Heat Recovery in Data Centers: Cooling with Air-to-Air Exchangers

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity for cooling. Much of that energy leaves the facility as low-grade waste heat. By using air-to-air heat exchangers, facilities can pre-cool incoming ventilation air with exhaust air, reducing the load on mechanical cooling and improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

  • Server racks produce a steady, high-temperature exhaust airflow.
  • Outside air must often be cooled before entering the white space.
  • Plate or heat-pipe exchangers transfer heat with no cross-contamination.
  • Recovered heat can pre-heat offices, domestic hot water, or adsorption chillers.

Factor Plate Exchanger Rotary Wheel
Cross-contamination risk Very low Low with purge sector
Moisture transfer Sensible only Enthalpy possible
Efficiency 70–85 % 75–85 %
Maintenance Low Moderate
Best fit Cool/dry climates Humid climates

  • Match exchanger capacity to IT load and airflow (CFM or m³/h).
  • Design for N+1 redundancy if cooling is critical.
  • Integrate with the building management system for variable-speed fan control.
  • Include filtration upstream of the heat exchanger to protect fins and plates.

Browse air-to-air heat exchanger products suitable for data center retrofits and new builds.

Does heat recovery affect cooling redundancy?
No, if the system is designed as a pre-cooling stage. Chillers or CRAC units remain as backup.

Can recovered heat be reused?
Yes. It can pre-heat make-up air, domestic water, or drive absorption cooling, depending on temperature level.

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