The Mechanics of a Telecom Cooling System

The telecom sector is one of the world’s most energy-hungry industries. To be exact, a single 5G station consumes as much power as 73 households. As of mid-2023, there were approximately 100,000 5G mobile stations in the US, and it is estimated that by 2030, 95% of all mobile connections will be 5G. As you can guess, the energy implications of this growth are staggering.

Consequently, telecom station operators are highly motivated to slash their utility costs, and one effective way to achieve this is through an efficient cooling system.

The Cooling Technology You’ve Been Searching For

Free cooling emerges as the optimal solution for telecom cooling needs. The truth is that over half of the US can benefit from free cooling for more than half the year. This cooling technology leverages the lower ambient temperatures from the outdoor environment to minimize, or in some cases completely eliminate, the need for mechanical energy-intensive chillers. By utilizing naturally cool air “for free”, telecom facilities can reduce chiller operating hours and cut energy usage by an average of 80%, resulting in substantial cost savings.

In essence, free cooling technology revolutionizes telecom cooling systems, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional cooling methods.

Free Cooling Challenges & Solutions

Since free cooling takes advantage of outdoor air, some inherent “environmental hurdles” are inevitable, such as extreme outdoor temperature (hot or cold), airborne particulates and pollutants, airflow rate, etc. These factors, which are beyond the technicians’ control, present a challenge to the cooling system and the mobile station’s performance. Considering this, a well-planned engineered strategy for the cooling system can help mitigate these challenges, ensuring the cooling system and telecom station operate efficiently.

Here are some key challenges associated with harnessing outdoor air for cooling and the mechanical approaches developed to overcome them.

Reliable Temperature Control & Thermal Management

As was just described, relying on outdoor air means dealing with unpredictable weather patterns, such as temperature shifts, changing humidity levels, and more. However, these fluctuations could compromise the precise temperature control required in telecom facilities and lead to premature wear or failure.

One key to overcoming this challenge is utilizing high-quality equipment. For instance, At AIRSYS, our telecom cooling products are built with Carel sensors that are known for their accuracy and reliability. These sensors, empowered by our custom software, can detect changes in temperature and humidity in real-time, allowing for rapid response to environmental fluctuations.

Another equipment-related solution is installing variable-speed fans or two-speed motors. This approach is particularly valuable when ambient temperatures drop below freezing, where there’s a risk of water or other coolants in the system solidifying. Reducing the speed of circulating air can help maintain the appropriate temperature, preventing the coolant from freezing and ensuring the system continues to operate efficiently.

Ensuring Air Quality

Impaired air quality is a significant concern for telecom cooling systems that rely on outdoor air. Contaminants such as dust, pollen, and industrial pollutants can infiltrate the system, potentially damaging sensitive indoor equipment.

Advanced air filtration incorporated into the cooling system prevents air particles from permeating the system and damaging the indoor equipment. At AIRSYS, our skilled engineers have developed the patented Air Filter Protection Device (AFPD), and here’s how it works: The AFPD monitors outdoor air for particulates and reports this information to the control system. Using a series of sophisticated algorithms, the system determines the best times to utilize free cooling while minimizing the risk of particulates entering the facility. This protects sensitive telecom equipment and extends the life of air filters, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring the cooling system’s reliability.

Maximizing Energy-Efficiency

Despite its potential for energy savings, free cooling systems can still consume significant energy if not optimized properly. The key challenge lies in maximizing the use of this cooling technology while ensuring that auxiliary equipment, such as fans and pumps, doesn’t negate the energy savings.

AIRSYS addresses this challenge by implementing logic-based controls that optimize free cooling time while maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels. These sophisticated control systems continuously monitor indoor and outdoor conditions, making real-time adjustments to leverage free cooling whenever possible. When the system detects that the conditions for free cooling aren’t favorable, the system automatically shifts to utilizing mechanical cooling.

This hybrid approach facilitates maximized energy efficiency, ensuring the best of both worlds. The system can seamlessly transition between free cooling and mechanical cooling modes, ensuring optimal energy use regardless of external conditions or internal load variations.

Proper Maintenance

As previously mentioned, filters are crucial components in free cooling systems, acting as “gatekeepers” against bad elements in the air. This essential role, however, subjects filters to significant stress, necessitating regular maintenance to prevent clogging. Diligent filter upkeep and proper maintenance of the cooling system as a whole are vital to ensure the cooling system is actually doing its job properly.

To address maintenance challenges, modern free cooling systems are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance. This innovative approach transforms maintenance from a reactive to a proactive process.

AI algorithms analyze data from various sensors to predict when maintenance is needed. This allows operators to address issues before they lead to system failures and impact the telecom station operation as a whole. This innovative technology not only significantly reduces the maintenance burden associated with free cooling systems but also ensures the cooling system’s reliability and efficiency.

Cooling Innovation for the Telecom Industry

Cooling plays a pivotal role in telecom infrastructure management, from ensuring business continuity and service reliability to saving energy and costs. Specifically, free cooling has been a popular cooling technology for the telecom industry, and its significance will only grow as the industry evolves.

If you want to put it bluntly, the world increasingly depends on free cooling technology, not only because it facilitates smoother connectivity but also because it offers sustainability benefits. At AIRSYS, we’re committed to advancing both of these crucial aspects. Our mission is to drive innovation in the cooling industry while balancing the environment. Learn more about our company and our cooling products, and join us in shaping a more efficient and sustainable telecom landscape.

Sources:

https://coolingbestpractices.com/system-assessments/free-cooling/free-cooling-chiller-systems

https://www.buildings.com/products/article/10185514/6-keys-to-free-cooling-for-data-centers

https://www.data4group.com/en/datacenter-dictionary/free-cooling/

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