Should the data center build a water reuse system?
2023-11-10
The main purpose of data center water is to dissipate heat (that is, to cool IT equipment). The traditional way to cool a data center is to use a water-cooled chilled water system. In these systems, cold water is distributed in the refrigeration unit of the computer room. Fans blow through the chilled water pipes to provide cool air to the IT equipment. The water then flows back into the cooling device to be re-cooled. Water-cooled cooling systems rely on cooling towers to absorb heat. The cooling tower is a large box-shaped unit that uses water and air to exchange heat and cold after flowing in contact to generate steam, and to take away heat through steam volatilization to achieve the effect of evaporating heat and reducing water temperature.
In traditional data center design, cooling towers are the culprit for water consumption. We assume that a 1-megawatt data center pumps 1000 gallons of condensate per minute through cooling towers, and 1%-2% of the water is evaporated and blown away as a fine water mist. The result is about 6.7 million gallons of water a year.
In addition, approximately 1.3 million gallons of water are consumed each year for discharge or replacement. The condensed water is repeatedly evaporated and released into the atmosphere, carrying minerals, dust and other pollutants. This water must be treated and discharged regularly.
At present, the energy consumption of data centers is serious. Energy conservation and emission reduction are advocated all over the country. Some data centers are required to use reclaimed water and renewable water to varying degrees. Some projects use reclaimed water except domestic water. Therefore, the construction of reclaimed water reuse system is a good way to save energy, emission reduction and cost.
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