Data Centre Cooling Technologies

by Isaac Prakash March 14, 2023

In this world of ever-evolving technology, data centres play a crucial role in storing, processing and protecting our digital information. And as our dependence on technology continues to grow, so does the importance of ensuring the reliability and efficiency of these vital facilities. One of the biggest challenges facing data centres today is keeping the equipment cool and functioning optimally, especially as the demand for storage increases.

This is where data centre cooling technology comes into play. With a range of options available, choosing the right solution for your needs can be overwhelming. This blog will explore the different data centre cooling methods and their benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're an IT professional or a facility manager, this information will be valuable for you.

Different types of data centre cooling

There are several approaches to choose from when it comes to cooling data centres. In recent years, we've seen a range of exciting innovations in the field, each designed to improve efficiency, reliability and sustainability. Here are the most common types of data centre cooling technology today:

Air cooling

Also known as room air conditioning, air cooling is the most traditional and widely-used method of data centre cooling. It uses AC units to circulate cool air within the room and draw out hot air. This technology is relatively simple and cost-effective, but it can be less efficient than other cooling methods, especially in high-density data centres.

That said, air cooling remains the most practical option for many organisations today because of its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation. The technology has also gradually been optimised over the years, making it adequately reliable for most applications.

Liquid cooling

This method uses fluids, such as water or glycol, to absorb heat from the IT equipment and transfer it to a heat exchanger for removal. Liquid cooling is more efficient than air cooling and can significantly reduce the temperature within the data centre, leading to improved equipment performance and longevity. However, it also requires more maintenance.

Free cooling

Free cooling refers to using naturally cool outside air to cool the data centre instead of relying on energy-intensive mechanical cooling. This highly energy-efficient approach helps reduce carbon emissions, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious organisations. One drawback of this technique is that it’s relatively young, so implementing it involves extensive planning and resources.

Immersion cooling

This data centre cooling method involves immersing the IT equipment in a non-conductive fluid, which absorbs heat from the equipment. This approach is highly efficient and can significantly reduce the temperature within the data centre, but it can be more complex and expensive to implement compared to other data centre cooling technologies. This method is excellent for enterprise data centres and laboratories.

Rear-door heat exchangers

This refers to specialised units mounted directly onto the back of server racks. They use a combination of air and liquid cooling to remove heat from the IT equipment, improving efficiency and reducing the need for separate cooling infrastructure.

What is the right data centre cooling technology for you?

Choosing the right cooling solution for your data centre requires careful consideration of your specific needs and goals. Factors such as data centre size, IT equipment density and environmental concerns should all be considered when making your decision. Whether you opt for air cooling, liquid cooling or another approach, choosing a solution that provides the right balance of efficiency, reliability and sustainability for your organisation is essential.

Trust UPS Solutions for your data centre cooling

UPS Solutions' cooling range of products is ideal for anyone needing professional cooling solutions for their server room or data centre. Our products balance cost-effectiveness and high-quality performance, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

All of our precision cooling units are designed specifically for the unique conditions in Australia, so you can trust that they’ll deliver reliable and efficient cooling regardless of the environment. With our range of cooling products, you can be confident that your data centre will be kept cool and secure, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Contact us today to learn more.