Optimizing Thermal Management: A Prototype Solution for Network Switch Overheating at Asia Pacific University (APU)

This research investigates the recurring issue of network switch overheating at Asia Pacific University (APU), which has resulted in hardware failures and significant financial costs to replace the faulty network switches. To address this, a prototype of an optimised network rack was developed to manage heat within the rack effectively. The method involved a two-step process: the identification of hotspots via a thermal scanner and the implementation of a precise cooling technique using an Arduino microcontroller, an 8-channel relay module, and eight cooling fans. The results show that cooling the hotspot of the network switch is as effective as cooling the entire rack, leading to more efficient energy use. After implementing several cooling patterns, each pattern’s effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the thermal image before and after the cooling solution was implemented. The pattern that provided the highest reduction in temperature was chosen as the optimal thermal management solution. To conclude, the developed prototype successfully minimises the thermal signature within the network rack by focusing on the network switch hotspot. Despite certain limitations, such as varying riser room temperatures, the findings contribute to innovative thinking in heat management.