Trial and application of direct evaporative cooling at telstra's information and communication technology centres

Abstract

Telstra have successfully trialed direct evaporative cooling (DEC) in four ICT buildings in Australia, with the aim to reduce facility energy consumption. The first trial reduced the total site energy consumption by 18% and the second and third trials by 15%. Upon deduction of maintenance and water consumption, there were operational savings of 9% for both sites. There has been no negative impact (equipment failure) due to humidification of cooling supply air or space condensation during and beyond the trial periods. This paper describes these trials, their cooling system architectures and discusses their results. This paper also takes a further look at DEC to supply a hot-aisle-containment (HAC) for telecommunications or data centre applications. Thermal and energy modelling indicates an average 40% reduction beyond traditional economy cycle systems for cool and dry climates of southern Australia. The modelling also shows direct evaporative cooling in an HAC arrangement may be used as the primary cooling system for Tasmania while staying within the ASHRAE thermal guidelines.