The evolution of data center technology has the HVAC industry working toward new normals as trends shift across the market. One of those shifts concentrates on the growth of different data center types. Enterprise data centers — those that are found on the premises of corporations and businesses — grew 13 percent from 2017 to 2018, while cloud data services grew 32 percent in the same period, according to data reports from the Synergy Research Group.
“Enterprise data centers are seeking to become more sustainable and efficient,” said David Klusas, senior director, Custom & Large Systems Offerings, Liebert Thermal Management, Vertiv. “This can be achieved by replacing or upgrading cooling equipment that has been in use for 15 to 20 years. For example, a refrigerant-based system that uses R-22 can be replaced with a new, greener refrigerant system or a chilled-water based system.”