Assessing Free-Cooling Potential and Delivering it to Data Centers

Stefan Sadokierski, Arup

For the majority of data centers in operation, in construction, or on the drawing board today, the cooling system represents the single largest opportunity to reduce power consumed by non-IT-related equipment. The terms "efficient design," "green design," and "free cooling" among others are used almost interchangeably and in the context of an entire data center, sub-system, or single component. As a result, the industry is awash with confusing and at times contradictory information.

This presentation will discuss the technicalities and practicalities associated with delivering free cooling to a data center in a logical and rigorous manner. Drawing on practical experience from many different types of data centers in may different locations around the world, the presentation will cover:

  • Key enablers to maximize free cooling, including facility design conditions, enclosed hot or cold aisles, and potential heat sinks.
  • Identifying and assessing the potential for the three fundamental types of free cooling—direct, dry, and wet.
  • Consideration of the technical and practical implications associated with delivering free cooling to a data center—from minor modifications to a "standard" design to alternative approaches being implemented in cutting-edge designs around the world.

Biography:

Stefan Sadokierski is a mechanical engineer with over nine years of professional experience. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, and is a chartered engineer and an Accredited Tier Designer with the Uptime Institute.

Currently based in London, he has designed and delivered building services and industrial engineering projects in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, America, and Australia. He currently leads a team of mechanical engineers focused on data center, mission-critical, and financial-services-based projects.

In addition to design consultancy work, Mr. Sadokierski provides focused consultancy services relating to sustainability and mission-critical systems design for clients around the world.