DATA CENTRE

Optimise data centre design and operations to improve energy efficiency 

Kishor Patil

According to Kishor Patil, HVAC & Transport, India & SAARC Country Leader, Trane Technologies is leading in energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions for data centres. By expanding capabilities and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we empower operators to achieve sustainability goals towards performance, efficiency, and reliability.

What is your perception about the growth of data centres in the coming years?

The Indian data centre market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.47 percent during the forecast period, reaching USD 13.96 billion by 2029. As businesses and individuals increasingly adopt cloud-based services, the demand for data centre infrastructure is bound to rise, providing significant opportunities for us. With our expertise in data centre cooling solutions and our commitment to sustainable practices, we are well-positioned to be a key partner in this growth.

With over 25 years of experience in the data centre sector, we continuously innovate to meet the emerging needs of the industry. We are expanding our manufacturing capabilities to keep pace with the 20 percent+ growth in air-cooled chillers by 2027. Our focus on sustainable solutions aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly data centres. By optimising energy use and leveraging renewable resources, we support data centre operators in achieving their sustainability goals while maintaining efficiency and uptime.

The future of data centres is promising, and Trane Technologies is thrilled to be part of it. We are confident that our comprehensive solutions and dedication to sustainability will position us as a leader in this ever-expanding market.

What factors are essential when designing a data centre to increase optimal performance?

We recognise the pivotal role data centres play in today’s digital landscape. To ensure their optimal performance and reliability, several critical factors must be addressed during the design phase.

Foremost is establishing a robust power infrastructure. Uninterrupted power is essential, necessitating a reliable supply augmented by backup generators and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). We also prioritise power efficiency, optimising systems to minimise energy waste from IT equipment and cooling processes.

Effective thermal management is equally important. Data centres generate significant heat, and efficient cooling systems are vital to prevent overheating and equipment failure. Trane Technologies offers a range of innovative cooling solutions, from traditional air conditioning to advanced liquid cooling technologies.

A well-designed network infrastructure is another key component. It includes high-performance cabling, properly configured racks and cabinets, and efficient cable management. All contribute to smooth data flow and reduced latency.

Lastly, scalability and flexibility are essential for futureproofing the data centres. The ability to add new equipment or adapt to changing workloads without disruption is crucial. At Trane Technologies, we design data centres with modular components and ample space for expansion, ensuring they can grow alongside business needs.

On prioritising these factors, we can design a data centre that delivers optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency for years. 

How do advancements in cooling technologies impact energy efficiency and operational costs?

We recognise the increasing demand for data centre capacity and the vital importance of efficient cooling in meeting this demand. Innovations in cooling technologies are transforming how data centres manage heat, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Traditional air and water-based cooling systems are used to cope with the rising heat densities in modern data centres. However, breakthroughs like liquid cooling, particularly direct-to-chip and immersion cooling, offer a more targeted solution. By directly removing heat from processors, these technologies can cut energy consumption by up to 95 percent compared to air cooling, resulting in considerable savings on electricity bills.

Additionally, advancements in AI-powered data centre management are optimising cooling strategies. Real-time monitoring enables adjustments based on actual needs, preventing unnecessary energy use. By using less energy for cooling, data centres not only reduce their environmental impact but also allocate more energy to core computing functions.

The latest cooling technologies are revolutionising data centre efficiency. At Trane Technologies, we are dedicated to developing and implementing these solutions to help customers achieve the best performance and minimise operational costs.

How to manage electricity consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of data centres?

To effectively manage electricity consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of data centres, we offer a range of innovative solutions that integrate advanced technology and sustainable practices. Our customised high-efficiency chillers significantly reduce energy usage compared to traditional models, while our Climate Changer solutions are specifically tailored for data centres and high-tech facilities. These compact units are equipped with lower-power input fans and factory-installed controls, ensuring optimised energy utilisation. Additionally, our thermal management systems are designed to deliver unparalleled efficiency by simultaneously heating and cooling data centres, achieving performance levels three to four times higher than conventional methods.

Harnessing the power of AI, we employ Trane® Commercial Digital Services, an intelligent system that analyses data centre operations to enhance HVAC performance. This ensures peak efficiency while maintaining operational comfort. Results from pilot projects have shown remarkable reductions in energy consumption by up to 18 percent and emissions by 37 percent.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our design practices, such as prioritising refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). Our next-generation refrigerant boasts a GWP of less than 2, a dramatic improvement compared to previous models. Beyond equipment, we collaborate with clients to identify and implement strategies for optimising overall data centre design and operations improving energy management and sustainability.

By implementing these innovative solutions, Trane Technologies can help data centres achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their environmental footprint.

What best practices should be implemented as cooling solutions in data centres?

Trane Technologies recognises the essential role that efficient cooling plays in maintaining optimal data centre operations. Consider these best practices to enhance your cooling efficiency:

Improving cooling efficiency requires adopting a range of best practices tailored to the specific needs of your facility. Airflow management is utilising strategies like hot aisle/cold aisle containment to separate hot exhaust air from cool intake air, maximising cooling efficiency. Precision cooling solutions, such as close-coupled units or in-row coolers, deliver cool air directly to equipment, reducing energy waste by targeting cooling where it is most needed.

Integrating economiser systems can improve efficiency by leveraging outside air for cooling when external conditions are favourable, decreasing dependence on mechanical chillers and conserving energy. For high-density heat loads, liquid cooling technologies, including water-based systems, offer efficient heat removal directly from IT equipment, significantly improving thermal management.

Continuous monitoring and optimisation play a vital role in maintaining and improving cooling performance. Implementing monitoring systems to track key parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow allows for regular data analysis, enabling adjustments to cooling set points and overall system performance.


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