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Data centre cooling systems – how does precise flow measurement increase efficiency? Case Study
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Data centres consume 1% of the world's electricity, 40% of which goes to cooling systems. Managing the heat generated by computer equipment is a key challenge, and efficient cooling systems have a huge impact on the cost and reliability of operations. Our experience shows that precise flow measurement of liquid cooling systems can significantly improve their efficiency. In this case study, we describe how we helped one of the largest data centre operators reduce cooling costs and increase system reliability with advanced flow meters. Read on!
Cooling in data centres is one of the most important elements of the infrastructure, as it ensures optimal operating conditions for computer equipment. Modern data centres generate huge amounts of heat, especially in high-density computing environments, making effective heat dissipation crucial to their reliability and performance.
Key reasons why cooling is essential:
- Protecting equipment from overheating: Electronics, especially servers and storage, are very sensitive to temperature. Excessive heat can lead to equipment failures, reduced lifespan and system interruptions.
- Optimising energy efficiency: Efficient cooling systems minimise energy losses and improve overall data centre performance. Water cooling, with its superior heat transfer compared to air, significantly reduces energy consumption.
- Maintain stable operating conditions: Cooling systems ensure stable temperatures and humidity, which are essential for the reliable operation of advanced electronic devices.
- Increased computing performance: In high-density hardware environments, cooling allows devices to fully utilise their computing capabilities without the risk of overheating.
- Reduced operating costs: Well-designed cooling systems, especially those based on water, can significantly reduce operating costs through improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Flexibility and scalability: As computing needs grow, water-based cooling systems can be easily expanded to meet increased demands.
Data centre facilities can be cooled with air, water, glycol, immersion, adiabatic, evaporative, hybrid, zonal, geothermal or CO2 systems, and the choice of method depends on their size, location, equipment requirements and budget.
How do precise flow measurements affect the energy efficiency of a data centre cooling system? Our solution
We implemented a comprehensive flow measurement solution for a rooftop cooling system to improve its efficiency. The solution combines two advanced flowmeter technologies with precision pressure monitoring systems.
JUMO flowTRANS US W01 ultrasonic flow meter : This flow meter was installed in the cooling supply and discharge pipes to monitor the flow of both conductive and non-conductive media. Its key features are:
- No wear and maintenance
- Corrosion-resistant housing
- Easy installation on pipes of different sizes
- Precise measurements for excellent flow control
JUMO flowTRANS MAG I01 magnetic-inductive flow transmitter: This transmitter was used in circuits where control of fluid flow with conductivity of 20 μS/cm and above was required. Most commonly installed in the main cooling lines.
JUMO MIDAS C08 Pressure Transmitter: This transducer was placed at critical points in the system, such as the water supply pipes to the cooling towers and at the pump outlet. Its main functions included:
- Real-time pressure monitoring, which helped avoid unwanted pressure spikes and ensured even water flow.
- Exceptional long-term stability (0.2%), which minimised the risk of system failure.
Our solution brought the following benefits to the client:
- Maintenance-free operation thanks to wear-resistant ultrasonic technology
- Simple installation options for different pipe sizes
- Increased system reliability
- Detailed monitoring of flow and water quality
- Better pricing than alternative solutions
Our solution brought the following benefits to the client:
- Maintenance-free operation thanks to wear-resistant ultrasonic technology
- Simple installation options for different pipe sizes
- Increased system reliability
- Detailed monitoring of flow and water quality
- Better pricing than alternative solutions