Schneider Electric’s White Space portfolio for data centers, which houses the racks and IT equipment, has been updated by the worldwide provider of digital transformation services for energy management and automation. The new product range would provide enhanced weight support, cooling capability, and connectivity to suit AI workloads and high-density applications.
To meet the evolving needs of modern data centers, especially those handling high-density applications and AI workloads, as well as regulatory requirements like the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), this new portfolio by Schneider Electric includes the second generation of NetShelter SX Enclosures (NetShelter SX Gen2), new NetShelter Aisle Containment, and a future update to the NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced.
The NetShelter SX Gen2 enclosures are designed to meet the specialized needs of modern data centers. The heavier, denser equipment connected to artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing requires racks that can carry up to 25% more weight than the previous versions, or around 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms).
For bigger, more intricate server deployments, the racks provide more room and better cable management choices. Improved door perforation also boosts airflow, which is essential for cooling high-density server configurations. The enclosures’ all-steel structure and 3-point locking mechanisms enhance data center protection, as the security of the actual equipment is still a top priority.
With over 97% of the rack made of recyclable materials, the NetShelter SX Gen2 racks are intended to be highly recyclable, reducing their total climate change effect by about 3.3% per rack. Along with wide, extra-wide, and deep variants, these racks come in conventional sizes of 42U, 45U, and 48U.
Elliott Turek, Director of Category Management, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric, said, “Our NetShelter SX Gen2 enclosures are a leap forward in addressing the critical requirements of high-density applications. With enhanced weight support, airflow management, and physical security, we are enabling our customers to optimise their data centre operations while also advancing sustainability.”
NetShelter Aisle Containment
With the most recent NetShelter Aisle Containment, cooling capacity may be increased by up to 20%. Managing the heat produced by AI servers and other high-density applications depends on this. In comparison to conventional passive cooling systems, the system’s air flow controller automates fan speed, saving up to 40% on fan energy use.
For data center operators, vendor-neutral containment solutions would provide increased speed and flexibility of setup, making it simpler to integrate and modify with pre-existing installations. In addition to saving five to ten percent on energy costs, the new design would also make installation and field changes easier.
Elliott Turek said that “containment remains paramount in today’s high-density data centers. Air heat rejection is important even in liquid-cooled applications. We are committed to sustainability, and our NetShelter Aisle Containment solutions not only improve cooling capacity but also provide considerable energy savings.”
NetShelter Rack PDUs
Enhanced Security and Control Using NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced and Safe NMC3 Updated with improved administrative capabilities and cutting-edge security features, the NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced with Secure NMC3 is a power distribution unit. Strong cybersecurity safeguards would be offered by the Secure NMC3 network management card, which also permits third-party firmware update validation for reliable compliance. Maintaining security across large deployments depends on the PDUs being safe and up to date, and this feature for bulk firmware upgrades would greatly minimize the human work needed to do so.
The PDU is a flexible option for different data center architectures since it can be used for a variety of applications, including those with power needs up to 70kW per rack. The data center’s overall sustainability is bolstered by its features, which improve operational dependability and energy efficiency.
Elliott Turek added, “Our advanced PDUs prioritize efficiency and security. By integrating expended security and management features, we are ensuring that our customers can maintain secure and efficient operations with ease.”
The whole lineup of Schneider Electric‘s redesigned White Space products is available for ordering and quote (Secure NMC3 will be available in Q4 2024).
