Large hyper data centres demand for precision cooling
In August 2015, a market study from BSRIA showed that large hyper data centres are changing the market for precision cooling and that over the next five to 10 years the use of traditional computer room air-conditioning (CRAC) units is expected to drop dramatically as data centres opt for a combination of free cooling, liquid cooling and chilled-water cooling.
Hyper scale data centres such as those of Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, AWS and Yahoo! are very open to deploying “new” technologies, for example: modular, outdoor AHUs (air handling units) / evaporative cooling. This has driven a lot of change and enabled traditional air conditioning manufacturers like McQuay, Trane, Carrier, JCI, Daikin and others to participate in the data centre cooling market. Data centres in general are evolving rapidly. The standard design that was common in the last two decades is giving way to more flexible configurations that more closely match the sophisticated needs of more discerning, better informed customers.
Lone Hansen, WMI Manager – I.T. Cable Group, said: “Most of the large hyper-scale (American) data centres have a centralised team that will develop the specification with regards to IT equipment and networks, cooling and power. The specification will typically be rolled out globally and include several (often three to four) approved suppliers in each product category. A global footprint is an important part of the selection criteria. Most value multiple source relationships as opposed to single source relationships. Some of the products are sourced direct from the suppliers to reduce the cost while others are bought through distribution.”
Figure 1: Cooling technologies in data centres.
The figure above illustrates some of the new potential technologies and their positioning in terms of typical application and temperature operating range.
Data centre capacity is growing with the increasing number of IP connections, increasing traffic and need for storage. The precision cooling products installed in data centres are estimated at US$1.9 bn covering the 10 largest markets worldwide in 2014 and these markets are expected to show healthy growth up to 2017.
Figure 2: Data centre cooling by country, value, 2014.
The largest market is North America, accounting for around 40 per cent of the global data centre cooling market. China accounts for just under a third and the UK eight per cent. Other countries include Russia, Germany, France, Australia and Brazil, of which Germany is by far the largest, accounting alone for six per cent of the global market.
The US$1.9 bn does not include precision cooling products installed in non-IT sectors such as healthcare and laboratories, manufacturing, industrial, semi-conductors, education (close control applications in universities and school laboratories). Though smaller than the data centre market, this market is nevertheless substantial and its dimensions are also estimated in the study.
--BSRIA.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air conditioning.
- BSRIA.
- Building management system.
- Building services.
- Colocation centre.
- Convergence and big data, The impact on structured cabling.
- Data centres.
- Data centre cooling.
- RenewIT tool.
- Uninterruptible power supply.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.