A chilled water system in a data centre is a highly efficient and scalable HVAC solution that uses water as the primary medium to absorb and transport heat away from IT equipment. These systems are preferred for large-scale data centres or those with high computational loads due to their ability to manage significant heat densities and provide reliable, consistent cooling

Key Components & Operation

Primary System Elements:

• Chillers - Generate chilled water (typically 42-45°F/6-7°C)
• Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs) - Circulate air across cooling coils
• Pumps - Move water through the distribution network
• Cooling towers or dry coolers - Reject heat to the atmosphere
• Distribution piping - Supply and return water loops

Advantages for Data Centres

Efficiency Benefits:

• Higher heat capacity than air (4x more efficient at heat transfer)
• Enables free cooling during cooler months
• Can achieve PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) below 1.3
• Reduced fan energy compared to air-cooled systems

Scalability:

• Modular expansion without major infrastructure changes
• Can support densities exceeding 20 kW per rack
• Centralised cooling generation serving multiple areas

Flexibility:

• Supports both air-cooled and liquid-cooled equipment
• Can integrate with emerging direct-to-chip cooling technologies
• Adaptable supply temperatures for different cooling strategies

Design Considerations

Would you like me to discuss specific aspects such as:

• System design parameters and configurations
• Energy optimisation strategies
• Comparison with other cooling approaches (DX, liquid cooling)
• Integration with hot/cold aisle containment
• Maintenance requirements and operational considerations

What aspect of chilled water systems interests you most?