Data centres are the backbone of modern digital infrastructure. They power cloud platforms, AI processing, online storage, and critical business operations. As these facilities grow to meet increasing demand, so does their energy use, particularly cooling.
Cooling alone can account for up to 40% of a data centre’s total energy consumption. With rising electricity prices and sustainability targets becoming more prominent, energy-efficient cooling has moved from a “nice to have” to an essential operational priority.
At Youmist, we specialise in advanced high-efficiency evaporative cooling solutions designed to help Australian data centres improve performance, lower operating costs and progress toward long-term sustainability goals. This blog explores the most effective cooling technologies available today and how they contribute to greener, more efficient data centre operations.
The Growing Need for Sustainable Data Centre Cooling
Servers generate significant amounts of heat during operation. Without effective cooling, data centres face:
- Reduced performance
- Increased risk of hardware failure
- Shortened equipment lifespan
- Higher operational and environmental costs
Traditional air conditioning systems often struggle to manage modern computing loads. They are also expensive to run, especially in large-scale facilities.
Energy-efficient cooling solutions are now essential for data centres aiming to:
- Reduce electricity consumption
- Lower carbon emissions
- Improve equipment reliability
- Extend infrastructure longevity
- Meet sustainability and ESG targets
Types of Data Centre Cooling Systems
Modern data centres use several cooling technologies. Each offers unique benefits depending on climate, density and operational needs.
Air-Based Cooling Systems
Air-based cooling is the most traditional method, relying on CRAC (computer room air conditioning) units to distribute cold air throughout server racks.
Efficiency improves when the system is designed with:
- Hot and cold aisle containment
- Optimised airflow
- Variable-speed fans
However, for high-density server environments, air cooling can become inefficient and power-intensive.
Evaporative Cooling Systems (Youmist Expertise)
Evaporative cooling has become one of the most energy-efficient solutions for Australian data centres. Instead of relying on refrigerants, these systems use the natural process of water evaporation to cool incoming air.
Youmist’s high-efficiency evaporative cooling systems provide:
- Significantly lower energy consumption
- Reduced environmental impact
- Lower operating costs
- Enhanced cooling performance in dry and temperate climates
- A sustainable alternative to traditional mechanical cooling
Australia’s climate makes evaporative cooling an ideal fit for many locations, helping data centres achieve cooler conditions at a fraction of the running cost.
Liquid Cooling for Data Centres
As data centres scale and server densities increase, liquid cooling is becoming more popular. This approach involves circulating liquid coolants directly near or through server components.
Key advantages include:
- High thermal efficiency
- Reduced dependence on AC units
- Lower overall energy consumption
- Strong performance for high-performance computing workloads
Liquid cooling is increasingly used in hyperscale data centres and environments with extreme computing demands.
Best Energy-Efficient Cooling Strategies for Data Centres
Hot and Cold Aisle Containment
Separating hot and cold air streams prevents mixing and improves cooling efficiency. Containment systems:
- Keep cold air directed where it’s needed
- Capture hot exhaust air
- Reduce energy waste
Free Cooling and Economisation
Free cooling takes advantage of suitable outdoor temperatures. This reduces reliance on mechanical cooling, especially during the night and cooler months. Even in Australian climates, free cooling can significantly reduce annual cooling loads.
AI-Based Cooling Optimisation
Machine learning technology is increasingly used to manage cooling demand in real time. AI systems monitor:
- Thermal loads
- Temperature distribution
- Airflow patterns
- Power consumption
This enables automated adjustments that boost efficiency and reduce costs.
Modular Cooling Infrastructure
Modular or scalable cooling solutions adapt to changing server loads. Instead of running at full power continuously, they increase or decrease cooling capacity as required. This approach reduces energy waste and extends equipment lifespan.
How Efficient Cooling Systems Support Sustainability
Sustainable cooling is about more than energy efficiency. Modern data centres aim to minimise water usage, use greener refrigerants and reduce carbon footprints.
Energy-efficient cooling systems contribute to sustainability by:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Lowering electricity demand from coal and gas
- Minimising environmental impact
- Helping organisations achieve certification targets (such as NABERS, Green Star and ISO standards)
Evaporative cooling systems, particularly those designed by Youmist, offer one of the most balanced solutions—combining low power usage with reduced environmental impact.
Choosing the Right Cooling System for Your Data Centre
Every data centre has unique operational demands. When planning a cooling solution, consider:
- Local climate
- Server density and expected load
- Facility size
- Energy and water availability
- Long-term scalability
- Operational goals and sustainability targets
Engaging cooling specialists early in the planning process helps ensure optimised outcomes for performance, efficiency and longevity.
Youmist works with data centres across Australia to design custom evaporative cooling solutions that align with specific site requirements and efficiency targets.
Future Trends in Data Centre Cooling
Cooling technology continues to evolve. The next decade will see increased adoption of:
- Advanced liquid cooling
- AI-driven cooling optimisation
- Low-impact sustainable refrigerants
- Renewable energy-powered cooling
- Heat recapture and reuse for nearby buildings
- High-efficiency evaporative cooling solutions for low-power operations
These innovations will be essential as data centres grow and environmental regulations become stricter.
Build a More Sustainable and Efficient Data Centre with Youmist
With cooling responsible for a large portion of energy consumption, upgrading to high-efficiency, low-impact systems is one of the most effective ways a data centre can reduce costs and support sustainability targets.
Youmist provides advanced evaporative cooling solutions designed for Australian conditions. Our systems deliver high performance, low operational costs and measurable environmental benefits.
If you’re looking to reduce energy usage, improve cooling reliability or upgrade your existing infrastructure, our team can help.
Contact Youmist today to explore custom cooling solutions for your data centre.
