How Do I Buy the Best Power and Cooling Systems for Data Centers?

Modern healthcare facilities require large amounts of data for patients, research and other operations. Large computers store this information for rapid access, though they need attention and maintenance. If you manage a hospital or clinic, you may wonder how to buy the best power and cooling systems for data centers. Here is a guide with everything you need to know.

How Do I Buy the Best Power and Cooling Systems for Data Centers?

Determining the best power and cooling systems for your data center is essential. What should drive your selection? Here are seven considerations for understanding which hardware is best for your company.

1. Power Requirements

First, a company must determine how much power it needs. The energy consumption of IT equipment drives the type of cooling system required and how much heat must be removed. Then, health professionals should consider the supporting infrastructure, such as lighting and power generators. If you have higher power requirements, you may need more robust cooling systems to handle the load.

Expansive data centers may need technologies to estimate energy costs and save money. If you underestimate your power needs, you could overload the system and cause premature failure. Conversely, overestimating cooling needs could lead to unnecessary output and increased overhead. Investigate system efficiency at varying load levels to ensure your selection operates within your anticipated load range.

2. Redundancy Determination

Power and cooling load management involves reviewing your redundancy requirements. These configurations ensure your data center continues to work by employing numerous power sources. N+1 redundancy is typical, as it maintains uptime despite a single component failing. Your organization could also deploy 2N, containing two distribution systems mirroring each other. 

Data centers wield redundancy through numerous systems, such as switches and routers. Loops could be helpful, especially if you design a system with pipes and heat exchangers. Companies should also determine their redundancy needs based on what tier they fall under. Tier 1 may have a few redundant components, whereas tier 4 has maximum fault tolerance and uptime expectancy. 

3. Type of Cooling System

Cooling systems are essential for preventing overheating and unnecessary downtime, though different approaches exist. Direct cooling brings air or liquid to your servers and processors, thus heightening efficiency. Fans remove hot air from the heat sinks while liquid coolant flows through pipes and absorbs the heat. Conversely, indirect cooling leverages a heat exchanger to transfer heat to a separate stream.

The cooling system you choose may depend on the existing facilities or those you wish to build. Data centers often use computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units, as manufacturers design them for these facilities. CRAC systems are easy to integrate with the existing HVAC, thus making installation easier. Some locations maximize sustainability through geothermal cooling, as it absorbs heat with minimal environmental impacts.

4. Energy Efficiency Evaluation

Data centers require significant power and have increased their energy consumption. A 2024 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) report concluded these systems accounted for 4.4% of energy use in 2023. These experts anticipate the consumption will increase to 12% by 2028, making energy efficiency necessary for your data center and cooling agents.

One way to determine your system’s effectiveness is through power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratings. This metric evaluates the energy consumed by power and cooling systems and dictates efficiency standards. Your cooling system should also have a high coefficient of performance (COP), the ratio of heat removed from the reservoir to the machine’s work.

5. Total Cost of Ownership

Budgeting for cooling and power systems is vital for your data center. While some products require fewer upfront costs, they could be more expensive considering the total cost of ownership (TCO). Conversely, a more expensive unit could reduce long-term costs through energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. Expenses can add up, so being cognizant of costs and fees affects your capital expenditures.

When evaluating the TCO, your company should consider the factors that are less considered. For example, your overhead costs include the staff and personnel needed to operate the power and cooling systems. Will your software and hardware require paid management tools? Once the system reaches its end of life, it should be easily dismantled and replaced.

6. Scalability Considerations

Companies shrink and grow, so data centers must follow your organization’s direction. Therefore, scalability is valuable when searching for power and cooling solutions. For instance, a growing data center may need additional UPS units to supply sufficient energy. Scalable units permit growth if they have modular UPS systems — otherwise, they may require a complete replacement.

Scalability serves your data center by meeting demand and ensuring the proper provisioning. If you exceed the necessary capacity, you risk wasting energy and increasing emissions output. Your company also needs modular systems to futureproof and maintain uptime. As technology evolves, it’s essential to maintain current systems without overhauling your data center entirely. Scalability also offers flexibility when unexpected spikes occur in your team’s workload. 

7. Maintenance Needs

Optimizing costs involves your power and cooling system’s maintenance needs. Upkeep is essential to maximize your equipment, ensure energy efficiency and prevent unexpected downtime. When choosing devices for your data center, prioritize preventive maintenance to avoid system failures. For example, chillers benefit from regular battery testing and load capacity verification.

Modern technology has made maintenance easier through automation, so take advantage of these innovative systems. Proactive maintenance saves time for your employees when the power and cooling systems monitor themselves with IoT sensors. If your data center monitors heat and humidity, it can alert you about potential failures before they cause downtime. These inspections may also be necessary for regulatory compliance.

Methodology to Determine Best Power and Cooling Systems Providers

Background knowledge helps you understand what to look for in power and cooling systems. How should you evaluate sellers? Here are eight considerations to determine the best fit for your organization. 

