Within the last three decades, technological advancements have occurred at an exponential rate. Whether it’s mobile phones, computers, or even self-driving cars, the 21st century has pioneered digital growth like no other.
Such digital developments need the physical infrastructure to monitor and maintain them – which is where the demand for data centres has increased, as well as sufficient data centre cooling methods. So high temperatures can be monitored and reduced in a safer way.
For more information on the different types of data centre cooling methods, their pros, and cons, read our blog below where we’ll discuss it all.
If you’d like to find out more about M247’s colocation solutions, we’ll be happy to help – just make your enquiry here.
What is data centre cooling?
Data centre cooling is the process in which the temperature of computer equipment and other IT infrastructure is kept at a consistent low level. This ensures it operates safely and efficiently.
To guarantee the equipment is kept at an optimal temperature, data centres will employ a number of cooling methods, such as using air conditioning units or aisle containment systems.
Why do data centres need to be cooled?
There are several reasons why data centres need to be cooled. But mostly, they need to maintain a consistently cool temperature to ensure the equipment doesn’t overheat and result in system failure.
If it does, it could affect the day-to-day operations of a business, such as preventing a company from selling their products and services, or resulting in extensive repair costs.
But, it’s important to remember that data centres also use a lot of energy. In fact, data centres presently use about 1-2% of overall power supplied worldwide. By the end of the decade, this is expected to be 3-4%.
Data centre cooling methods increase the amount of energy these centres use, so you must consider the environmental impact of the method you choose. Many data centres are currently adapting to the evolving climate change crisis.
What are the main data centre cooling methods?
Many data centre cooling methods have been developed and utilised over time, as the need for this type of physical infrastructure has increased.
Let’s take a look at some in more detail below.
Air cooling
Put simply, air cooling is the method of creating a pathway for hot air in a data centre to exit. To do so, a data centre will use a cooling system to blow cold air across – or surrounding – the IT hardware. This will minimise the amount of warm air, as it is exchanged for cooler air.
There are three different types of air cooling methods data centres can employ: room-, rack-, or row-based. In a room-based system, computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units and computer room air handler (CRAH) units are used.
Rack-based air cooling is more specific in its process and assigns ACs to specific racks – making it more efficient and precise. Similarly, row-based cooling uses dedicated cooling units in each row. These can be positioned overhead the row, or between server racks.
Pros:
- Air cooling is a straightforward process for data centre workers to maintain – which means there’s less chance of overheating occurring and subsequently, periods of downtime.
- This method also offers business scalability. If they need to use more resources and equipment, the data centre can supply more systems for air cooling to meet this demand.
Cons:
- Depending on the size of the data centre, air cooling systems might have a limited ability to dissipate the level of heat servers generate efficiently.
- A large amount of air cooling units can create excessive noise – meaning data centre managers will need to ensure their workers are wearing protective ear wear, such as head muffs.
Evaporative cooling
Evaporative cooling is a method whereby water is used to cool the air inside the data centre. To do so, the water is evaporated into the air to lower the temperature.
Large fans are employed inside a data centre to draw warm air into them. These fans have water-soaked pads inside of them, so when the water in the air evaporates as the warm air enters the fan, the temperature of the room drops to an optimal standard.
This type of cooling method requires windows and doors to be open, so the warm air can escape and be efficiently replaced by cold air.
Pros:
- Evaporative cooling is more energy efficient and costs less to run and maintain.
- It’s also an attractive option as it doesn’t require hazardous materials, and is cheaper to install than ACs.
Cons:
- Evaporative coolers might not work as well in certain climates, such as those with a high pollen count – as it can draw these air pollutants into the data centre.
- Evaporative cooling might increase the humidity within a data centre, so can make the process less effective.
Aisle containment
Aisle containment is a method data centres utilise to increase the efficiency of cooling and reduce the amount of energy used. Whilst it’s ideal to use it alongside other cooling strategies, it can be an effective way of maintaining an optimal temperature for IT infrastructure.
To implement aisle containment, data centres will structure their equipment in a specific way. Servers are placed back-to-back, and front-to-front. A cold aisle is formed when servers face each other, and as the back of these servers expel hot air, a hot air aisle is also formed.
Unlike evaporative cooling, aisle containment doesn’t allow hot and cold air to mix – due to the physical barriers and partitions that are set up. As a result, the cold air reaches the servers without being warmed by the exhaust hot air. And, the hot air is directed to the cooling units.
