60% reduction in data center cooling costs compared to chilled water and refrigerant technologies

Schneider Electric has unveiled a cooling solution called the Ecoflair Indirect Air Economizer.

This solution reduces data center cooling costs by up to 60% compared to existing water-based and refrigerant technologies. Ecoflair is designed to be installed on rooftops or at ground level. This allows the cooling unit to be moved from inside the data center to outside the facility, thereby freeing up space for IT equipment.

Ecoflair is available in two modules, 250kW and 500kW, allows for flexible design, and has the following features.

Customized installation is possible depending on cooling requirements, environment, and climate conditions, and the modular structure simplifies placement and installation, increasing service potential and lowering maintenance costs.

Furthermore, featuring a tubular design, it perfectly overcomes the drawbacks of conventional plate-type heat exchangers, such as contamination caused by the accumulation of cooling water residue, thereby minimizing data center maintenance and improving performance. Consisting entirely of a polymer structure, it poses no risk of corrosion even in humid environments or when exposed to the outdoors.

Above all, the biggest advantage of Ecoflair is that it provides energy saving effects. Compared to other indirect energy-saving systems, the energy efficiency is about 15 to 20 percent higher.

Since the energy required for cooling is reduced, data center workers can increase IT load on the same power infrastructure. Research by Schneider Electric shows that compared to conventional cooling methods using chilled water or DX technology, it enables 30% less energy for IT support with the same power capacity.

In addition, reduced power infrastructure requirements lower overall capital expenditures (CapEx). Schneider Electric expects to save 6% of capital expenditures by reducing power capacity through Ecoflair by lowering overall power demand.