Be Excellent To Each Other

The term “free cooling” has entered general use in the data centre industry and most people understand that it actually refers to “compressor free” cooling. That is to say, that there will some cost and energy used in removing heat from the server racks but this is greatly reduced by eliminating the need to run compressors.

It is possible, in theory at least, to have a completely energy free cooling system by using the ‘stack effect’ of the warm air as used in passive ventilation systems. However we are not aware of any such systems being in use (yet!).

Free cooling as applied in data centres is achieved by using ambient air to cool the data centre either directly as in “Fresh Air Free Cooling” or indirectly with heat exchangers. The heat exchangers in an indirect system can be water-to-water, air-to-water or air to some other heat transfer medium such as in thermal wheels and Phase Change Materials (PCM’s).

For a more detailed explanation of the various systems and a comparison of their pro’s and con’s see our white paper: Comparison of free cooling systems for Data Centres.

At Future-Tech we have over 30 years experience of free cooling data centre design and have installed most types of system including:

* Direct fresh air cooling
* Water-to-air dry coolers with DX systems
* Water-to-air dry coolers with chilled water systems
* Water-to-water heat exchangers with a heat sink

Whichever method you choose, free cooling will significantly improve your data centre’s POO and DICKS.

And when is this free cooling?

Can you post me some of this free cooling? It's quite warm in here.

I think you'll find that with our brutal misunderstandings of the laws of physics, this forum is quite capable of coming up with its own seeming impossible methods of cooling.

And how much will you be charging?

And for cheaper than free too.

I blame malia

How about 'free' heating instead? All of that surplus heat could be directed out of the room with the server racks to heat a few offices.