However, recent meteorological data highlights soaring humidity levels across eastern Australia, reported by the ABC meteorologist Tom Saunders. Humidity has surged, surpassing long-term averages, exacerbating discomfort and perception of temperature. In Sydney, temperatures of 29C to 31C felt as hot as 36C due to 70 to 80 per cent humidity. Brisbane saw a five-degree increase in perceived temperature. Major cities, including Melbourne, exceeded long-term averages by significant margins. These trends have profound implications for critical infrastructure like data centres and communication rooms.
The Impact of Humidity on Data Centres
Humidity levels directly affect the performance and reliability of data centre equipment. High humidity can lead to condensation, causing short circuits and equipment failures. It also creates an environment conducive to mould growth and corrosion, posing a threat to data integrity. Conversely, low humidity promotes static electricity build-up, increasing the risk of electrostatic discharge and potential damage to sensitive components.High humidity can have several negative impacts on IT equipment including;
1. Corrosion: Moist Moisture in the air can cause corrosion on metal components, such as circuit boards, connectors, and screws. This can lead to poor electrical connections, short circuits, and ultimately equipment failure.
2. Condensation: When warm air with high humidity comes into contact with cooler surfaces (such as inside a server or computer room), condensation can occur. This can lead to water droplets forming on sensitive components, causing damage and potentially shortening out circuits.
3. Mould and Mildew: High humidity creates a favourable environment for the growth of mould and mildew. These can thrive on circuit boards, cables, and other surfaces, leading to equipment malfunction and degradation.
4. Increased Dust Accumulation: Humid air can cause dust particles to clump together and settle on IT equipment. This can lead to overheating as the dust obstruct airflow, reducing the cooling efficiency of fans and heat sinks.
On the other hand, low humidity can also have certain impacts
1. Static Electricity: Low humidity can cause an increase in static electricity, which can build up and discharge through sensitive electronic components. This electrostatic discharge (ESDD) can damage or destroy IT equipment.2. Component Drying: Extremely low humidity can cause moisture to evaporate from components, leading to potential damage or failure. This is particularly true for materials like plastic, rubber, and adhesive tapes that can become brittle and crack.
3. Increased Risk of Fire: Low humidity can cause the air to become dry, increasing the risk of static discharge-induced fires. This risk is especially prevalent when handling of flammable materials, such as solvents or cleaning agents.
Precision Cooling Systems and Humidity Control
To mitigate the risks associated with humidity, data centres utilise sophisticated CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) systems with precise humidity control mechanisms. These systems employ sensors to monitor humidity levels and make necessary adjustments. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are integrated into the CRAC infrastructure to add or remove moisture from the air, ensuring the humidity remains within the recommended range of 40% to 60% relative humidity.The Synergy Between Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity management go hand in hand in a data centre environment. CRAC systems are designed to maintain consistent temperature and humidity profiles throughout the facility. By controlling both factors, data centres optimise the performance of sensitive IT equipment. Proper temperature and humidity regulation also enhance the efficiency of cooling systems, ensuring effective heat dissipation.The Role of Containment Systems
To further enhance humidity management, data centres implement containment systems such as hot and cold aisles. These systems segregate airflow, preventing the mixing of hot and cold air streams. By maintaining separate airflow paths, data centres can better manage temperature and humidity in different areas, optimising cooling efficiency and minimising the risk of hotspots.The Importance of Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial for effective humidity management. Data centres should conduct routine inspections, calibrate sensors, and perform preventive maintenance on CRAC equipment to ensure accurate and reliable humidity control. Environmental monitoring systems can provide real-time alerts and notifications if humidity levels deviate from the desired range, enabling prompt corrective action to prevent potential issues.Humidity management is a critical aspect of data centre operations. By maintaining appropriate humidity levels through precision CRAC systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and containment systems, data centres can prevent problems like condensation, static electricity, and equipment damage. Effective humidity management contributes to the overall reliability, performance, and longevity of IT infrastructure in a data centre environment. By prioritising humidity control, IT infrastructure managers and facility managers can ensure that their data centres operate at optimal levels, safeguarding critical equipment and maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Are you unsure about the humidity levels in your data centre or comms room? Don't leave your critical infrastructure vulnerable to potential risks. Contact Treske today for a comprehensive assessment of your humidity management systems. Our expert team specialises in supplying, installing, and maintaining IT equipment to ensure business continuity and IT resilience. Ensure optimal performance and reliability for your data centre by taking proactive steps towards humidity control.
Reach out to us now for peace of mind and uninterrupted operations.
