By Eamonn Ryan
Hanno Engelbrecht, sales engineer at Systemair, provides insights into the burgeoning African data centre market during an interview at the past Pan African Data Centre Conference in Johannesburg.
Hanno Engelbrecht, sales engineer at Systemair. ©RACA Journal
Systemair, a prominent global player in HVAC systems, is actively exploring opportunities in Africa’s rapidly expanding data centre sector.
“The pace at which data centres are developing in Africa has caught many by surprise. We’re witnessing a significant growth trajectory that necessitates our presence and engagement in events like this conference. This rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges. Key markets include Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.”
He points out the significance of geographical location in data centre development, highlighting Djibouti as an example. “Djibouti’s strategic location has made it a hotspot for data centre investments. Countries with robust connectivity and favourable geographic positioning are attracting significant attention from both local and international investors.”
Engelbrecht expresses optimism about emerging markets like Djibouti, which present new opportunities for data centre development. “Africa remains a dynamic market with vast potential. Our goal is to support this growth by providing innovative HVAC solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Power constraints and environmental factors are significant considerations. However, current allocations and government support in dynamic countries like Rwanda are facilitating the growth of data centre infrastructure.
Engelbrecht highlights the critical role of energy efficiency in mitigating challenges posed by Africa’s power constraints. “Energy efficiency is paramount. Our focus is on integrating the latest cooling technologies that not only optimise energy usage but also align with stringent global environmental standards.”
Addressing concerns over environmental impact, Engelbrecht says: “Investors in data centres, whether global or local, prioritise environmental consciousness and safety. This commitment influences everything from design to operation. While factors such as temperature and humidity do play a role, they are not necessarily prohibitive. Environmental conditions certainly influence cooling strategies. However, the primary challenges in many African markets lie in power availability and connectivity infrastructure.”
Systemair’s approach includes leveraging local manufacturing and consultation to ensure compliance with African environmental requirements. Engelbrecht notes the importance of tailoring solutions to local conditions while maintaining global standards: “We work closely with key players like Master PowerTech to deliver solutions tailored to the African context. This collaboration allows us to address specific challenges while contributing to the growth and sustainability of the African data centre industry.”
Regarding Systemair’s approach, Engelbrecht points to its commitment to local manufacturing and quality assurance. “We produce locally to ensure adherence to global standards in all our products, from bespoke air handling units to hybrid liquid-air cooling systems.”
Engelbrecht also reveals Systemair’s upcoming innovations in cooling technologies. “We are focusing on expanding our portfolio to include hybrid cooling setups and direct rack cooling solutions. These innovations are designed to optimise space utilisation and enhance operational efficiency in data centres.”
He emphasises the critical importance of reliability and robustness in data centres. Downtime is not an option, highlighting the stringent requirements for quality control and meticulous documentation that Systemair adheres to in its manufacturing processes.
For instance, in Africa – where access to highly skilled technicians and immediate spare parts can be limited – our focus is on delivering solutions that are not only efficient but also robust and easily serviceable. We collaborate closely with our clients and consulting engineers to tailor our products to meet local environmental conditions and operational demands.”
When asked about the reception of locally manufactured products versus those imported from Europe, Engelbrecht notes that while Systemair’s equipment complies with European standards (CE), the emphasis is on meeting the specific needs of data centres rather than the origin of manufacture. “Clients prioritise quality and reliability. Whether it’s a bespoke solution or a standard product, what matters most is performance and support.
“Typically, specifications are crafted collaboratively between the end client, in-house engineering teams, or consulting firms specialising in data centres. These specifications guide the procurement process and ensure that all components meet the rigorous demands of data centre operations.”
Engelbrecht highlights the rapid pace of innovation driven by advancements in IT hardware. “The energy density of new AI chips and processors is increasing, necessitating more efficient cooling solutions. We anticipate continued growth in technologies like liquid cooling and submerged rack cooling, which are designed to manage the heat generated by these high-performance computing environments.”
“Direct rack cooling and submerged rack cooling are among the innovative approaches gaining traction. These methods are designed to enhance efficiency by managing heat directly at the source, whether through liquid immersion or localised cooling within the server racks themselves.”
Systemair conducts research and development (R&D) both in-house and at its headquarters in Sweden, focusing on developing cutting-edge solutions that can be adapted to local markets. When the company identifies a viable market for a new product or technology, it leverages its global capabilities to ensure it meets the specific needs of customers, including those in Africa.
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