How to keep your data center cool from extreme heatwave

Record-high temperatures and climate change are impacting more than us humans, wildlife, and our natural resources. The extreme heat we’re experiencing can also seriously compromise data centers that need to maintain an optimal temperature to maintain operations and keep businesses that rely on online networks and servers running successfully.

According to Vertiv, a leading provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solution, data center operators must be vigilant in monitoring their facilities.

“Dealing with the extreme spike of temperatures should not be taken lightly… If not taken seriously, providers risk losing their reliability and connectivity,” said Pamela Albar, Associate Director for Channels & Enterprise Sales, Vertiv Philippines.

Here are tips on how data center operators can protect their operations from extreme temperature spikes:

Run as many cooling units as possible. It’s better to double or triple the operation of your cooling units to keep the refrigerant pressures as low as possible. By running the cooling units simultaneously, they can minimize the load on each data hall.

If cooling systems are not running at their total capacity, it can result in equipment overheating and potentially cause costly downtime. Cooling units are designed to remove heat from the data center environment. If they are not functioning correctly, the equipment can suffer from thermal stress, leading to premature failure or reduced performance.

Regular maintenance is a must. With the increased temperature, data center cooling units must double its usual work. This means the units must undergo frequent checking and maintenance, especially the condenser coils.

Condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. When it is blocked with dirt and dust or covered with rust, it reduces its heat-transfer capability and becomes ineffective when the ambient temperature climbs. Dirty coils can also cause a system shutdown due to uncontrolled high pressure. This endangers not only the facility but also the operations during a critical time.

Invest in high-quality cooling systems. It is expected for data centers to experience unpredictable temperature changes, which is why the facility needs to have the best cooling system. Operators must invest in high-quality equipment to increase its lifespan, maintain a stable temperature environment, and reduce the risk of thermal stress.

It also enhances the facility’s performance, ensuring the data center’s reliability. Consequently, investing in high-quality cooling systems is more cost-efficient because they are energy-efficient, lowering operating costs.

Some types of cooling systems that data center facilities can invest in are immersion, water-free, and evaporative free cooling systems designed to deliver reliability and efficiency in high-temperature environments.

Vertiv offers these solutions, making them a reliable helper in upgrading thermal systems and creating a maintenance plan to keep the facility cool. The company also provides cutting-edge, sustainable, and innovative solutions that improve the performance and scalability of data centers, communication networks, and other critical IT facilities.