The Indirect Evaporative Cooling (IEC) system in data centers is a technology that utilizes outdoor air to cool the air in data center rooms. It is an energy-saving alternative to traditional chilled water cooling systems.

The working principle of the IEC system is to transfer outdoor air through a heat exchanger to the data center for return air. The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the outdoor air to the data center return air, thereby reducing the temperature of the data center return air. The cooled data center return air is then sent back to the computer room to cool IT equipment.

[Image of Data Center Indirect Evaporative Cooling System]

There are two types of IEC systems:

The direct evaporative cooling system uses outdoor air to directly cool the return air of the data center. This is a more effective cooling method, but it also carries the risk of moisture entering the data center.

The indirect evaporative cooling system uses outdoor air cooling water or other liquids. Then, the liquid is used to cool the data center return air. This is a less effective cooling method, but it eliminates the risk of moisture entering the data center.

The IEC system has the following advantages:

Energy saving: IEC systems are more energy-efficient than traditional chilled water cooling systems. This is because the IEC system uses outdoor air cooling for data center return air, rather than mechanical cooling.

Reduce water resource consumption: IEC systems consume less water resources than traditional chilled water cooling systems. This is because the IEC system does not require the use of cooling towers to cool chilled water.

Reduce operating costs: Due to energy conservation and reduced water consumption, the IEC system can lower the operating costs of data centers.

The IEC system also has some challenges:

Initial investment cost: The initial investment cost of the IEC system is higher than that of traditional chilled water cooling systems.

Complexity: IEC systems are more complex than traditional chilled water cooling systems.

Maintenance: The IEC system requires regular maintenance to ensure its normal operation.

Overall, the IEC system is an energy-saving, water-saving, and cost-effective method for cooling data center data centers. For data centers with suitable climate conditions, the IEC system is a good choice.