www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2023 17
Business
SYSTEMAIR PRIORITISES
SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICAN DATA CENTRES
Written by Eamonn Ryan
Pär Johansson , business development director for Systemair Group , speaking to RACA Journal at the Pan-African DataCentres exhibition and conference in June , sheds light on the company ’ s role in the data centre market , specifically in providing cooling and ventilation solutions .
As data centres become increasingly crucial in today ' s digital landscape , the need for efficient cooling systems is paramount . The Swedish company boasts expertise in supplying data centres with reliable and sustainable cooling solutions , addressing factors such as power consumption , water usage , location , and the importance of striking a balance between economic and environmental considerations .
“ Our solutions cover a wide range of requirements , including cooling and ventilating office spaces , UPS rooms , and white space areas . With a diverse portfolio of technologies , we offer practical solutions , direct and indirect free cooling solutions , and a variety of heat exchangers , including both wet and dry types . This range enables us to provide the best-suited cooling solution for each unique data centre ,” says Johansson .
He notes that unlike regular office buildings that operate during specific hours , data centres are differentiated by requiring roundthe-clock operation . Therefore , data centre owners prioritise reliable and energy-efficient cooling systems . “ We understand the critical nature of uninterrupted cooling in data centres and emphasise sustainability through energy-efficient solutions that minimise power consumption , thereby reducing operational costs and environmental impact . By employing advanced technologies , our cooling systems deliver continuous performance while maintaining optimal energy efficiency .”
Johansson describes several important factors when selecting cooling solutions . “ The primary considerations include power consumption and water usage . For regions where water usage is limited , there are water-free solutions , while in areas like Sweden , water-based solutions are viable . Another factor to consider is the space required for the cooling system within the technical room . Our solutions are optimised to maximise space utilisation while providing efficient cooling capabilities . Additionally , the carbon footprint is increasingly relevant , prompting data centre owners to consider eco-friendly solutions . To this end , we incorporate environmentally responsible components into our data centre cooling systems .
All phots by © Eamonn Ryan | RACA Journal
“ The location of a data centre plays a significant role in determining the placement of cooling components . Urban data centres often prefer to have cooling plants either inside or nearby buildings to minimise sound emissions and address logistical challenges . In contrast , data centres in greenfield areas have more flexibility in terms of cooling plant placement . Factors such as connectivity , power availability , and security influence the decision-making process , ensuring optimal efficiency and performance ,” says Johansson .
THE WATER USAGE DEBATE Water consumption in data centres has been a subject of debate in recent years . While water is essential for cooling purposes , concerns have been raised about its sustainability . Johansson offers insights into water management in data centres : “ The overall amount of water on Earth remains constant , as it cycles through natural processes such as evaporation and precipitation .
Systemair hosted a stand at the Pan-African DataCentres exhibition and conference in June .
Pär Johansson , business development director for Systemair Group .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2023 17