the new SmartRack 5.5 kW Self-Cooling Server Rack and Eaton’s complete family of self-cooling solutions, including our 3.5kW (12,000 BTU/hr) unit.

This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.