Tate added a four-fan in-floor cooling module for data centers which can automatically adjust cooling load automatically (using temperature sensors) or be controlled by data center manager.

Each of the new PowerAire Quad fan-assist module’s four fans has a variable-frequency drive (VFD) and is well suited for cooling power-dense areas of the data center, such as racks full of blade servers. VFDs enable fans to be throttled up or down based on heat-load requirements.

“The unit automatically turns on when conditions require additional cooling, with multiple control options available,” Tate said.

There are three control options: client controlled, controlled automatically using one rack-mounted temperature sensor, and controlled automatically using three rack-mounted sensors.

It pushes air through Tate’s DirectAire airflow panel, which directs cold air toward the IT equipment. Tate is in the process of getting a patent for its way of angling the air flow, which the company says results in 93% of the air coming through the panel entering the IT rack.

For reliability, the four fans are connected to the power supply in parallel, which means if one goes out, others can pick up the slack.

Tate says the product is good for both retrofits and construction of new raised floors.