Best practices to improve cooling efficiency in data centres

Rajarshi Datta, Director of Sales in India at Johnson Controls, emphasises that optimising cooling efficiency is essential to reducing energy consumption and supporting sustainability goals. Datta says effective strategies, such as aisle containment, precision cooling, and advanced monitoring, can improve operational efficiency and environmental performance.

How do you perceive the growth of data centres in the years ahead?

The Data Centre sector in India is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Projections indicate that data centre capacity in India, which stood at 1,675 MW in 2023, is expected to nearly triple to 4,770 MW by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19 percent. This significant expansion highlights the accelerating demand for data infrastructure driven by India’s rapid digital transformation, which includes initiatives like Digital India and the expansion of e-commerce and digital payment gateways.

Several factors are contributing to this increased demand. The government’s emphasis on improving digital infrastructure and the anticipated rollout of 5G technology will intensify the need for advanced data centres. Additionally, another development that is attracting increased investment in the domain is the build-up of stricter data localisation and privacy regulations, which are pushing for increased local data centre investments to ensure compliance.

The rise of smart cities and urbanisation is further fuelling the demand for data centres, as urban infrastructure becomes increasingly digitised and interconnected. Investments in this sector are expected to be significant, with projections of the data centre market attracting Rs. 50,000 crore in investments over the next three years.

However, addressing the associated energy consumption and environmental impact is crucial. Data centres are known to be significant energy consumers, and this presents a unique opportunity and necessity for greener and more sustainable alternatives. Also, considering these data centres are highly temperature-sensitive, we need innovations in renewable energy integration, HVAC-related cooling technologies, and advanced power management systems that can make data centres more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint.

Overall, the data centre market in India is on a growth trajectory, driven by digital expansion, regulatory changes, and urban development, positioning the country as a key player in the global data centre landscape.

Could you provide an overview of the services offered by Johnson Controls?

Johnson Controls is a global leader in Smart buildings, offering comprehensive solutions to enhance building performance and sustainability. Our services encompass high-efficiency data centre chillers, building automation and controls, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and comfort. We provide fire detection and suppression systems to safeguard lives and property. Additionally, we offer robust security solutions, including advanced access control systems (ACVS) for precise control of building entry and exit to protect buildings and assets.

Our expertise extends to digital solutions, leveraging data and analytics to optimise building operations. With a strong focus on sustainability, we help our clients achieve their environmental goals. Through our OpenBlue platform, a comprehensive digital ecosystem, we deliver integrated solutions for industries such as healthcare, education, and commercial buildings. OpenBlue harnesses the power of data and AI to optimise building operations, enhance occupant comfort, and drive sustainability. With predictive maintenance, energy management, and space utilisation analytics, OpenBlue empowers building owners and managers to make informed decisions and achieve operational excellence. We create healthier, more efficient, and resilient environments by driving the future of Smart and sustainable spaces.

How can data centre designers and manufacturers optimise cooling and energy use in high-density computing environments while ensuring sustainability?

Powerful Processors launched for AI & ML Applications will lead to higher rack densities, which means higher IT Load, Higher heat rejections in the same space and Higher cooling requirements in the same space. In other words, high-performance computing will increase demand for electricity multifold. The challenge for designers & equipment manufacturers will be to bring new solutions for meeting the increasing demands of servers with limited electrical energy/water.

Hybrid and multi-cloud architectures are becoming increasingly integral, providing organisations with the flexibility and scalability to manage diverse workloads efficiently and cost-effectively. This shift allows businesses to optimise their data strategies and rapidly adapt to changing requirements.

In parallel, the rise of edge computing is reshaping data centre architecture. By establishing edge facilities closer to data sources, data centres can reduce latency and improve response times for real-time applications, supporting faster data processing and enhanced user experiences.

Additionally, given the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, the green transition of the industry is the primary front where artificial intelligence will play an important role. For instance, AI-driven systems can analyse historical and real-time data to predict peak usage times and dynamically adjust cooling and power settings, reducing energy consumption. With the capacity for enabling predictive maintenance, these systems can analyse data received from sensors to foresee equipment failures before they occur. This proactive approach helps prevent costly downtime. It also reduces the need for emergency repairs, which can be resource-intensive and less environmentally friendly.

Considering the expected rise in the data centre market and the industry’s equal emphasis on green transition, advancements in artificial intelligence are crucial in ensuring that data centres can meet the evolving needs of the digital landscape while supporting a sustainable future.

How can the energy consumption and carbon footprint of data centres be reduced?

Data centres are significant energy consumers, a growing concern as the country strives for sustainable development. According to studies, the data centre industry in India is expected to consume around 200 billion units of electricity by 2025, emphasising the urgent need for efficiency measures.

One primary strategy to reduce electricity consumption is optimising energy efficiency within data centres. This involves upgrading to energy-efficient hardware, implementing advanced cooling systems, and utilising AI-powered tools to manage power consumption. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can lower carbon emissions. India is making strides in renewable energy, but the penetration of these sources in the data centre sector still needs to be accelerated.

Energy strategy should involve opting for high-efficiency equipment, VFD Chillers, raising the chilled water temperature, exploring free cooling technologies and design optimisation. Workload consolidation, cloud computing, and data centre virtualisation can enhance energy efficiency. However, proper thermal management is essential. Liquid cooling systems and precision cooling technologies can reduce energy consumption associated with cooling, which accounts for a substantial portion of data centre energy use.

Data centres can focus on sustainable design and construction to reduce carbon footprint. Incorporating green building practices, using recycled materials, and ensuring proper waste management can contribute to environmental sustainability. Further investing in research and development to explore innovative cooling technologies and energy-efficient hardware can drive long-term reductions in electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

What best practices can improve cooling efficiency in data centres?

Several best practices can significantly enhance cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. One fundamental strategy is hot and cold aisle containment. Data centres can optimise cooling system performance by physically separating hot and cold air streams. Studies show that opting for hot aisle containment over cold aisle containment can lead to a 43 percent reduction in annual cooling system energy cost, corresponding to a 15 percent decrease in annualised PUE. Additionally, sealing gaps and openings in raised floors and walls minimises bypass airflow, reducing the load on cooling equipment. Proper cable management is crucial to prevent airflow obstruction and facilitate easier maintenance.

Leveraging natural cooling opportunities, such as free cooling, can substantially decrease energy consumption. More specifically, data centres adopting free cooling during periods of favourable external temperatures can reduce energy consumption by approximately 20-40 percent compared to traditional cooling methods. Moreover, precision cooling technologies, like in-row cooling units, can more effectively target heat sources, improving overall cooling efficiency.

Regular monitoring and optimisation of cooling systems are essential. Implementing sensors to track temperature, humidity, and airflow allows for timely adjustments to cooling equipment settings. McKinsey’s statistics show that predictive maintenance extends machine life by 20–40 percent and slashes downtime by an impressive 30–50 percent.