When designing data center cooling systems, one important factor is the power density within each IT cabinet enclosure. The steady upward trend of equipment power density in recent years may soon exceed the limitations of traditional cooling methods. With average and peak values consistently increasing, densities may soon approach levels that necessitate nontraditional cooling systems. Data center developers and designers should be exploring high-density cooling options to accommodate these trends, especially those providers whose potential tenants may require provisions to support high-density cooling in new lease agreements.
Some high-density cooling solutions require significant infrastructure modifications to accommodate; however, there are many systems that can be implemented with minimal or no added cost. These solutions provide owners with the flexibility to accommodate high-density loads as needed without the capital costs required for infrastructure upgrades. This article will review available high-density cooling technologies, the limitations of each, and modifications owners and designers can incorporate to accommodate them.