Pros:
- Doesn’t cost to implement aisle containment.
- Doesn’t use energy to work.
Cons:
- Using it as a standalone system wouldn’t provide enough efficacy for the warm air in a data centre to be minimised.
- The way aisle containment is set up can make it difficult to access in the instance of equipment repairs and maintenance.
Liquid cooling
Liquid cooling is another form of cooling that a data centre can use to maintain a safe, efficient temperature.
There are three different methods for liquid cooling, including:
- Rear-door heat exchangers: This system involves placing a door (similar to a radiator) to the back of the racks with coils and cooling fans. This allows for a heat exchange directly from the servers, so it can even be more efficient than other systems.
- Direct-to-chip liquid cooling: Similar to rear-door heat exchangers, direct-to-chip liquid cooling places the heat exchanger directly onto the computer chip (where the heat is generated), whilst a fluid circulates through it.
- Immersion cooling: In this method, servers are submerged in a fluid that removes the heat – as it is put in contact with the hot components. The heated liquid is then transferred through heat exchangers.
Pros:
- Liquid cooling is a quieter cooling method, so creates less disturbance.
- It also takes up less space than fans, meaning the IT infrastructure is easier to access.
Cons:
- Can be a complicated system to install as it encompasses a manner of requirements, such as plumbing, balancing capacity, and heat rejection systems.
- Whilst rare, these systems could leak and damage the hardware.
Free cooling
Free cooling is a method that utilises the external environmental conditions of a data centre in order to cool it.
Data centres using this system will employ air-side economisers to do so.
Air-side economisers are integrated into a data centre’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It works by using outside, cool air to control indoor temperatures.
Pros:
- Has a reduced energy usage than other cooling systems, so less environmental impact.
- Because of the reduced energy usage, it can also help save on costs.
Cons:
- These systems still require design, construction, and testing, so can have an upfront cost
- Only effective in climates with a consistently cool temperature.
Data centre cooling: FAQs
What data centre cooling method does M247 use?
As a large business that utilises data centres, we know it’s our responsibility to ensure our output is as environmentally friendly as possible. That’s why we plan to leave the Earth better than we found it.
To do so, we employ the following cooling methods to maintain our infrastructure without causing significant damage to our surroundings:
- Free-cooling: We use a free-cooling system with chilled water; the system works by utilising low ambient temperatures to cool the water. This way, energy hungry compressors aren’t needed.
- Eco-cooling: This is an evaporative cooling solution that uses a water curtain tool to chill the air being pulled into a data centre.
- Expert energy efficiency teams: We have teams that are dedicated to maintain energy efficiency and are trained in sourcing the best, eco-friendly processes.
Approximately what percentage of energy used in a data centre is for cooling?
The average data centre uses 40% of its energy on cooling systems. It might sound like a lot, but when you consider just how much equipment and infrastructure needs to be kept at an optimal temperature – it’s not as shocking as you might initially think.
What is the future of data centre cooling?
As mentioned, data centres use a lot of energy, and their cooling systems are a big part in this. With the need for eco-friendly solutions becoming a more pressing issue as the years go by, it’s no wonder that sustainable cooling systems are being developed. Especially, when you factor in the amount of data centres that will need building over the next few decades to meet demand.
Some technologies in data centre cooling that are currently in use/ being developed include:
- Carbon neutral cooling: Many are considering setting up data centres in cooler environments to limit the need for artificial cooling systems.
- Adaptive cooling: Adaptive cooling is a system where AI is used to assess the temperature of a data centre in real-time. As the system develops, it becomes familiar with the surroundings and can adapt the cooling systems accordingly.
- The growth of hyperscale data centres: The demand for hyperscaler data centres is on the up, and it’s likely to continue into the near future. These types of data centres are investing in sustainable systems to remove the environmental impact of this infrastructure.
Scaling up your IT infrastructure? Get support from M247 today
As the demand for your business increases, you might be in need of more IT infrastructure. But, where do you begin in your search for outsourced data services with limited knowledge or experience?
Well, with support from M247, we can guide you and work out exactly what your business needs. Whether your business is in need of improved digital communication, managed colocation services, cloud transition support or business leased lines, our expert team is here to help.
Grow alongside your business with help from M247 and our variety of digital transformation solutions.
Contact us today to find out more about our services.
