"What do backup generators, UPS systems, and Peak+ have in common?"
High performance compute requires higher density cooling. Concurrently, the planet is warming and the data center industry has gravitated toward air-cooled chilled water loops in many regions. The confluence of these factors can create legitimate heat rejection challenges for data center engineers when it comes to external CFD models.
Condenser units for air-cooled chillers became less efficient as outdoor temperatures increase. Unfortunately, the need for cooling capacity is greatest when outdoor temperatures are highest. High ambient temperatures at data center sites can be compounded by tightly spaced chiller yards, hot air recirculation, and hot exhaust air from generators. Rapid cooling capacity loss or equipment failure can result.
Like Generators & UPS Systems
Analogous to generators and UPS systems, Peak+ technology can be used as an essential backup solution. Sophisticated data centers are proactively installing Peak+ technology to protect against problematic scenarios in external CFD models. The system is employed with no intent of turning it on under routine operation conditions in some use cases. Responsible data centers seek reliable grid power and do not want to burn natural gas, diesel, or HVO, to power their operations – at least not directly. But they must have generators and UPS systems as protection against grid power outage and they will burn as much fossil fuel or HVO as is necessary to maintain uptime and SLA temperatures. Similarly, water-conscious data centers prefer to limit water consumption. However, a relatively small amount of water to protect cooling equipment and capacity when condenser inlet temperatures become unacceptably high is an easy decision, and a wise one.
With a Peak+ system installed, data center operators and their customers have the peace of mind of knowing that their site can withstand a perfect storm scenario. With the push of a button operators can drop the condenser inlet air temperatures by 30°F or more. If multiple chillers go down, the Peak+ system can be activated and will increase the capacity of the remaining chillers – effectively providing a higher level or cooling redundancy without the expense of extra HVAC equipment, or the additional power infrastructure needed to support that extra equipment. In addition, the Peak+ frames provide an effective pre-screen, protecting condenser coils from debris year-round.
In critical facilities, reliability is everything. That is why installing Peak+ adiabatic assist technology with no intention of using it is a great idea for many data centers.
Unlike Generators & UPS Systems
Unlike generators and UPS systems, Peak+ technology can also be leveraged for efficiency. Operating the system during periods of high ambient temperatures drastically lowers compressor energy in the condenser. With cooling accounting for 40% of the total energy load of a data center on average, these energy savings can meaningfully lower operating costs and PUE.