Operators of high-tech computer facilities face a double whammy on the energy front. In extreme cases, it may actually threaten their ability to continue operating warns Neal Gooding, md of Easy Air Conditioning
ON THE one hand, the recent sharp rises in energy prices have dramatically increased the cost of providing the essential cooling needed to keep computer facilities running efficiently.

On the other hand, the latest high power processors and server installations require ever greater inputs of cooling to maintain stability and reliability.

These twin pressures are impacting the sector at a time when expansion of the internet in particular and digital communications in general are stimulating rapid development.

A recent survey by the Business Performance Management (BPM) Forum highlights the mounting concern among managers of IT installations over unchecked growth in power usage.

It reveals that, despite pressure to improve their environmental performance and reduce consumption, they are failing to control accelerating power costs - due in a large part to the demands of cooling equipment.

Nearly half of IT managers surveyed say their organisations have run out of energy resources within the recent past. The findings are based on the responses from more than 150 IT professionals, and contained in the report Lean and Green - Reducing IT Energy Drain for Business Gain.

It reveals that 46% of respondents had run out of space, power or cooling capacity. Nearly a fifth of respondents spend more than £500,000 a year on energy and 8% more than £5m.

It is clear that power usage in data centres is escalating and reaching a critical point. A significant component of this is attributable to the rising cooling demands of the modern high power processors.

Specially designed
IT managers are faced with a real problem - how to ensure the performance efficiency of computers is maintained, while effectively managing the dramatic increases in power requirements due to cooling.

Recognising the problem, researchers at Italian cooling specialist Blue Box have developed a new range of high efficiency cooling units specifically for IT centres, called DataTech.

Key to its efficiency is DataTech's ability to harness free cooling, delivering cold energy to IT equipment independently of electrically-driven compressors in both winter and summer conditions.

It employs an advanced control and sensor system, that automatically switches the system to free cooling mode when outside conditions are favourable.

High efficiency compressors take over when free cooling is not available. In contrast to conventional cooling applications, IT equipment produces only a sensible heat load. DataTech precisely matches this, cooling without reducing the humidity of treated air, ensuring the precise air conditioning required by high-tech computer environments.

The new units are based on a vertical airflow design, encased in double skin, galvanised steel shell. The skin is packed with high efficiency glass fibre insulation to further improve thermal and acoustic insulation.

The cooling circuit operates on either high pressure R410A refrigerant which, coupled with heat exchangers optimised for use with the new refrigerant, delivers high performance cooling in a highly compact format, or chilled water.

DataTech also includes a dual cooling option, combining DX with chilled water. All options are available in several configurations, with options to suit every application.

High performance fans
A further significant edge in efficiency comes from the use of high performance, directly-driven radial fans. These eliminate the need for conventional pulley and belt systems, and significantly reduce maintenance requirements.

There is the option of EC (electronically commutated) fans, which deliver up to 50% energy savings depending on operating conditions, and electronic expansion valves, which further enhance efficiency performance.

DataTech comes in five frame sizes, and in direct expansion versions with single compressors from 6 to 49kW, and in dual compressor units in capacities from 30 to 95kW.

Chilled water units are available in capacities from 6kW to 130kW. The chilled water systems can also be linked to the Blue Box range of high efficiency free cooling chillers, with capacities from 40 to 1500kW and incorporating the patented glycol-free system.

DataTech is a major step forward in cooling for computer facilities. It offers significant savings in energy costs, while delivering the reliable, high performance cooling vital to keep critical IT systems running.

With pressure on IT centres to limit energy use, for reasons of both cost and environmental impact, DataTech provides a timely solution that delivers on both counts.

Easy Air Conditioning
0870 111 4880