Data centre cooling systems – how does precise flow measurement increase efficiency? Case study

Why is cooling crucial in data centres?

Cooling in data centres is one of the most important elements of the infrastructure, as it ensures optimal operating conditions for computer equipment. Modern data centres generate huge amounts of heat, especially in high-density computing environments, making effective heat dissipation crucial to their reliability and performance.

Key reasons why cooling is essential:

1. Protecting equipment from overheating: Electronics, especially servers and storage, are very sensitive to temperature. Excessive heat can lead to equipment failures, reduced lifespan and system interruptions.
2. Optimising energy efficiency: Efficient cooling systems minimise energy losses and improve overall data centre performance. Water cooling, with its superior heat transfer compared to air, significantly reduces energy consumption.
   
3. Maintain stable operating conditions: Cooling systems ensure stable temperatures and humidity, which are essential for the reliable operation of advanced electronic devices.
   
4. Increased computing performance: In high-density hardware environments, cooling allows devices to fully utilise their computing capabilities without the risk of overheating.
   
5. Reduced operating costs: Well-designed cooling systems, especially those based on water, can significantly reduce operating costs through improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.
   
6. Flexibility and scalability: As computing needs grow, water-based cooling systems can be easily expanded to meet increased demands.
   

Data centre facilities can be cooled with air, water, glycol, immersion, adiabatic, evaporative, hybrid, zonal, geothermal or CO2 systems, and the choice of method depends on their size, location, equipment requirements and budget.

How to minimise the risk of equipment damage in the data centre? The client's challenge

The client, who specialises in water treatment and cooling system management, approached us to design an efficient cooling system for a large data centre. He required a solution that could accurately monitor the flow and purity of water in harsh environments, in both corrosive and non-corrosive media. This was essential to maintain high system efficiency and protect equipment from damage. At the same time, he was keen to combine cost-effectiveness with long-term reliability. He also expected the system to be scalable, simple to install and easy to maintain, which was crucial for the large scale of the project. An additional requirement was integration with their existing specialisation in water monitoring, which would allow them to make full use of their experience and expertise.