REFRIGERATION DATA CENTRES
enabling data led decisions on what changes can be made and when to make them, and helping to successfully manage services through the extreme conditions.
Is the availability and cost of power an issue here? Yes, the availability and cost of power are signifi cant issues in the context of data centre cooling. Recent events have shown how power outages and increased energy costs can disrupt data centre operations. The highest recorded cost of energy, imported from Belgium, highlights the vulnerability of data centres to fl uctuations in power prices. This situation emphasises the importance of diversifying power sources, reducing energy ineffi ciencies and planning for resilience in power supply to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events. Sustainable power solutions and cost-eff ective energy management are critical aspects of ensuring data centre availability.
Where do you see the future needs of cooling in datacentres going?
Longer term it is not only cooling that is the risk, the power and water that enables cooling also need strategies for the future. Recently, we saw the highest recorded cost of energy, 5000% higher than the normal price, imported from Belgium. This should also raise the question of how we power our data centres, where we locate them and whether a strategy of leveraging resilience and reliance across geographically diverse facilities will reduce embodied carbon, reduce ineffi ciencies and overspecifi cation and, importantly reduce the risk of future outages.
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Prolonged periods of extreme weather could also lead
to droughts, as we are seeing now with the Met Offi ce fi gures showing the driest July for 111 years, and some data centre designs rely heavily on the use of water, increasing pressure on the local communities and the water supply companies.
So, we need to consider whether, in the future, we see
more moratoria on Data Centres based on the availability of water, and if drought conditions lead to an outage for some existing facilities. This is already being seen across some States in the US.
Whilst some data centres are partially prepared, it is clear that the impact of hotter weather on data centres can be signifi cant, from increased cooling costs to potentially damaging expensive Infrastructure so short, medium and longer-term strategies are required.
How can Keysource help? Keysource can play a pivotal role in addressing the
challenges posed by extreme temperatures and ensuring data centre availability. We off er proactive support to develop strategies for extreme conditions, including early warning systems and tools. We can provide suggestions for reducing the risk to
existing facilities and improving energy effi ciency. Our best practice assessments and health checks on facilities help adapt to future demands, enhance infrastructure resilience and reduce risks associated with current infrastructure and future requirements. By leveraging our expertise in data centre design and operations, we’ve helped our existing customers navigate the changing landscape of data centre cooling and sustainability.
www.acr-news.com • November 2023 27
Keysource can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by extreme
temperatures and ensuring data centre availability.
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