Page 28 - CIJ Feb 2025 - Digital Edition

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

OCS India

Maintaining Data Centre Equipment through IAQ

Indoor air quality (IAQ), though critical, is an often overlooked aspect of data centre operations. The quality
of the air within these facilities impacts the performance and longevity of the sensitive IT equipment
housed within the Data Centre, explains Manoj Parekh, Managing Director, OCS Group-India

ne of the most pressing non-visible — is a significant Temperature control is another
challenges in data centres hurdle. Dust accumulation can critical issue within data centres.
is maintaining appropriate damage equipment and impede Inadequate cooling not only
humidity levels. Data centres airflow, leading to overheating elevates the risk of equipment
Oare typically equipped with and the release of volatile organic failure but can also result in
high-performance IT servers that compounds (VOCs) from the the emission of VOCs, which
generate considerable heat. If the equipment and cooling systems. may further contaminate the air.
humidity level rises excessively, The sources of these Therefore, balancing the thermal
condensation can occur, creating a contaminants are multiple: load while ensuring adequate
conducive environment for mould dirt on employees’ shoes or on
growth and potentially leading their clothes, or particulates ventilation remains a challenge.
to short circuits in equipment. released from unpacked boxes Excessive human movement in
Conversely, excessively low or equipment such as fan belts & and around data centres can affect
humidity can result in static servers. Moreover, outside air can IAQ too. Each entry and exit
electricity buildup, endangering contribute to airborne particulates allows contaminants into
sensitive electronic components. whenever doors are opened, the IT space, making it imperative
Additionally, controlling adversely impacting the indoor to limit access to essential
dust ingress — both visible and air quality. personnel only.

28 FEBRUARY 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com