What are the most important features in a data center-level thermal management solution?

While cooling systems need to work reliably, they should also work as efficiently as possible. IT thermal management systems account for approximately 38% of the total energy consumption in a typical data center. A precision cooling or thermal management system built for reliability and efficiency must be selected.

Some features to look for include:

• Variable capacity fan and compressor. Components that can be adjusted to the actual conditions of the room to provide only the cooling and airflow required are key to controlling energy usage and spending to ensure sustainability. For example, variable speed fan technology can automatically adjust up or down 25-100% depending on the system. By matching airflow output to the load requirements in the space, rather than operating at peak load 100% of the time, these fans can reduce fan energy consumption by up to 76%.

• Dual compressors and power redundancy. Precision air conditioning or thermal management systems should be designed to provide 24/7 operation and prevent potential component failure. Look for built-in redundancy for critical components. Connecting network elements together as a team can also help ensure 100% availability of equipment.

• economic system. An optional economizer system allows the cooling unit to utilize cooler outside air temperatures to help meet indoor cooling requirements. For example, pumped refrigerant economizers can be used in air-cooled systems, and small pumps can circulate cold refrigerant when the outside ambient temperature is low enough. Energy savings is also an option in water-cooled and glycol-cooled direct expansion systems when the temperature of the water or glycol drops due to the lower ambient temperature outside. Regardless of system type, energy savings reduces the amount of necessary mechanical cooling or cooling, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption.

• Optional humidifier . To avoid electrostatic discharges that can damage servers or increase cooling capacity when using evaporative cooling systems, humidifiers can add the required moisture to a data center or IT space.

• High efficiency air filtration . This promotes clean air in the space and prevents dust and debris from affecting the performance of sensitive IT equipment.