Cooling Technologies and Systems
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Data Center Cooling Systems course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Absolute Humidity refers to the total amount of water vapor present in a given v… #
Related terms include Relative Humidity and Specific Humidity. Absolute humidity is crucial in data center cooling as it impacts the efficiency of evaporative cooling systems and the overall thermal management of the facility.
Adiabatic Cooling is a cooling process that uses the evaporation of water… #
Related terms include Evaporative Cooling and Humidity Control. Adiabatic cooling systems are designed to minimize water usage while maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level within the data center.
Air Conditioning refers to the process of controlling the temperature and… #
Related terms include Cooling Systems and Heating Systems. Air conditioning is critical in data centers as it ensures the reliability and performance of the IT equipment.
Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a device used to control the temperature and <… #
Related terms include Fans and Coils. AHUs are commonly used in data centers to provide a stable and controlled environment for the IT equipment.
Air #
Side Economization is a cooling strategy that uses outside air to cool a data center, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems. Related terms include Free Cooling and Air-Side Cooling. Air-side economization is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of a data center.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air #
Conditioning Engineers) is an organization that sets standards and guidelines for the design and operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, including those used in data centers. Related terms include Standards and Guidelines. ASHRAE standards are widely adopted in the data center industry to ensure energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Axial Fan is a type of fan used in data centers to circulate air and prov… #
Related terms include Centrifugal Fan and Blowers. Axial fans are commonly used in data centers due to their high airflow rates and low power consumption.
Blow #
Down is the process of removing scale and deposits from the heat exchangers and coils in a cooling system, typically by using a chemical treatment or water treatment process. Related terms include Water Treatment and Scale Prevention. Blow-down is essential in data centers to prevent corrosion and fouling of the cooling system components.
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a unit of measurement for energy , commonly… #
Related terms include Kilowatt and Ton of Refrigeration. BTU is widely used in the data center industry to specify the cooling requirements of IT equipment.
Capillary Tube is a small #
diameter tube used in evaporative cooling systems to distribute water evenly across the coil or heat exchanger. Related terms include Evaporative Cooling and Capillary Action. Capillary tubes are designed to maximize heat transfer and minimize water usage in data center cooling systems.
Carbon Footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associa… #
Related terms include Sustainability and Environmental Impact. Reducing the carbon footprint is a key objective in the data center industry, achieved through the use of energy-efficient cooling systems and renewable energy sources.
Centrifugal Fan is a type of fan used in data centers to circulate air an… #
Related terms include Axial Fan and Blowers. Centrifugal fans are commonly used in data centers due to their high pressure and high airflow rates.
Chilled Water System is a type of cooling system that uses chilled wat… #
Related terms include Chiller and Cooling Tower. Chilled water systems are widely used in data centers due to their high cooling capacity and energy efficiency.
Chiller is a device used to cool water or other fluids in a coo… #
Related terms include Chilled Water System and Cooling Tower. Chillers are commonly used in data centers to provide a reliable and efficient cooling solution.
Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a metric used to evaluate the energy effi… #
Related terms include Energy Efficiency and Performance Metric. COP is widely used in the data center industry to compare the energy efficiency of different cooling systems.
Cold Aisle is a design feature in data centers where cool air is directed… #
Related terms include Hot Aisle and Air Containment. Cold aisles are commonly used in data centers to improve airflow management and reduce energy consumption.
Cold Plate is a type of heat exchanger used to cool IT equipment in a dat… #
Related terms include Heat Exchanger and Liquid Cooling. Cold plates are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) is a type of air conditioning system</b… #
Related terms include Data Center Cooling and Air Handling Unit. CRAC units are widely used in data centers due to their reliability and ease of maintenance.
Condenser Coil is a type of coil used in cooling systems to reject… #
Related terms include Evaporator Coil and Heat Rejection. Condenser coils are designed to maximize heat transfer and minimize pressure drop in the cooling system.
Cooling Capacity refers to the amount of heat that a cooling system</b… #
Related terms include Cooling System and Heat Load. Cooling capacity is a critical factor in data center design, as it determines the size and type of cooling system required.
Cooling System is a general term that refers to any system or device used to coo… #
Related terms include Air Conditioning and Liquid Cooling. Cooling systems are designed to maintain a stable and controlled environment for the IT equipment.
