If thermal system upgrades, like variable speed technologies and intelligent controls, are on your mind, you are not alone. According to Emerson Network Power’s research, 85% of data center cooling units installed between 2000 and 2009 still use inefficient constant speed fans, and none have supervisory system controls. These legacy systems waste energy and capacity, causing more and more data center managers to look for cost-effective solutions. A recent survey indicates that 40% of data centers in the United States and Canada have upgraded their cooling systems in the past five years. An additional 20% are in the process of upgrading, and more than 30%would be upgraded in the next 12 months.
Why the surge in thermal upgrade projects? There are actually many reasons to upgrade your cooling system with variable speed technologies and intelligent controls. Not least among them is the need to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. By better matching cooling output to IT load, the upgrades play a key role in the continuous pursuit for higher equipment reliability. They can improve capacity management, defer capital costs, promote environmental responsibility, and deliver greater insight into system performance.