Air conditioning in data centres: what role do plastic profiles play here?
Data centres are under pressure
Energy requirements are rising, not least due to computationally intensive applications in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, ESG targets and regulatory requirements such as the EnEfG and the EED are tightening the requirements for energy efficiency and sustainability. In this area of conflict, the focus is shifting to optimising air conditioning – and innovative materials such as plastic profiles are playing an increasingly decisive role in this.
Rising heat loads due to AI and HPC
Modern data centres are no longer just classic server farms. They are increasingly running applications from areas such as machine learning, autonomous driving and big data analytics. These applications require high-performance computers that generate enormous amounts of heat.
Cooling these server systems has become one of the key challenges:
Higher packing densities lead to greater heat loads per rack
Uneven heat distribution requires precise airflow and separation
Energy efficiency targets require minimisation of cooling costs per IT performance unit
Plastic profiles for cold/hot aisle containment
A proven approach to increasing efficiency is known as cold or hot aisle containment: cold and warm air flows are spatially separated from each other to prevent short circuits in the airflow and increase the effectiveness of cooling. The key to this is a precise airflow system with tight barriers and stable frame structures.
- Plastic profiles as structural and functional elements:
- Frame constructions for containment systems,
- Support profiles for doors, panels and seals in ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC/AHU)
- Air ducts and baffles for targeted airflow control