The master’s thesis addresses the design and comparison of different cooling systems in modern data centers, where energy efficiency and operational reliability are of paramount importance. The theoretical part presents the Uptime Institute classification, which defines data center reliability levels (Tier I–IV), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers guidelines, which specify recommended temperature and humidity ranges for IT equipment operation.
The analytical part includes calculations of thermal loads for critical IT equipment, selection of appropriate cooling equipment, evaluation of system efficiency, and a cost comparison focused on capital expenditures and operational expenses. The comparison was carried out for the new data center Arnes in Maribor, considering spatial constraints, the possibility of phased construction, and the requirements for Tier III design, which ensures a high level of redundancy and reliability.
The results show that water-based cooling systems are generally cost-comparable, with differences mainly in the distribution of investments across construction phases. The system with evaporative free cooling units proved to be the most efficient in terms of long-term ownership costs and evaluation of system efficiency, but its high-water consumption may pose environmental and operational challenges. In contrast, direct expansion gas systems were found to be the least suitable due to high operating costs and poor efficiency.
The main conclusion of the thesis is that the choice of the optimal cooling system is not universal but depends on the client’s strategic priorities. Whether favoring low initial costs, long-term energy efficiency, spatial optimization, or the required level of reliability. The thesis provides a methodological framework and concrete results that can serve as guidelines for planning future data centers, particularly for the Arnes project in Maribor.
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