Modern data centres are the nerve centres of our digital world, housing vast networks of servers that process and store immense amounts of data. The operation of these servers generates a significant amount of heat, which, if not properly managed, can lead to system failures or reduced performance. This makes data centre cooling systems essential for maintaining stable and efficient operations.
Why Do Data Centres Need Cooling Systems?
Data centres are designed to run 24/7, which means the equipment within them is constantly in use. Servers, storage units, and networking equipment all produce heat as a byproduct of their operation. If the temperature within a data centre rises beyond a certain threshold, it can lead to overheating, which may cause hardware malfunctions, data loss, or even complete system shutdowns. Effective cooling systems help regulate this heat, ensuring that the equipment functions optimally, thereby protecting both data integrity and the longevity of hardware.
Types of Data Centre Cooling Systems
1. Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH)
The Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH) system is widely used in data centres where chilled water is readily available. A CRAH unit works by drawing in warm air from the data centre and passing it through a cooling coil containing chilled water. The cooled air is then circulated back into the room. The key advantage of CRAH systems is that they can be used with precision cooling, maintaining temperature and humidity levels consistently. Variable speed fans and energy-efficient designs make CRAH systems an excellent option for large-scale data centres. Our water chiller units are great options if you are looking for highly efficient cooling solutions.
2. Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC)
The Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) is a more traditional cooling system used in many older data centres. It works similarly to a standard air conditioning system, using refrigerants to cool air, which is then circulated within the room. While CRAC units are effective, they may not be as energy-efficient as newer systems. They are, however, highly reliable and widely available, making them a common choice for smaller or legacy data centres.
3. Calibrated Vector Unit
Calibrated Vector Units (CVUs) are an advanced form of airflow management. These systems precisely direct cooled air towards equipment that generates the most heat, using calibrated airflow paths to reduce energy waste. CVUs are highly efficient and offer superior cooling control compared to general room-based systems. This targeted approach helps minimise energy use and ensures that critical equipment remains within safe temperature ranges, particularly useful for high-density server environments.
4. Cold Aisle and Hot Aisle Design
The Cold Aisle and Hot Aisle Design is a simple yet highly effective method for managing airflow within a data centre. In this setup, server racks are arranged so that the fronts (where cool air is needed) face one another in a “cold aisle,” and the backs (where heat is expelled) face each other in a “hot aisle.” By separating hot and cold air, this design helps improve cooling efficiency, as it reduces the chance of hot air recirculating into cool areas. The separation also allows for more targeted cooling, enhancing overall data centre energy efficiency. You will then need to install an efficient chiller unit to get rid of the hot air that is expelled from the server equipment.
5. Direct-To-Chip Cooling
Direct-to-Chip Cooling is an advanced system that cools components directly at the source of heat production. Coolant is delivered directly to the processor or other high-heat-generating components, often using liquid instead of air. This method is highly efficient as it removes heat directly from the chip, reducing the need for extensive air-based cooling systems. Direct-to-chip cooling is particularly valuable in high-performance computing (HPC) environments where traditional cooling systems may struggle to manage the immense heat loads.
6. Close Coupled Data Centre Air Conditioning Units
Close Coupled Air Conditioning Units are designed to be placed near or directly next to server racks, reducing the distance that cool air needs to travel. This proximity leads to improved cooling efficiency and lower energy consumption. Close-coupled units are often used in conjunction with other cooling systems, such as CRAH or CRAC, to provide more precise, rack-specific cooling. These systems are ideal for high-density server environments where managing heat output from specific racks is critical. HVAC Chillers are an excellent option if you are looking for air-based cooling solutions.
How to Enhance Data Centre Efficiency
Effective cooling is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to data centre efficiency. Regular maintenance of cooling systems, such as those provided by Evolution Cooling, can ensure that your systems are operating at peak performance. Additionally, upgrading to more efficient systems like close-coupled units or direct-to-chip cooling can reduce energy consumption significantly. At Evolution Cooling, we offer a range of tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of your data centre, ensuring it runs efficiently while keeping operational costs down. Get in touch to find out more.
