With record-breaking temperatures experienced by many major cities this summer, data centre cooling and resilience strategies face a significant real-world test.

With temperatures potentially reaching record highs, it puts data centres under increased pressure, including:

Reduced cooling efficiency: Chillers, condensers, fans and pumps must work harder to reject heat.

Higher energy consumption and PUE: More power will be required to maintain safe operating temperatures.

Less free-cooling capacity: Higher ambient temperatures reduce the number of hours during which outside air can provide effective cooling.

Greater risk of equipment failure: Cooling components operating continuously under high loads are more vulnerable to faults.

Possible thermal hotspots: Poor airflow, high-density racks and inadequate aisle containment become more exposed.

Increased grid pressure: Heavy cooling demand across major cities could heighten the risk of power disruptions.

Reduced resilience margins: Standby cooling, generators and other supporting systems must also perform in unusually high ambient conditions.

Operators should not simply adjust temperature setpoints, as this may cause cooling systems to work harder without resolving airflow or capacity issues. Any operational changes should remain within equipment manufacturers’ requirements and the appropriate ASHRAE thermal guidance.

Speak to our team of data centre experts to help your data centre keep its cool.