Eco-Friendly Cooling: A Guide for Telecom Operators

As the global climate crisis intensifies, industries face mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and the telecom sector is no exception. Telecom systems are indispensable for keeping our world connected, but the energy demands of their cooling infrastructure significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, rising global temperatures increase the need for more cooling, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of environmental impact.

The good news? Telecom operators have the power to break this cycle by embracing sustainable cooling solutions. 

This guide offers a two-pronged approach for telecom operators to make this shift: one focuses on green cooling technologies, while the other explores the technical features of eco-friendly cooling systems. Together, these strategies pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Part 1: Three Green Cooling Technologies for Telecom Stations

Free Cooling

Free cooling is an innovative, eco-friendly solution that leverages outdoor ambient temperatures to cool telecom facilities. The core principle is simple yet profoundly impactful: instead of generating cold air through power-hungry compressors, free cooling systems draw in ambient air when external temperatures are sufficiently low. By utilizing naturally cooler air from the surrounding environment, free cooling systems significantly reduce the operational hours of energy-intensive chillers, slashing energy consumption by up to 80%. This reduction not only translates into substantial cost savings but also minimizes the carbon footprint of telecom operations. 

It’s important to remember that using naturally colder outdoor air can present environmental challenges, such as dealing with extreme temperatures and airborne pollutants. However,  advanced cooling systems that utilize free cooling are mechanically engineered with robust filters and design features that ensure seamless operation, even in harsh conditions. This makes free cooling a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional cooling technologies.

At AIRSYS, our UniCool™ and UniCool-Edge™ cooling systems capitalize on this technology.

Liquid Cooling

Unlike traditional air cooling methods (like free cooling), liquid cooling technology uses a liquid coolant and water to absorb and dissipate heat from telecom equipment. This technology takes advantage of water’s higher heat capacity than air, allowing liquid cooling systems to handle higher thermal loads with less energy. This process involves circulating coolant to extract heat from critical components and transferring it via a radiator system. 

At AIRSYS, our LiquidRack™ system takes this concept further by utilizing a revolutionary design that reduces coolant use by 80% while achieving an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.02. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces reliance on fans and compressors but also ensures minimal resource waste. 

Liquid cooling technologies like LiquidRack optimize the cooling process and limit energy consumption, enabling telecom operators to meet rising data demands sustainably. This makes them an essential part of the transition toward greener telecom infrastructure.

Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling is often used for data center cooling but can also benefit telecommunications. Its sustainability lies in using water as the primary cooling agent (a green refrigerant). From a technical perspective, hot air is passed through moistened cooling pads, where water’s inherent evaporative properties absorb and dissipate thermal energy into the telecom facility. Simply put, evaporative cooling systems leverage natural evaporation to transform hot air into a cooler, more temperature-controlled environment.

Direct evaporative cooling, in particular, is exceptionally energy-efficient, using only 25% of the power consumed by mechanical air conditioning units. This not only reduces electricity bills but also significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions. 

By avoiding the use of chemical refrigerants and consuming only a fraction of the energy required by traditional air conditioning systems, evaporative cooling systems are yet another highly sustainable cooling option for telecom operators.

Part 2: Three Green Features of Eco-Friendly Cooling Systems

Maintenance-Friendly Design

A key feature of eco-friendly cooling systems is a thoughtful design that prioritizes ease of maintenance and service. Regular and efficient maintenance extends the equipment’s lifespan, helping avoid costly replacements, which can also be environmentally wasteful. Also, properly maintained cooling systems can operate at peak performance while consuming less energy. Lightweight pull-out servers, such as those installed in the LiquidRack system, are an example of a design element that simplifies maintenance.

Smart Technology

AI-driven software is a game-changer in eco-friendly cooling systems. With built-in self-diagnostic and predictive maintenance capabilities, AI helps prevent equipment failures. This ensures the cooling infrastructure operates at peak efficiency, reducing both energy consumption and material waste. At AIRSYS, our Optima 2™ features the NetOne platform to address this exact need.

Resource Optimization (Energy Efficiency)

The final feature that makes cooling systems more eco-friendly is the incorporation of energy-efficient operational elements. For example, variable-speed compressors adjust cooling capacity to meet the facility’s specific needs. Modular systems comprising multiple units can activate only the necessary units instead of the entire system, scaling energy use based on demand.

Additionally, energy recovery capabilities, such as reusing waste heat for other purposes, further enhance system sustainability. This flexibility reduces unnecessary energy consumption and improves overall cooling efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Cooling for a Connected World

Sustainable cooling is essential for ensuring the seamless continuation of the interconnected world we rely on today. For telecom operators, transitioning to more eco-friendly cooling solutions is no longer just a competitive advantage — it’s an imperative and a mindset. By adopting systems that reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and prioritize efficiency, operators can play a vital role in tackling global environmental challenges while meeting the demands of a connected future.

At AIRSYS, we are proud of our dual commitment to environmental sustainability and setting new industry standards through cutting-edge innovation. Explore our range of telecommunication cooling systems and discover how we are shaping a more sustainable future. To learn more or discuss your unique requirements, contact us today.