DATA CENTRE COOLING Retrofi tting cooling in legacy facilities


There are an increasing number of data centres operating with infrastructure that is over 20 years old, designed during a period when current technological advancements were not anticipated. These facilities now struggle to cope with the escalating requirements of modern computing, such as higher data volumes, faster processing speeds, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Whilst all eyes are inevitably on building shiny, new facilities the industry needs to accept that in order to achieve the necessary capacity quickly enough so that it does not slow down AI development, existing legacy facilities certainly need to be in the mix and action needs to be taken sooner rather than later before the gap between the ambitions and delivery widens further. There are a number of options available for developers,


owners and managers ranging from a full refurbishment to decommissioning and rebuilding. Each option has its own challenges, all of which are infl uenced by both cost implications and the sustainability agenda. There is no doubt that retaining and upgrading existing stock has several advantages not least that a number of legacy sites are located on prime land with good power connections that can facilitate extra cooling. Most legacy sites can be retrofi tted with the specialist


equipment needed but it is likely that air cooling will still be part of the solution for the site. Connecting all players in the refresh cycle is key, especially with liquid cooling deployment and its relative lack of maturity in the value chain. Building some partnerships between the client, the technology vendor, the cooling technology specialist and the designers etc will help to create the optimal engineered solution. Objectives must be effi ciency, hitting a viable cost point, the programme, the continuity of service for incumbent customers and workloads and future maintenance requirements. This means assembling the right team of client sponsor, professional team, contractor and supply chain. Refresh projects are not as straightforward as new builds


and require diff erent skill sets. Rather than total rebuilds, many operators are adopting phased upgrades, pairing AI- ready modules or adjacent high-density segments alongside legacy systems maintaining continuity while upgrading capacity. Solutions like liquid cooling retrofi ts, enhanced containment and reinforced cabinets enable targeted enhancements in existing facilities. AI is rewriting the rules, demanding extreme power and


smarter, greener infrastructure and when combined with climate change and rising global temperatures – cooling is increasingly a key challenge.


"We also fi nd that operators have deeper familiarity with air-


based cooling systems so there are concerns about leaks and the


complexity of maintenance as well as questions around coolant disposal, material


recyclability, and long-term environmental impact."


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