Cooling
Integrated Approach
Paul Lin Sr, research analyst at Schneider Electric, explains how an integrated approach
to data centre cooling could lower energy costs and deliver maximum ROI for end-users.
W
hen it comes to
maximising energy
efficiency in a data
centre the most
important part to
consider, after the IT itself, is
the cooling infrastructure. The
combination of chillers, pumps
and computer room air handlers
(CRAHs) required to keep the
operating temperatures at
necessary levels, typically consume
the second largest portion of
energy in the data centre after
its IT equipment. Consequently,
much effort should be devoted to
ensuring that the cooling effort is
as efficient as possible.
22 | August 2017
It stands to reason, therefore,
that careful attention should be
paid to the design and operation
of a data centre’s cooling
infrastructure. Three essential
tasks to achieve efficiency are:
Selection of an appropriate cooling
architecture, adoption of an
effective cooling control system
and management of airflow in
the IT space. All three tasks are
considered at the design stage,
but to ensure that the intended
efficiencies are achieved, the most
important task during the data
centre’s working life is to ensure
that the control system is properly
designed and operated.
Cooling gets complex
Cooling system dynamics
are complex. The operating
temperature of an IT room as a
whole, and in specific locations,
fluctuates according to a number
of variables including changing
loads, outdoor air temperatures,
cooling settings and IT room
dew point. Ensuring that the
temperatures at various locations
throughout the installation are
properly monitored and that the
requisite controls are in place
to take appropriate action, are
essential to maintaining an
optimal trade off between cooling
effectiveness and energy efficiency.