How Innovative AI is Transforming Data Centre HVAC Efficiency

In data centres, temperature must be intricately controlled 24/7 to maintain the internal environment necessary for equipment to function effectively. But, with many servers managing vast workloads at any one time, keeping computers cool can be a real challenge – especially when it comes to legacy infrastructure. And doing so can get expensive fast.

With cooling systems making up a significant share of overall energy use, any steps to limit consumption without sacrificing performance will be key to future sustainability. Cooling also contributes to Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) – a core indicator of operational efficiency.

Data centres often contain a mix of infrastructure from a variety of manufacturers with different and sometimes unpredictable operating requirements. That means different zones of the data centre may require different levels of cooling – particularly during surges in demand. And, untargeted cooling, with minimal visibility over nearby workloads, means overcooling can be a big problem.

As with any building, external factors also have a part to play – and this can be a real challenge. Some tech giants have like Google and Facebook have combatted the difficulties of climate and weather by locating their data centres in cold environments. Other operators have harnessed the power of innovative AI technology for a smart way to keep things cool.

AI can transform the performance of HVAC systems in data centres – safeguarding performance, and reducing energy consumption simultaneously. With zero upfront costs and a zero downtime installation, our optimisation method is the only solution of data centre managers. It works like this.

1. A ‘Digital Twin’ of the data centre is created. This is essentially a virtual replica of the building, taking into account the minutest details of its design, construction, and infrastructure for guaranteed accuracy.
2. The virtual replica is calibrated using archival data and used to train the AI via Deep Reinforcement Learning. This takes place over hundreds of thousands of simulation cycles, mimicking the course of a year.
3. Arloid is deployed in the data centre and begins taking control of HVAC devices, updating every 5 minutes according to real time data like current workloads, occupancy, weather conditions, and internal temperature fluctuations.
4. AI begins generating energy savings and reducing carbon emissions – both by up to 40%. Able to adjust in real time, self-correct, and scale, AI provides the optimum internal conditions – safeguarding equipment and making net zero possible.

Learn more: Creating the Digital Twin – A Short Guide

Automation

AI technology can help data centres move towards full automation, allowing staff to be distributed in the most efficient way. Full ‘lights out’ operation means the buildings don’t need to be designed for humans – which offers additional benefits. For example, low oxygen environments can be used to lower the risk of electrical fires, lighting can be eliminated, and rack heights can increase.

Cost Savings

With energy prices soaring, building managers in all business sectors are looking to cut costs – and data centres are no different. Optimising your HVAC system using AI means reducing your utility spend without sacrificing function. In fact, our pioneering technology is capable of generating energy savings of 40% – a figure based on accurate IPMVP Option C baseline calculations.

Better Performance

Above all else, data centres demand consistent, reliable performance; downtime is not an option. That’s why HVAC optimisation using AI provides myriad benefits to building managers. By splitting the building into microclimates, AI provides more granular control of the thermal environment, and whole system visibility. Utilising intricate input data such as temperature at different rack levels, weather data, and airflow, AI can identify and maintain the optimum settings at all times.

Future Proofing

AI is set to have a significant impact on data centre management and control, now and in the future. As the demand for data grows, our strategies for cooling data centres must evolve to keep pace. We need to build sustainable digital infrastructure to ensure we can continue to harness the benefits of the digital transformation – without causing further damage to the environment. Implementing innovative AI means safeguarding your operations against tomorrow’s challenges.

Lower Impact

Finally, HVAC optimisation allows you to control the internal environment of your data centre in the most energy efficient way. Data centres account for 0.3% of global carbon emissions, and information and communications technology (ICT) as a whole generates 2% – putting the ICT ecosystem on a par with aviation (source). By reducing energy consumption and minimising emissions, data centre businesses can move towards net zero and improve their green credentials.

AI for Data Centre HVAC >

A better way to control the temperature of your building is here. We know downtime isn’t an option for data centre operators, so we offer a zero disruption deployment and only charge a fee when you start to save. Lower energy consumption, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and better thermal performance are all within reach. Let Arloid show you the way.

Read next: The Environmental Impact of Data Centres