However , advances in technology have ensured that our energy consumption is approximately the same as it was . Rather than throwing metaphorical swimming pools of water at a unit , comparatively , we ’ re now throwing bucketfuls ’, and achieving very similar performance , in terms of overall energy usage . Water is a scarce resource . The fact we ’ re able to achieve incredible energy efficiencies while using minimal water and at times , even reducing overall water consumption , is a huge achievement .”
Saving energy
To achieve this capability , Excool has moved away from the traditional method of flooding heat exchangers . As Jon expounds : “ We are now using some AI in our technology and software to establish the best mode of usage depending on a range of factors . From weather conditions to the relative cost of energy verses water or availability of rainwater harvesting , for example , the sequence of operations can be tailored to optimize efficiency as an additional layer on top of the materials , design and technology of the physical unit itself .”
The discussion around water and energy consumption is a preoccupation for Jon . As he explains : “ My personal crusade at the moment is to try and get data center operators to understand that by physically using water from source , you can actually save consumption overall . Many people are averse to using water , but when exploited in a smart way , it can enhance efficiencies .
“ Almost every kilowatt of power generation , anywhere in the world , barring about ten percent , involves some incumbent water usage . Maybe the best way to describe this is if you had a gallon of water and used it in a power station to generate energy , perhaps 800 watts of power would be produced . By the time that power reached the data center , due to intrinsic losses , you may end up with 750 watts of useable power . However , if you took that same gallon of water and put it straight into Excool ’ s technology , you would get a full kilowatt of useable cooling power at source . By using that little bit of water in the data center , it ’ s possible to reduce the amount of water that would be used by the power station down the road to generate that kilowatt of power for you .
“ There are lots of different discussions around this subject , but ultimately , at Excool , we are championing the technology that enables our customers to save significant amounts of energy and water when compared to typical consumption by other technologies to perform the same function .”
Enhanced efficiency
Technological advancement is at the forefront of Excool ’ s operations . A recent investment has been a new vacuum-forming machine for heat exchanger manufacture . It has enabled Excool to build larger , more intricate heat exchangers that provide enhanced efficiency . The unique heat exchanger is manufactured from a composite material , which unlike the more commonly used aluminium , makes it resistant to corrosion , more robust and leak-tight . The Excool adiabatic and evaporative cooling system has been developed
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