Think about how many times a day you use your computer to find a fact, check your credit card balance, access files, or communicate with others. If you use a search engine, you are using Artificial Intelligence, AI. In fact, about 77% of consumers interact with AI on a daily basis. Few of us think about how this information gets to us, but all that data has to be “served” to you. As more and more of the world goes to cloud computing, and with the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, we need more space for data servers. Keeping data centers cool is important to life today.
What do data centers do?
Data centers are the backbone of the modern digital world, housing the servers and equipment that power everything from cloud computing to online transactions. This year, the world is expected to generate 1.5 times MORE digital data than it did in 2022. The infrastructure of the cyber world, data centers are needed for almost every operation in our daily life. Global demand for data centers is expected to grow at a rate of 12-15% each year until 2030. “Hyperscale” centers, large facilities often clustered together, are being constructed at a rapid pace.
Digital Data is hot in many ways!
The need to process data is growing exponentially, a hot trend for the world.
It’s also hot. Literally.
For every MW (megawatt) of IT power used, 1.3 MW of heat is generated. Hundreds of servers generating heat raises the temperature inside a server room. The “hot” aisle within data centers can range from 85 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maintaining optimal temperatures and humidity levels in these facilities is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of servers and other equipment. This is where HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play a pivotal role. Commercial HVAC keeps data centers cool so that our daily living – dependent on data – can continue uninterrupted.
Importance of Temperature and Humidity Control
Servers generate a significant amount of heat, and without proper cooling, this heat can lead to equipment failure, data loss, and costly downtime. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the recommended temperature range for data centers is between 64.4°F and 80.6°F (18°C to 27°C), with a relative humidity range of 40% to 60%.
Only expert commercial HVAC contractors like Elite Heating and Air Conditioning of South Jersey have the skill and experience to properly cool our much-needed data centers.
Key Functions of HVAC Systems in Data Centers
Keeping Data Centers Cool:
The primary function of HVAC systems in data centers is to remove excess heat generated by servers. This is typically achieved through air conditioning units, chilled water systems, or direct liquid cooling.
Humidity Control:
Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential to prevent static electricity, which can damage sensitive electronic components. HVAC systems help regulate humidity to stay within the recommended range.
Airflow Management:
Efficient airflow management ensures that cool air is distributed evenly throughout the data center, preventing hotspots and ensuring all equipment operates within safe temperature limits.
Energy Efficiency
Modern HVAC systems are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing the overall power consumption of data centers. This is crucial as data centers are known to be energy-intensive, with cooling systems accounting for a significant portion of their energy use.
How Keeping Data Centers Cool is Important to Life Today
Data centers are essential to our economy for several reasons:
- Business Operations: They support the digital infrastructure necessary for businesses to operate efficiently, enabling services such as cloud computing, e-commerce, and online banking.
- Innovation: Data centers facilitate advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics, which drive innovation and economic growth.
- Employment: The construction, maintenance, and operation of data centers create numerous jobs, contributing to local and national economies.
- Use of Waste Heat: Because data centers produce excess heat, an evolving technology is using this waste heat to heat other areas. Schools, hospitals, and even larger facilities like manufacturing plants can be warmed with the heat energy produced from a data center.
Depending on Digital Data
Life today depends on data. Most of us use a computer or phone to access digital data daily. Each aspect of life is connected to the by the World Wide Web and the cyber infrastructure that must have data centers.
Imagine the world if all the data centers crashed! We would be lost.
That’s why it’s so important to keep data centers cool.
HVAC systems are indispensable in data centers, ensuring that servers and other equipment operate within safe temperature and humidity ranges. By adopting advanced cooling techniques and energy-efficient practices, data centers can not only enhance their operational reliability but also reduce their environmental footprint. As the demand for data processing and storage continues to grow, the role of HVAC systems in maintaining optimal conditions in data centers will become even more critical.
Elite Heating and Air Conditioning Is Keeping Data Centers Cool
Cooling data centers is a specialized skill done by true professionals. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning can cool data centers. We also keep medical facilities safe, senior citizens’ living facilities comfortable, and warehouses warm.
Whatever HVAC needs you have, we take care of them. Installations. Maintenance. Repairs. Replacements. Retrofits.
No excuses. Just results.
