Evaporative Cooling For Data Centre Temperature Management

Managing temperature in your data centre doesn't have to cost a fortune. At Gas Safe Plumbing, we've been helping businesses across Geelong and Western Melbourne find smart cooling solutions for over 30 years. When it comes to data centre temperature management, evaporative cooling systems offer one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient alternatives to traditional air conditioning.

What Is Evaporative Cooling and How Does It Work?

Evaporative cooling works on a simple principle - warm air passes through water-soaked pads, and as the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air. This cooled air then circulates throughout your data centre, maintaining optimal operating temperatures.

Unlike traditional air conditioning with energy-hungry compressors and refrigerants, evaporative cooling uses natural water evaporation. This makes it environmentally friendly and significantly cheaper to run and maintain.

Three Types of Evaporative Cooling Systems for Data Centres

Based on our three decades of experience in heating and cooling systems, we recommend considering these three main approaches:

Direct Evaporative Cooling

This straightforward system draws hot air directly through water-saturated pads. The air becomes cooled and slightly humidified before entering your server rooms. It's particularly effective in Australia's drier climates, where adding some moisture to the air can actually be beneficial. This system delivers quick temperature reductions and is the most energy-efficient option available.

Indirect Evaporative Cooling

For facilities where humidity control is critical, indirect systems use a heat exchanger to cool your data centre air without adding moisture. Outside air gets cooled through evaporation, which then chills the heat exchanger. Your server room air passes through the other side and gets cooled without ever mixing with outside air or picking up extra humidity. This prevents contamination issues and works well across different climate conditions.

Two-Stage Evaporative Cooling

This hybrid approach combines the best of both worlds. Hot air first passes through an indirect stage for pre-cooling without added moisture, then moves to a direct stage for additional cooling. This two-stage process can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% compared to conventional refrigerated systems while giving you precise control over both temperature and humidity levels.

Maximising Performance Through Smart Integration

Getting the most from your evaporative cooling system requires proper integration with your existing data centre setup.

Smart Airflow Management

Proper airflow design is crucial for any cooling system's efficiency. Techniques like hot and cold aisle containment ensure chilled air reaches exactly where it's needed and prevents hot and cold air from mixing unnecessarily. This approach eliminates hot spots and reduces energy waste significantly.

Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Modern facilities benefit from DCIM software that monitors and manages cooling systems in real-time. These systems provide instant data on temperature and humidity levels, allowing automatic adjustments to optimise your evaporative cooling performance. This ensures your data centre stays within ideal operating conditions while maximising energy savings.

Free Cooling Integration

In Melbourne and Geelong's cooler months, your evaporative system can work alongside free cooling techniques. This approach uses naturally cool outdoor temperatures to help condition your space, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and cutting operational costs even further.

Why Choose Evaporative Cooling For Your Data Centre?

After 30 years across Western Melbourne and Geelong, we've seen how evaporative cooling transforms data centre operations. These systems use only one-quarter of the power required by traditional air conditioning, translating directly into lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact.

Installation and maintenance costs are significantly lower, too. Without complex refrigeration circuits or hazardous chemicals, these systems are safer, simpler, and perfectly suited to Australia's climate.

Your Local Cooling Experts

At Gas Safe Plumbing, we understand that every data centre has unique requirements. Our experienced team can assess your facility's specific needs and recommend the most suitable evaporative cooling solution. Whether you're upgrading an existing system or planning a new installation, we're here to help you achieve optimal temperature management while keeping costs under control.

We never compromise on quality, and the best possible outcome for our customers remains our priority. With proper design and installation, evaporative cooling systems provide the reliable, efficient temperature control your data centre needs for years to come.

Request your free Quote

Ready to transform your data centre cooling with an energy-efficient evaporative cooling system? Please contact us for an obligation-free quote. We will endeavour to get back to you within 2 business days. If urgent, please call us on 0459 788 870.