Rittal has developed an integrated concept for modern data centres, dubbed: 'Rittal - The System', which offers support for the active and passive side of a data centre with five matched modules: rack, power, cooling, security and monitoring and remote management. At the heart of this is an intelligent rack system, plus its associated accessories, called TS IT.
Rittal - The System simplifies network or server installation by eliminating the long planning phases that arise when developers are faced with the complicated selection and ordering processes associated with multiple vendors. At the same time, it meets all the requirements of modular and flexible network and server racks, with a single, mass produced system.
The rack, for example, provides a safe environment for servers and other equipment and can be modified without major outlay, thanks to the largely tool-less assembly techniques on offer. The standard version fulfils virtually all the requirements of network and server enclosures, with its two flexible 19in mounting levels, multi-piece roof plate with side cable entry via brush strips and its fan integration-ready design. With a total load capacity of 1,500kg on the 19in level, the rack also meets high stability requirements.
Assembly and customisation
The largely tool-less assembly simplifies enclosure interior customisation. Accessories such as component shelves and sliding rails can be assembled single-handedly and added to, or modified, without any need for tools. This approach applies to all the relevant components of the system, providing the flexibility needed for customer-specific configurations. As IT systems rapidly evolve, so too must the racks be adaptable to new innovations in servers and storage systems.
Users can choose between perforated and solid rack doors, and all doors are equipped with practical 180-degree hinges for maximum accessibility. The divided rear door (a standard feature) optimises the use of space and allows direct access to all equipment. While making optimum use of available space, these features ensure that escape routes in the event of an emergency meet the required standards. Racks are fitted with a gasket that will retain fire extinguishing gases, in addition to providing a suitable environmental seal and climate control insulation.
Climate control
Heat dissipation from IT enclosures is important. Accordingly, Rittal distinguishes between future rack generations based not just on their areas of application, but on their climate control requirements. Enclosures are now only differentiated according to climate control technology or rack and/or row climate control.
The TS IT rack is designed for climate control using specific IT cooling systems and liquid-based cooling systems such as the company’s LCPs (liquid cooling packages). Consequently, the racks have a free ventilation area of 85 percent for climate control. In the case of fire, the rack also provides the necessary air-tightness to safely enable the use of extinguisher gas systems and to meet the relevant holding times as demanded by accredited testing laboratories.
Adapting to the latest data centre trends, the TS IT rack includes automatic inventory systems and systems for recording the technical features of all components. This means that, as an additional feature, the rack supports direct integration of specific RFID (radio frequency identification) sensor bars. Furthermore, customers can add one of these bars at any time while the rack is in operation.
The new mounting angles provide a range of further options. For example, the rack can accommodate cable routing aids and the space-saving integration of the new Rittal power distribution rail system PDU-i at the rear. As the design conforms to the 1U standard, this can be fitted directly in the Zero U space between the side panel and mounting level.
As an alternative to conventional sheet steel bases, the TS IT is available with the new Flex-Block plinth system. This comprises four fibreglass reinforced corner pieces that fix directly to each corner of the enclosure, either to the frame or to the base tray.
These blocks support the whole weight of the enclosure, providing direct access to the whole of the underside for cable management purposes or to accommodate pallet trucks for simple transportation.
With provisions for threaded inserts, the corner pieces can be fitted with castors or adjustable levelling feet, which can be installed with the minimum of effort and without tools.
As well as worldwide support for ‘Rittal – The System’, customers can configure products online, select from an off-the-shelf range of over 8,000 standard products, and obtain rapid quotations for their designs.
John Wilkins is with Rittal in the UK