The data center chiller becomes essential as it helps maintain a specific temperature within the server room and enables energy efficiency. A data center chiller is a crucial piece of equipment in a data center. It makes the room cold by using water and electricity. The primary purpose of a data center chiller is to cool down the whole space, keep computers from overheating, and stop servers from malfunctioning.
The most common type of data center chiller is the water or air-cooled chiller. Air-cooled chillers are usually cheaper than their water-cooled counterparts and have a higher cooling capacity. The advantage of air-cooled chillers is that they are easier to install and maintain. On the other hand, water-cooled chillers tend to be more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than air-cooled ones.
How a data center chiller work
A chiller is a mechanical device that is used to cool a space. It uses refrigeration to cool water, which cools the environment around it. Data center chillers work in a manner opposite to that of a refrigerator.
It maintains the temperature by rejecting heat to the outside air. The cooling medium, generally water, goes through cycles of being boiled into steam, which expands and cools back down into liquid water. This process is known as an evaporative cycle, the most common cooling method for large industrial applications.
The chiller's cooling capacity depends on how much heat must be removed from the room every hour. For example, if the data center has 20 tons of equipment in it, each unit running at 300 BTUs per hour, then we need a total of 600 BTUs per hour (20 x 300) for cooling capacity.
The primary components in a data center chiller are:
Compressor
Condenser
Evaporator
Piping (condensate drain and supply)
There are three main types of data center chillers:
open-loop water-cooled chillers,
closed-loop chilled-water cooled chillers, and
air-cooled chillers.
The first two types must use electricity to move water around as part of their functioning. In contrast, an air-cooled chiller does not need water or electricity as it uses cold air instead. An air-cooled chiller is an open-loop water-cooled machine that transfers heat from the air to the water in its pipes. The rest of its functioning is similar to those of a closed-loop device.
Increasing Efficiency
When it comes to economization, it's essential to know how much energy you save by turning your chiller on or off. To do this, you must calculate your total load with air handlers and then figure it out again with chilled water systems. Then compare these two calculations to see which one was more efficient.
However, several steps can be taken to reduce data center chiller energy usage and make it more efficient.
1. Allocate the right amount of space to each machine: Allocating proper space to each machine allows you to utilize the cooling system more effectively. You will also be able to create spaces between devices to help with air circulation.
2. Create an environment that works with your equipment: Your data center must be set up in a manner that reduces cooling costs. One way to do this is by creating a modular floor plan that maximizes airflow. You should also ensure proper installation of your server racks and cabinets so that there is minimal heat loss and you can use fans effectively.
3. Use water chillers instead of air conditioners: Water chillers use significantly less electricity than air conditioners, saving you money on your electric bill and your cooling costs.
4. Data centers with servers too close together tend to overheat, and excessive heat can damage electronics and make servers less efficient. It's essential to consider the information above when managing your data center's environment. Also, make sure your hardware is compatible with the recommended temperature ranges.
Read more about: data center cooling systems
Conclusion
The reason why every company needs a data center chiller is that data centers produce much heat when they are running at total capacity. Without a way to cool it down, all this heat would result in hardware failure—this is why companies need something that can keep their hardware cool and functional.
Datacenter chillers are more advanced than regular chillers because they have increased capacity and use computerized controls. Although a data center chiller has many properties, one of the most important is its ability to increase energy efficiency.
Comentários