Current trends in data centre cooling technologies are shifting towards more sustainable methods, prompted by environmental considerations and regulatory demands. While water-based cooling systems have been a prominent option, air cooling solutions are also widely employed. According to a recent article from Network World, evaporative cooling systems, while energy-efficient, consume significant amounts of water, whereas air cooling systems do not use water but require more energy to operate.
Andrew Higgins, global head of masterplanning and sustainability at data centre and colocation provider Equinix, emphasised the importance of aligning cooling technology with local environmental conditions. Speaking to Network World, he stated, “For instance, [operators] might use air cooling in water-stressed areas to limit water consumption, and use evaporative cooling in other areas to capitalise on the energy-efficiency benefits, particularly where the carbon intensity of the power grids is high.” This perspective underlines a growing trend among data centre operators to evaluate their cooling methods in relation to the specific environmental contexts in which they operate.
As water becomes an increasingly scarce resource, data centre operators employing water-based cooling are adopting measures to enhance efficiency. Higgins pointed out that the drive towards optimisation is not solely about resource management but also reflects the pressure of more stringent regulatory targets and reporting requirements related to water usage. He noted, “this is increasingly because of more stringent regulatory targets and reporting requirements.”
The concept of employing closed-loop systems for water cooling, while not novel in manufacturing, is gaining traction within the data centre sector. Titus M, practice director for Everest Group, shared insights into this evolution, indicating that these systems support the dual goals of reducing a facility’s carbon footprint and conserving resources. He explained that this approach is becoming increasingly appealing as data centres confront the challenge of escalating energy demands brought about by advancements such as artificial intelligence.
As the demand for data processing continues to rise, data centre operators are tasked with balancing energy consumption, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The ongoing exploration of cooling technologies reflects a broader trend of integrating sustainable practices within the data centre industry, positioning operators to respond proactively to current and anticipated regulatory landscapes while meeting the needs of emerging technologies.
Source: Noah Wire Services