How densification is impacting data centres: is hybrid cooling the answer?

As the push for net zero carbon emissions accelerates, data centres are under increasing scrutiny for their energy consumption and environmental impact. Cooling systems, which account for a significant share of energy use, are a critical focus for sustainability efforts – and high-temperature fluid coolers, a key component of advanced chilled water systems, have emerged as transformative technology in this space.

By enabling heat recovery, reducing energy demand and supporting compliance with stringent environmental regulations, high-temperature fluid coolers are reshaping how data centres operate. Their integration into sophisticated cooling strategies positions them as a cornerstone of efficient infrastructure and a driver of the industry's path to net zero.

Enabling net zero strategies

The transition to net zero in the data centre industry is driven by several key factors: increasing regulatory pressures, corporate sustainability goals and the rising cost of energy. Cooling systems, which have traditionally been seen as an operational burden, are now viewed as an opportunity for real innovation and impact.

High-temperature fluid coolers are designed specifically to support these goals. By operating efficiently at elevated water temperatures - up to 40°C supply and 50°C return, these systems reduce the energy required for cooling. This not only lowers operational costs but also decreases carbon emissions, aligning data centres with global sustainability standards such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The use of heat recovery systems also allows operators to take their sustainability efforts further. Captured waste heat can be repurposed for district heating, reducing reliance on grid-sourced power, often linked to fossil fuel use. The capability to reuse energy enhances the broader environmental impact of data centres, transforming them from isolated facilities into active contributors to decarbonisation.

The impact of regulations

Regulations around carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and refrigerant use are tightening globally. Frameworks like F-gas Regulation and local emissions reduction mandates are putting cooling systems under the microscope. As data centres grow in scale and prominence, failing to meet these evolving standards risks reputational and operational setbacks.

High-temperature fluid coolers help facilities stay ahead of these regulatory demands. Many models now use very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, enabling compliance with stringent CO2e emissions standards. Additionally, their high efficiency and heat recovery capabilities position them as ideal solutions for facilities navigating stricter energy efficiency requirements.

For operators looking to design their facilities to be future-ready, these systems offer a clear path to compliance without sacrificing performance. The ability to meet current and anticipated regulations makes them an indispensable part of a forward-looking cooling strategy.

Unlocking the potential of heat recovery

Heat recovery is a growing priority for data centres aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. High-temperature fluid coolers excel in this area, removing the heat generated and repurposing it for secondary applications.

For example, waste heat can be used to support district heating networks, providing an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating methods. It can also be used to thermally power local industrial processes, contributing to circular economy goals by maximising resource efficiency. By integrating heat recovery into their operations, data centres can move beyond mere compliance and take on a leadership role in sustainability.

To demonstrate how effective their heat reuse is, operators should align with evolving sustainability metrics such as Energy Reuse Effectiveness (ERE) and Heat Recovery Efficiency (HRE). ERE considers how well energy is recovered most likely in the form of heat. HRE measures how efficiently the recovered energy is reused. A higher HRE indicates greater efficiency in utilising waste heat. Metrics like these, that account for energy recovery will become increasingly important and chilled water solutions are central to achieving these goals. High-temperature fluid coolers enable operators to achieve strong performance on these metrics, making it easier to quantify the environmental benefits of systems. This capability is particularly valuable as stakeholders demand greater transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting.

Technical innovations driving performance

The engineering advancements in high-temperature fluid coolers have made them a reliable and efficient solution for the modern data centre.

 Key features include:

• Elevated temperature thresholds: These systems operate efficiently at supply water temperatures of up to 40°C, significantly reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling alternatives.

• Adaptive controls: Intelligent systems monitor real-time workloads and adjust cooling output dynamically, allowing optimal energy use without sacrificing thermal stability.

• Scalable design: Modular configurations enable operators to expand cooling capacity as needed, making these systems adaptable to growing facilities.

These technical innovations enhance performance and align with the demands of high-density computing environments. As workloads become more intensive and diverse, the ability to scale and adapt will be important in maintaining operational efficiency. By reducing partial Power Usage Effectiveness (pPUE) in comparison to conventional chillers, energy consumption can be lowered, leading to a decrease in operational costs and carbon footprint.

A look ahead

While the benefits of high-temperature fluid coolers are clear, the path forward is not without challenges. The increasing thermal demands of AI and high-performance computing will continue to push cooling systems to their limits. Operators will need to balance immediate performance requirements with long-term adaptability, this means that systems remain viable as technology evolves.

Regulatory frameworks are also likely to grow more complex, requiring ongoing innovation in cooling technology. Data centres will need to stay ahead of these developments, investing in solutions that can adapt to changing standards while maintaining operational efficiency.

On the opportunity side, advancements in materials science and control systems could further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of high-temperature fluid coolers. Integrating these systems with emerging technologies like digital twins and predictive analytics could unlock new levels of performance and reliability, enabling data centres to remain at the forefront of innovation.

Ultimately, the journey towards net zero data centres is defined by complexity and opportunity. High-temperature fluid coolers, as a key component of advanced chilled water systems, offer a practical and impactful solution to the challenges of sustainability, efficiency and compliance. 

By enabling heat recovery, reducing energy demand and aligning with stringent environmental regulations, these systems are transforming how data centres approach cooling. For operators looking to make their facilities ready for the future, investing in high-temperature fluid coolers is a necessary step towards a more sustainable and resilient future.