Taking energy efficiency as the highest priority, which cooling system should you recommend?

The location of a data center is just above the Arctic Circle (North Pole). The outside air temperature is never above 21°C/70°F.

Taking energy efficiency as the highest priority, which cooling system should you recommend?
A . Standard air conditioning units, as spares might not be readily available
B . Any cooling system can be efficient because the outside air temperature will not influence the temperature of the air intake of the ICT equipment
C . Waterside economizer
D . Airside economizer

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

In locations with consistently cold temperatures, such as above the Arctic Circle, an airside economizer is the most energy-efficient cooling solution. Airside economizers use cool outside air to lower indoor temperatures, reducing or even eliminating the need for mechanical cooling. Given the consistently low temperatures, this method maximizes energy efficiency by leveraging natural cooling.

Detailed Explanation

Airside economizers are ideal in environments where outside temperatures are consistently low. By drawing in and filtering cold outdoor air, they directly cool the indoor environment, thereby reducing energy consumption significantly compared to traditional air conditioning. This cooling approach aligns with energy efficiency goals by minimizing mechanical cooling demands.

EPI Data Center Specialist References:

EPI recommends the use of airside economizers in cold climates to achieve high energy efficiency, as they allow data centers to capitalize on ambient conditions for cooling, aligning with sustainability and cost-saving practices.