Cooling Tower is a device used to reject heat from a cooling system</b… #
Related terms include Chilled Water System and Heat Rejection. Cooling towers are widely used in data centers due to their high cooling capacity and low energy consumption.
Data Center is a facility used to house and operate computer servers and… #
Related terms include Server Room and Computer Room. Data centers rely on cooling systems to maintain a stable temperature and humidity level.
Dehumidification refers to the process of removing moisture from the air… #
Related terms include Humidity Control and Dehumidifier. Dehumidification is essential in data centers to prevent corrosion and damage to the IT equipment.
Direct Expansion (DX) Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a … #
Related terms include Air Conditioning and DX Coil. DX cooling systems are commonly used in data centers due to their simplicity and low cost.
Displacement Ventilation is a type of ventilation system that uses a l… #
Related terms include Underfloor Air Distribution and Airflow Management. Displacement ventilation is designed to improve airflow management and reduce energy consumption in data centers.
Dry Cooler is a type of heat exchanger used to cool fluids in a <b… #
Related terms include Wet Cooler and Heat Exchanger. Dry coolers are commonly used in data centers due to their low maintenance and high reliability.
Economizer is a device or system used to reduce energy consumption in a d… #
Related terms include Air-Side Economization and Water-Side Economization. Economizers are designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of a data center.
Energy Efficiency refers to the ability of a cooling system to provide a… #
Related terms include COP and Sustainability. Energy efficiency is a critical factor in data center design, as it impacts the operational costs and environmental sustainability of the facility.
Evaporative Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses the evaporat… #
Related terms include Evaporative Condenser and Wet Cooler. Evaporative cooling systems are commonly used in data centers due to their high cooling capacity and low energy consumption.
Evaporative Condenser is a type of heat exchanger used to cool refrige… #
Related terms include Evaporative Cooling and Condenser Coil. Evaporative condensers are designed to maximize heat transfer and minimize pressure drop in the cooling system.
Fan Coil Unit (FCU) is a type of air handling unit that uses a fan … #
Related terms include Air Handling Unit and Variable Air Volume. FCUs are commonly used in data centers due to their flexibility and energy efficiency.
Free Cooling is a type of cooling strategy that uses outside air o… #
Free cooling is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of a data center.
Heat Exchanger is a device used to transfer heat from one fluid to… #
Related terms include Cooling System and Heat Transfer. Heat exchangers are designed to maximize heat transfer and minimize pressure drop in the cooling system.
Heat Load refers to the amount of heat generated by IT equipment in a dat… #
Related terms include Cooling Capacity and Heat Generation. Heat load is a critical factor in data center design, as it determines the size and type of cooling system required.
Heat Pipe is a type of heat exchanger that uses a sealed tube fill… #
Related terms include Heat Exchanger and Thermal Management. Heat pipes are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Heat Rejection refers to the process of removing heat from a cooling s… #
Related terms include Cooling Tower and Heat Exchanger. Heat rejection is essential in data centers to prevent overheating and equipment failure.
Heat Transfer refers to the process of transferring heat from one loca… #
Related terms include Heat Exchanger and Cooling System. Heat transfer is a critical factor in data center design, as it impacts the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
High #
Pressure Liquid Cooling (HPLC) is a type of liquid cooling system that uses a high-pressure pump to circulate liquid coolant through a heat exchanger or cold plate. Related terms include Liquid Cooling and High-Pressure Pump. HPLC systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Humidity Control refers to the process of maintaining a stable and con… #
Related terms include Dehumidification and Humidification. Humidity control is essential in data centers to prevent corrosion and damage to the IT equipment.
In #
Row Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a self-contained unit to cool the air in a data center, typically installed in the row of IT equipment. Related terms include Rack-Mounted Cooling and In-Rack Cooling. In-row cooling systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low energy consumption for high-density IT equipment.
Indirect Evaporative Cooling (IEC) is a type of evaporative cooling system</b… #
Related terms include Evaporative Cooling and Indirect Cooling. IEC systems are designed to minimize water usage while maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level within the data center.
In #
Rack Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a self-contained unit to cool the air in a data center, typically installed in the rack of IT equipment. Related terms include Rack-Mounted Cooling and In-Row Cooling. In-rack cooling systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low energy consumption for high-density IT equipment.