The Best Options for Powering and Cooling Data Centers

How do you buy the best power and cooling systems for data centers? Once you have the information, your team should evaluate manufacturers to install and maintain the hardware and software. Here are seven reputable companies to consider for your data center.

1. DataSpan

Key Features

Since 1974, DataSpan has been among the top companies for power and cooling solutions. The industry leader understands the challenges of data centers and delivers customized technological solutions. With extended experience, DataSpan sets high design, installation, and maintenance standards. The company’s dedication means it is available on nights, weekends and holidays.

DataSpan’s cooling services include two-phase liquid cooling, airflow management and portable cooling solutions. From chillers to computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the company provides numerous services and advantages. If you need power solutions, DataSpan offers a battery replacement service, power generators and power monitoring software. You can also utilize short-term agreements through the UPS rental program.

2. Stulz

Key Features

For nearly 80 years, Stulz has constructed user-driven and purpose-built solutions for data centers. While the company was founded in Germany, its expansive global reach makes it terrific for healthcare professionals. Stulz has 12 sales companies and 11 production plants across five continents, making it accessible wherever your company is.

Sustainability is key for Stulz’s power and cooling systems. Your data center solutions have a reduced carbon footprint through eco-friendly refrigerants and continuous research and development. If scalability is essential, the company provides concepts for small and large heat loads. Healthcare facilities can count on Stulz for long-term use, as the company uses high-quality components and speedy intervention.

3. Schneider Electric

Key Features

Schneider Electric is one of the world’s oldest energy companies, with roots dating back to 1836. Today, the company aids data center cooling and power centers with advanced solutions. Schneider’s reliable cooling systems reduce the risk of downtime through integrated systems. Economizer plants, in-row cooling and chillers eliminate hot spots and system crashes.

Once you have installed your power and cooling solutions, you can track your data center through Schneider’s DCIM software. This technology heightens resilience and security by showing energy consumption, access history and other key metrics. With DCIM, you increase your remote monitoring capabilities and prevent downtime. Efficiency and reliability guide the solutions from Schneider Electric.

4. Munters

Key Features

Sustainability is a hallmark of Munters, which has been in business since 1955. The company reduces your data center’s environmental impact through thoughtful power and cooling systems. For example, the liquid cooling system requires no water while maintaining efficient operations. Due to its wide performance envelope, this mechanism can manage the heat load of high-density data centers.

Munters stands out because of its wide air cooling technologies, ranging from direct to indirect evaporation systems. Its indirect cooling systems use up to 80% less energy and do not add moisture to the air. The company can also add to your existing infrastructure through chilled water (CW) and (direct expansion) DX split coding. 

5. Nortek Data Center Cooling

Key Features

Nortek Data Center Cooling focuses on maximizing efficiency while minimizing your carbon footprint. The company prides itself on challenging industry standards to impact sustainability and innovate. Nortek recognizes the rise of AI and its environmental consequences, and you can see the impact on its cooling center technologies.

StatePoint is among the featured Nortek products because of its advanced capabilities. This cooling plant offers an indirect evaporative cooling method to separate the air and water streams, thus aiding the PUE. If you need liquid cooling solutions, Nortek’s Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) is excellent for retrofits and new installations. Its 2N redundancy means it has best-in-class backup if the power shuts down.

6. LiquidStack

Key Features

Founded in 2012, LiquidStack is newer than most of its competitors in data center powering and cooling. However, the company’s fresh face has offered innovative solutions that have advanced the entire industry. LiquidStack’s industry-leading cooling capacities allow it to support companies with significant power needs, including crypto mining and hyperscale computing.

LiquidStack stands out due to its direct-to-chip liquid cooling solutions. The coolant distribution unit has a rack-based form factor, narrow approach temperatures, and an intelligent onboard controller. With these features, your data center benefits from increased efficiency at lower operating temperatures. LiquidStack also offers single- and two-phase immersion cooling and up to 252kW per tank.

7. Asperitas

Key Features

Asperitas is another relative newcomer in cooling and power solutions. Since 2014, the company has researched and developed intelligent liquid cooling systems with its cutting-edge partners. By 2017, the organization unveiled its first data center cooling system and launched its industry-leading status. Asperitas serves universities, cloud providers, tech companies, and other enterprises that need cooling services.

Asperitas implements a unique approach to liquid cooling called Immersed Computing. This technology optimizes operations through warm water cooling, heightening energy savings on cooling installations. Your company also benefits from real-time monitoring to view critical insights for each integrated system. Futureproofing is another hallmark of Immersed Computing, as it provides flexible deployment opportunities and adaptable hardware.

How and Where to Buy the Best Power and Cooling Systems for Data Centers

Data centers worldwide are growing to meet the modern demands of information. Large computers emit heat within their storage facilities, so advanced power and cooling solutions are necessary to avoid system failures and downtime.

Before choosing hardware and software, company leaders must scrutinize their needs with manufacturer offerings. Modern cooling and power solutions wield innovative monitoring systems, reduced resource consumption and other key features. Whether a new installation or retrofit, your organization has options to safeguard your data center.