Refrigeration technology with future potential: GENIUM container in data centres
Data centres are the central infrastructure for the digital world. While our life today is largely controlled by the use of digital technologies, the operation of modern servers and IT hardware is only possible with a flexible cold supply. Jürgen Martin, Key Account Manager Data Centres at ENGIE Refrigeration, explains why our GENIUM container is the perfect basic equipment for a data centre.
Jürgen, why are flexible cooling solutions becoming more and more relevant for the IT sector?
Jürgen: The digital transformation is increasing the demand for processing power, storage space and network bandwidth. This means that data centres are getting larger and larger, their power density per square metre is constantly increasing. As the roof space on IT buildings is limited for air-cooled chiller installations, alternatives are needed for high cooling capacities in small spaces. Water-cooled chillers in combination with a supply container for data centres offer the perfect solution. This is because it only requires a small footprint and can be placed outside the building with little effort and usually without a time-consuming planning permission process. Like IT infrastructure, the container is therefore a mandatory equipment for data centres.
What other added value does the GENIUM cooling container offer for the data centre?
Jürgen: For the data centre the supply container is a turnkey solution with integrated safety equipment and its own ventilation, heating and lighting. This means less installation work, flexible transport and, above all, full technological equipment with all components required for a smooth cooling supply in the data centre. The container can also be adapted to the individual requirements of the data centre. For example as a substructure for cooling towers, thus saving additional space. Furthermore, the container can be quickly and easily repositioned outside the data centre if necessary.
What is your recommendation: When should the GENIUM container be used in data centres?
Jürgen: That depends first and foremost, of course, on the specific requirements and wishes of our customers. For example, the sound insulation requirements are decisive. We recommend using the GENIUM container in data centres if the sound power level is very low, around 70 dB (A). In addition, if the sound pressure level has to be low, it means the data centre may be located close to the end users. This in turn has the advantage that the recycled heat, generated through heat recovery can be supplied to interested parties.
Do you have a particular example of such a project?
Jürgen: Of course. We have implemented this principle in ten data centres in Germany's metropolitan areas. They are part of an edge data centre platform of a German provider who decentralises the data business. Thanks to our sophisticated concept, the waste heat from each data centre reaches individual local residents. Among others, seven SPECTRUM Water heat pumps in containers with a total heat output of 5.25 megawatts are contributing to the success of the project.
What other factors are important when ENGIE Refrigeration supplies technical equipment for data centres?
Jürgen: Energy efficiency is a decisive argument for the IT sector. According to the Energy Efficiency Act, all data centres must comply with a maximum PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) value of 1.2 from 2026 at the latest. With our water-cooled chillers in containers for data centres, this task is child's play. Thanks to the cooling equipment from ENGIE Refrigeration, data centre operators can be optimistic about the future.
Jürgen, thank you very much for the interesting interview!
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