Best Practice -  Data Centers and how to overcome Key Challenges

A stable high ΔT indicates that cooling energy is transferred efficiently from the HVAC system to the IT equipment. A low ΔT is a clear sign of hydraulic imbalance, over-pumping, or lack of control. If low ΔT occurs, this can be detected with correct placement of sensors, thermometers, and pressure test points and monitoring will make ΔT deviations become visible early. Correcting low ΔT, however, requires more than monitoring and measurement. It requires active flow control.

Note 1:https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-40-million-more-efficient-cooling-data-centers

Going for Active Control and Flexibility

Pressure independent control valves, PICVs, form the foundation of stable hydronic systems in data centers’ HVAC cooling system. By maintaining a constant flow regardless of pressure fluctuations, PICVs eliminate overflow and support stable ΔT. The result is predictable cooling capacity, lower pump speeds, reduced energy consumption, and long-term system stability - even as loads change, density increases, and future expansions are implemented. Taking this further, ΔT control and pressure independent energy valves actively regulate flow based on temperature feedback. Flow is adjusted continuously to ensure that coils operate at their intended performance point.

And correct controlled flow is a prerequisite for meaningful optimization. Without it, control strategies, energy calculations, and sustainability targets cannot be reliably achieved. FlowCon focuses on securing stability at system level - in the day-to-day operation - where efficiency is either delivered or lost.

Adding flexibility to the equation gives an extra level of user-friendliness and easy project adaptation. Flexibility is to be understood to the widest extent possible: Flexibility in valve design with more pipe sizes possible for each valve size. Flexibility during installation with compact PICV designs, that are not limited in orientation or require additional straight pipe-work to work properly. Flexibility during operation where you can adjust flow adapting to new requirements. And Flexibility during maintenance is inherent with an insert based PICV solution; adding sectional isolation enables service and maintenance without shutting down critical systems. To summarize, flexibility mitigates risk, increases uptime and reduces lifetime cost.

It is a clear recommendation to consider control and flexibility when selecting your PICVs. 

Engineered for Efficiency,
Documented for Sustainability

PUE remains an important benchmark for data centers, but it does not give the full picture. True efficiency goes beyond PUE and comes from viewing the data center as a connected ecosystem, where IT load, cooling, pumping, energy sourcing and heat excess is integrated with the immediate surroundings. This will show the real environmental impact.

Energy efficiency and sustainability must be engineered into every valve and documented:

• Low pressure loss reduces pump energy
• Pressure independent control prevents overflow
• Durable materials extend product life
• Insert solution facilitates easy serviceability
• Clever design minimizes material use and packaging
• Environmental Product Declarations, EPDs, provide verified LCA-data to support certifica-tions such as LEED and BREEAM.

Sustainability is no longer about intent. It is about traceable performance and verified documentation and a commitment to the planet to consider and choose ideal valve solutions.