PRODUCT FOCUS
only eight to ten hours a day, cycling on and off to prevent overloading the system. When faced with the continuous demand for a controlled air temperature supply, this intermittent operation can lead to system fatigue. Comfort cooling systems also typically operate with a +/- 3 degree set point - a wide dead band range that results in greater temperature fl uctuations. This inconsistency makes them ill-suited to meet the constant and precise demands of data centre environments.
Close control off ers fl exibility and real precision The challenges posed by the limitations of comfort cooling are eff ectively addressed by the advanced capabilities of close control air conditioning systems, such as Panasonic’s range of compact, fl exible and highly effi cient solutions. These close control units typically operate within a much narrower deadband range of +/- 1 °C, off er precise humidity control when required, and are engineered to run continuously – 8,760 hours per year - delivering 24/7 cooling, 365 days a year. This makes them ideally suited to meet the constant and demanding cooling requirements of data centre environments.
The Panasonic series of precision cooling solutions enables reliable and highly accurate control of both temperature and humidity – an essential factor in managing operational costs. By supplying air at precisely the required temperature, it helps mitigate thermal stress, which can signifi cantly degrade the performance and lifespan of sensitive equipment. Data centre hardware is particularly vulnerable to such stress, often caused by abrupt or wide- ranging fl uctuations in ambient temperature – something that the Panasonic precision systems are specifi cally designed to prevent.
Filtration and air circulation Airborne contaminants such as dust and pollen can signifi cantly reduce the lifespan of computer components and microcircuits. For this reason, the specialist close control air conditioning systems are equipped with higher-grade fi ltration to mitigate this risk and maintain cleaner operating environments.
Equally important is the consistency of air recirculation within the space. Temperature variations can lead to hot spots, which can compromise equipment performance and reliability. Comfort cooling systems are ill-equipped to manage this: they typically support a heat density of just 50W/m2
and operate
across a broad temperature range. In contrast, critical systems often have a heat density of over 1000w/m2
.
Close control units come with diff erent accessories, which suit the needs of diff erent DC spaces. For example, perimeter units are suitable for traditional server rooms, off ering both DX and chilled water capabilities and off ering a high energy effi ciency ratio (EER), helping to drop operating costs lower and reducing environmental impacts. Close Control air conditioning units are incredibly customisable, with the Panasonic series of fl exible solutions aimed to meet a wide range of requirements. The P series
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provides a perimetral and compact solution, while the R series is designed for an in-row unit solution and where airfl ow distribution is required to be as close as possible to servers. For larger DCs requiring a high cooling capacity to footprint ratio and installation mounted under raised fl oors, the G series is ideal. The W series, a cold wall unit situated in technical corridors, maximises available fl oor space in the data centre. Additionally, Panasonic units can be integrated into a building management system (BMS), allowing for smart capabilities and close monitoring.
Continual maintenance to maximise unit resilience Close control units are designed to operate without interruption, and through preventative maintenance such as quarterly inspections and fi lter replacements, you can ensure downtime is minimised and the units are consistently capable of reliable work. In conclusion, precision cooling, such as the Panasonic
range, off ers a consistent, reliable and adaptable solution to help meet the demand in the growth of data centres that is projected to continue in the UK. Comfort cooling systems are increasingly revealed to have limitations for this specialist cooling, whereas precision cooling off ers a progressive solution for high-density digital infrastructures. With tighter environmental tolerances, superior fi ltration, and 24/7 operational capacity, these precision cooling solutions ensure optimal conditions for sensitive equipment, reduce risk such as thermal stress and support environmental sustainability goals. Precision cooling stands to be the future of data centre cooling.
... DX cooling can off er lower
operational costs
compared to other methods, the long
piping routes required for installation can be a challenging aspect.
www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/ranges/close-control/ www.acr-news.com • September 2025 29
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