www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2023 19
Business
OPTIMISING COOLING OF DATA CENTRES
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
Efficient cooling solutions and sustainability are pivotal to the success of modern data centres .
Supplied by Trafo
By embracing heat recovery , reducing refrigerant usage , addressing water and power scarcity , exploring innovative cooling technologies and adopting modular designs , data centre operators can create sustainable and energy-efficient environments . The insights shared in this panel discussion provide valuable guidance for industry professionals seeking to optimise cooling solutions while minimising their environmental impact . By prioritising sustainability , data centres can contribute to a greener future while meeting the increasing demand for digital infrastructure .
Data centres house numerous servers , storage systems , networking equipment and other hardware that generate a significant amount of heat during operation . This excess heat , if not adequately managed , can lead to catastrophic failures , reduced equipment lifespan and costly downtime . Therefore , implementing effective air conditioning and cooling systems is essential to dissipate heat and maintain an optimal operating environment .
One of the primary reasons HVAC & R is crucial in data centres is temperature regulation . Data centres require precise temperature control to prevent overheating , as excessive heat can cause equipment malfunctions and potential data loss . The ideal operating temperature for most data centres ranges between 18 ° C and 27 ° C . Maintaining a consistent temperature within this range ensures that the equipment operates reliably and efficiently .
To achieve the required temperature control , data centres employ various cooling methods . One commonly used approach is the use of computer room air conditioning ( CRAC ) units or computer room air handlers ( CRAH ). These units circulate cool air throughout the facility , extracting hot air generated by the equipment . They often incorporate advanced sensors and control systems to monitor temperature and adjust cooling capacity accordingly , ensuring precise and efficient cooling .
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The growth of data centres has created special opportunities for the application of dry-type transformers .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I November 2023 19