Liquid Cooling refers to the use of a liquid coolant to cool IT equipment… #
Related terms include Liquid Cooling System and Cold Plate. Liquid cooling is designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Low #
Flow Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a low-flow rate of liquid coolant to cool IT equipment in a data center, typically using a micro-channel heat exchanger or mini-channel heat exchanger. Related terms include Liquid Cooling and Low-Flow Pump. Low-flow cooling systems are designed to minimize water usage while maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level within the data center.
Micro #
Channel Heat Exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that uses a micro-channel design to transfer heat from one fluid to another, typically used in low-flow cooling systems. Related terms include Low-Flow Cooling and Micro-Channel. Micro-channel heat exchangers are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Natural Convection is the process of using natural air movement to cool I… #
Related terms include Free Cooling and Natural Ventilation. Natural convection is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of a data center.
Overhead Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a self #
contained unit to cool the air in a data center, typically installed in the ceiling or overhead space. Related terms include In-Row Cooling and Rack-Mounted Cooling. Overhead cooling systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low energy consumption for high-density IT equipment.
Plate Heat Exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that uses a plate … #
Related terms include Liquid Cooling and Plate Heat Exchanger. Plate heat exchangers are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Pump is a device used to circulate liquid coolant through a cooling sy… #
Related terms include Pumping System and Fluid Flow. Pumps are critical components in data center cooling systems, as they impact the efficiency and reliability of the system.
Rack #
Mounted Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a self-contained unit to cool the air in a data center, typically installed in the rack of IT equipment. Related terms include In-Row Cooling and In-Rack Cooling. Rack-mounted cooling systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low energy consumption for high-density IT equipment.
Refrigerant is a substance used in cooling systems to absorb he… #
Related terms include Cooling System and Refrigeration Cycle. Refrigerants are critical components in data center cooling systems, as they impact the efficiency and reliability of the system.
Relative Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air,… #
Related terms include Absolute Humidity and Humidity Control. Relative humidity is a critical factor in data center design, as it impacts the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
Row #
Based Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a self-contained unit to cool the air in a data center, typically installed in the row of IT equipment. Row-based cooling systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low energy consumption for high-density IT equipment.
Server Room is a facility used to house and operate computer servers and… #
Related terms include Data Center and Computer Room. Server rooms rely on cooling systems to maintain a stable temperature and humidity level.
Spray Cooling is a type of cooling system that uses a fine spray o… #
Related terms include Liquid Cooling and Spray Nozzle. Spray cooling systems are designed to provide a high cooling capacity and low thermal resistance for high-power IT equipment.
Thermal Management refers to the process of controlling and managing heat … #
Thermal management is a critical factor in data center design, as it impacts the efficiency and reliability of the IT equipment.
Ton of Refrigeration is a unit of measurement for cooling capacity , typic… #
Related terms include Cooling Capacity and British Thermal Unit. Ton of refrigeration is widely used in the data center industry to specify the cooling requirements of IT equipment.
Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) is a type of ventilation system that u… #
Related terms include Displacement Ventilation and Airflow Management. UFAD systems are designed to improve airflow management and reduce energy consumption in data centers.
Variable Air Volume (VAV) is a type of ventilation system that uses a … #
Related terms include Air Handling Unit and Fan Coil Unit. VAV systems are designed to provide a high level of control and flexibility in data center ventilation systems.
Water Cooled System is a type of cooling system that uses water to… #
Water cooled systems are widely used in data centers due to their high cooling capacity and energy efficiency.
Water #
Side Economization is a type of cooling strategy that uses water from a cooling tower or river to cool a data center, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems. Related terms include Air-Side Economization and Free Cooling. Water-side economization is an effective way to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of a data center.
Wet Bulb Temperature is a measure of the heat stress caused by tempera… #
Related terms include Dry Bulb Temperature and Heat Index. Wet bulb temperature is a critical factor in data center design, as it impacts the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
Wet Cooler is a type of heat exchanger that uses water to cool … #
Related terms include Dry Cooler and Evaporative Cooling. Wet coolers are commonly used in data centers due to their high cooling capacity and low energy consumption.