The new catalog is aimed at high-density applications and AI workloads, offering improved weight support, cooling capacity, and connectivity. Enhanced features include the second generation of NetShelter SX racks, NetShelter Aisle Containment, and a major update to NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced.
The enhanced solutions are in response to industry demand for sustainability, speed to market, and compliance with the European Energy Efficiency Directive.
Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management automation and digital transformation, has introduced the new range of White Space products for data centers, which is the space where racks and IT equipment are located within a data center. This new portfolio includes the NetShelter SX Gen2 racks, the new NetShelter Aisle Containment, and an upcoming update to NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern data centers, particularly those handling high-density applications and AI workloads, as well as regulatory requirements such as the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED).
The NetShelter SX Gen2 racks have been specifically designed to meet the demands of today’s data centers. These new racks can support up to 25% more weight than previous models, with an approximate capacity of 1,814 kg, essential for hosting the heavier and denser equipment associated with AI and high-performance computing.
Enhanced door perforation increases airflow, vital for cooling high-density servers, while the racks offer more space and better cable management options for larger and more complex server configurations.
As physical equipment security remains a significant requirement, the cabinets are made entirely of steel and feature 3-point locking systems to enhance data center protection.
The NetShelter SX Gen2 racks reduce their overall impact on climate change by 3.3% per rack and are designed to be highly recyclable, with approximately 97% of their structure being recyclable. These racks are available in standard sizes of 42U, 45U, and 48U along with wide, extra-wide, and deep models.
“Our NetShelter SX Gen2 racks represent a significant advancement in addressing the critical needs of high-density applications,” says Elliott Turek, Director of Category Management, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric. “With better weight support, airflow management, and physical security, we are enabling our customers to optimize their data center operations while driving sustainability.”
Advanced Cooling and Flexibility with NetShelter Aisle Containment
The latest NetShelter Aisle Containment can achieve up to 20% more cooling capacity. This is crucial for managing the heat generated by AI servers and other high-density applications. The system incorporates an airflow controller that automates fan speed, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional passive cooling systems.
Independent manufacturer containment systems offer greater flexibility and quicker setup for data center operators, allowing for easier integration and adaptation to existing builds. The new design also simplifies installation and on-site modifications, while reducing energy costs by 5-10%.
“Containment remains critical in today’s high-density data centers,” says Elliott Turek. “Even in liquid-cooled applications, heat rejection from the air plays a key role. Our NetShelter Aisle Containment solutions not only enhance cooling capacity but also deliver significant energy savings, in line with our sustainability commitment.”
Security and Control with NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced and Secure NMC3
The NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced with Secure NMC3 is an upgraded power distribution unit equipped with advanced security features and enhanced management capabilities. The Secure NMC3 network management card provides robust cybersecurity measures and allows for third-party validation of firmware updates for consistent compliance. This compatibility with bulk firmware updates significantly reduces the manual management needed to keep the PDUs secure and up to date, crucial for maintaining security in large facilities.
The PDU is suitable for a wide range of applications, including those with power requirements up to 70 kW per rack, making it a versatile solution for various data center configurations. It includes features that improve energy efficiency and operational reliability, contributing to the overall sustainability of the data center.