Compiled by Eamonn Ryan based on the SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre Tech Talk on September 19 by Michael Young, mechanical engineer
As we explore the design of data centres, it’s crucial to understand the role of various components and how they interconnect. This is Part 10 of a ten-part series.
Michael Young, mechanical engineer. © RACA Journal
Thank you all for your participation today! As we wrap up, let’s reflect on the key takeaways from our discussion about hybrid data centers and their evolving cooling solutions.
- Upgrading existing data centres: We discussed how existing data centres can be upgraded to incorporate advanced cooling technologies. Whether through retrofitting or new constructions, the goal is to design spaces that can efficiently handle various cooling requirements. In a hybrid data centre, different sections can utilise distinct water temperature regimes, optimising efficiency based on the specific technology being cooled.
- The future of cooling technologies: Water is emerging as a primary refrigerant due to its high specific heat capacity—over four times greater than air. This allows for more effective heat transfer in a smaller volume, making it a prime candidate for large-scale cooling solutions in data centres. As computing power increases, the demand for efficient cooling will only grow, paving the way for innovations in water-based cooling systems.
- The challenge: I encourage everyone to take a moment to capture the slide on your screens and reflect on where technology will be in ten years. Set a reminder to revisit this in the future and evaluate the advancements we’ve made in cooling technology alongside the growth of AI and other applications.
Thank you once again for your engagement. If you have any lingering questions or thoughts, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear your insights a decade from now as we continue to evolve in this field!
