17 December 2024
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As data centres continue to expand to meet the demands of a digital-first world, Brad Stone, Data Centre Market Manager UK & Ireland, Carrier Commercial HVAC, explores the benefits of a ‘conception to completion’ approach.
Data centres are a cornerstone of the modern digital economy, underpinning activities like online banking, social media, e-commerce, and the rise of remote work. As new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) drive even more data generation, the demand for data storage continues to surge. In 2023, data centres consumed 7.4 gigawatts of power1, a 55% increase from the previous year, and are responsible for approximately 4% of global energy consumption.
Further research suggests2 that Europe’s data centre power consumption will surge from 62 terawatt-hours (TWh) to over 150 TWh by 2030, driven by AI advancements and digitisation.
The sheer scale of energy required to keep these vast data repositories functional presents a challenge. Not only must servers and networking equipment be powered 24/7, but they must also be cooled continuously to prevent overheating, which may otherwise result in system failures and data loss.
The role of HVAC systems in data centres
HVAC systems play a pivotal role in ensuring data centres operate smoothly. To avoid potential failures, data centre cooling systems are said to consume as much as 50% of any data centre’s power3.
With up to half of the power being used by HVAC equipment, these systems must do more than just maintain consistent indoor temperature. They have a significant role to play and must be highly efficient, adaptable to the unique needs of each facility, and capable of supporting both the hardware and the overall building design.
Adopting a ‘conception to completion’ model so HVAC manufacturers and data centre facilities can work collaboratively across the project lifecycle can lead to optimal outcomes.
From the initial design phase to installation and long-term maintenance, Carrier engages with stakeholders to ensure that HVAC systems are designed not only for current needs but also with future scalability in mind. The multidisciplinary approach of its data centre team ensures that all aspects of the cooling system are aligned with operational goals, cost efficiency, and environmental considerations. Specification engineers work closely with project designers to propose energy-efficient solutions, while account managers and project managers maintain a balance between capital expenditure and operational costs.
Innovations in data centre cooling technology
Our commitment to innovation is reflected in ongoing investment in research and development. At centres of excellence in Montluel and Culoz, we design, manufacture and extensively test our solutions. This focus on R&D has resulted in innovative cooling technologies that meet the increasing demands of data centres while minimising energy consumption. Specifically designed for data centres, systems integrate energy management, system optimisation, active harmonic filtration, and efficient free cooling and energy recovery
Products such as computer room air handling units, with capacities ranging from 50kW to 400kW are designed to handle the specific needs of data centres, this system offers flexibility and scalability, ensuring that facilities can meet evolving demands.
Sustainability and the circular economy in data centres
As the global push for sustainability intensifies, data centres are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint.
Under Article 12 of the recast Energy Efficiency Directive4, data centres are required to publish information on their energy performance and sustainability. The scheme created by the European Commission is intended to increase transparency and promote new designs, and to prompt developments in energy and water consumption reduction, and to promote renewable energy usage.
One of the most promising innovations is the reuse of waste heat generated by data centres. This waste heat, often viewed as a byproduct, can be harnessed and redirected for use in district heating systems, providing a sustainable energy source for nearby residential and commercial buildings.
An example of how waste heat recovery can be successfully implemented comes from a project in Sweden. A utility company uses our high temperature 61XWH-ZE heat pump, capable of delivering water temperatures up to 85°C, as part of a wider design scheme which provides reliability for the data centre and district heating provider. That system delivers more than 12MW of reused, waste heat from the data centre to over 40,000 homes in the surrounding area.
Such initiatives not only reduce the environmental impact of data centres but also provide a tangible benefit to local communities. This concept of "smart cities," where data centres are integrated into urban energy networks, is gaining traction and is part of a blueprint for the future sustainable data centre infrastructure in the UK and Ireland.
Collaboration and investment in people
While technological advancements are critical, the human element should not be overlooked. Successful data centre projects require collaboration across a range of disciplines, from engineers and project managers to sustainability experts and community planners. It is important to work closely with clients and stakeholders at every stage of the project to develop products that ensures all parties are aligned in their goals and that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with long-term sustainability in mind.
Balancing growth with sustainability
As we continue to use digital services in our daily lives, the data centre industry will continue to grow. As the industry expands, so too will the demand for efficient, sustainable HVAC solutions. Carrier is well-positioned to lead the charge in this area, with its focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
The challenge for data centre operators will be to balance the need for expansion with the increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. By investing in innovative HVAC technologies and working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, data centres can not only meet these demands but also contribute positively to their surrounding communities through initiatives like waste heat recovery.
Carrier’s AquaForce 30XF: designed for the data centre
1 https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/energy-power-supply/data-center-power-fueling-the-digital-revolution
2 https://datacentremagazine.com/data-centres/global-ai-boom-to-triple-eu-data-centre-energy-use-by-2030
3 https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/energy-power-supply/data-center-power-fueling-the-digital-revolution
4 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-adopts-eu-wide-scheme-rating-sustainability-data-centres-2024-03-15_en
