Keeping data centres cool

As essential as these technologies are, the sheer processing power required to run today’s applications generates an immense amount of heat. To keep servers functioning at peak performance, effective cooling isn’t just important, it’s critical.

Cooling a data centre is no small task. It demands a blend of high-efficiency solutions that can balance energy use, system reliability, operational agility, and long-term cost management. An astonishing 40% of a data centre’s total power consumption is used for cooling , and as sites expand in both size and processing capacity, the need for smarter, more sustainable cooling methods grows even more urgent.

At the heart of these advanced cooling solutions is drive technology – specifically, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) paired with high-performance motors, fans, compressors, and pumps that deliver dynamic, responsive operation.

The evolution of data centre cooling

Traditionally, data centres cooled their server rooms using conventional air conditioning systems, similar to those used in commercial buildings. Air-cooled units drew heat away from server racks, expelled the heat outdoors, and cycled cooler air back in.

While effective for smaller loads, this approach has struggled to keep pace with the explosive growth of computing power, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and big data applications. Today's servers are densely packed and perform far more calculations per second than ever before, leading to dramatically higher power consumption and – as a result – heat generation.

Modern cooling strategies now combine air cooling with water-based solutions. Water cooling, particularly through cold plates attached directly to processors, offers much higher thermal transfer rates than air alone. Some technologies are even embracing the concept of immersion cooling, where the server components are fully submerged in non-conductive cooling fluids such as specially engineered dielectric liquids that offer exceptional heat transfer.

No matter the method, moving heat efficiently still depends on one key factor: the drives and controls of the pumps, compressors and fans used within the systems.

Why drives matter more than ever

Fixed-speed motors, the traditional workhorses of cooling systems, can seem to have several advantages to offer, including low upfront costs. However, this design is inherently inefficient. These motors run at full capacity regardless of actual cooling demand, leading to excessive energy consumption, especially during off-peak periods when cooling needs are significantly lower.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) change that equation. By adjusting motor speeds to match real-time cooling demands, VFDs drastically reduce power consumption. Pumps only move as much water as needed, and fans only run fast enough to maintain optimal temperatures.

This dynamic control has several critical advantages:

• Energy Savings: Reducing motor speeds even slightly can slash energy consumption by 30-50%
• Extended Equipment Life: Motors and mechanical components experience less wear and tear
• Precision Cooling: Fine-tuned systems can maintain ideal server conditions, boosting performance and uptime
• Lower Operating Costs: Less energy use and fewer repairs deliver meaningful bottom-line savings

For data centres, where thousands of motors might be running 24/7, the impact is massive. Every percentage point of efficiency gained translates into significant financial and environmental returns.

Nidec’s complete solution for data centre cooling

Nidec understands that data centre cooling isn't about relying on a single piece of technology, but the synergy between multiple components. Motors, pumps, compressors, drives, and control systems all need to work in perfect harmony to deliver the precise and efficient cooling that high-performance data centres demand. This, says the company, is where it excels: by offering a comprehensive suite of technologies that integrate seamlessly to support every stage of the cooling process.

The extensive portfolio includes:

• High-Efficiency Pump Control Technology: Built to handle the pressures of continuous operation, Nidec drives offer dependable flow and pressure control for high-precision performance for water-cooled and hybrid cooling systems. Their reliability and energy-conscious design make them ideal for the demands of modern data centres
• High Performance Compressor Control: Whether you're using traditional refrigerant-based methods or implementing more progressive free-cooling strategies, Nidec's control architecture provides the consistency and flexibility required to manage heat loads effectively; drives are engineered for optimal thermal exchange with an eye on long-term efficiency
• Cutting-Edge Industrial Drives: VFDs are designed for real-time responsiveness. They empower facility managers to dial in cooling outputs with remarkable precision, adapting to fluctuating data loads without wasting energy. From startups to hyperscale centres, VFDs scale to meet a range of operational needs for everything from fans to full-scale cooling towers.

What sets Nidec apart, it is reported, is the flexibility of its drive technology. It supports all widely used motor types, from the more traditional induction motors to modern permanent magnet motors, which offer superior energy efficiency. This means operators can consolidate around a single drive platform, no matter the cooling method or motor configuration.

The benefits are clear: simplified installation, reduced engineering complexity, streamlined maintenance, all through a single flexible drive platform.

Global reach, local responsiveness

Another advantage Nidec brings to the table is its global manufacturing footprint. While some suppliers struggle with long lead times due to complex international logistics, Nidec’s regional manufacturing strategy ensures faster delivery, greater resilience, and superior customer support.

Whether North America, Germany or China, many key customers benefit from high-volume production located just miles from their facilities. That proximity enables rapid turnaround on critical components, even when global supply chains are under pressure. It's a level of responsiveness that few others in the market can match.

In a world where downtime isn’t just inconvenient but potentially catastrophic, having a supply partner that can deliver quickly and consistently makes all the difference.

The cooling needs of data centres will only grow as computing power and demand continue to rise. Water cooling will become standard. Immersion cooling will shift from early adoption to everyday application. And cooling towers – already critical in large-scale operations – will continue to evolve for even higher efficiency.

But no matter how technology advances, one principle remains unchanged: moving heat takes energy. Managing that energy with intelligence and precision is the key to long-term success.

www.ControlTechniques.com