Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) Practice Exam

The downwind cooling method in a hot/cold aisle layout is considered the best option for data centers operating at approximately 1-3 kW per rack due to its efficiency in cooling the equipment while optimizing airflow management.

In a hot/cold aisle configuration, server racks are arranged in alternating rows, with cold air intakes facing one aisle (the cold aisle) and hot air exhausts facing the opposite aisle (the hot aisle). This design allows for the effective separation of hot and cold air, minimizing the mixing of cold intake air with hot exhaust air. The downwind cooling method specifically refers to placing cooling units at the end of the cold aisle, where they push cold air directly into the aisles, ensuring that servers receive optimal airflow and cooling.

This method is beneficial for systems that consume moderate power (like 1-3 kW per rack) since it allows for precise cooling where needed without overloading cooling units, which can happen with more aggressive cooling strategies.

While other options such as upflow cooling or using specific refrigerants might provide cooling solutions, they may not be as effective or efficient in a typical data center environment compared to the downwind method using a hot/cold aisle layout, especially for the specified power range. Thus