Unlocking the Value of Waste Heat in Data Centers
Exploring how HVAC expertise from Mitsubishi Electric is transforming heat waste into a valuable resource, Shahid Rahman, EMEA Data Centre Strategic Account Lead, discusses the company’s innovative solutions in the latest episode of In The Spotlight by Data Centre Review.
With a rich history of over 100 years in HVAC technology, Mitsubishi Electric has been at the forefront of product innovation. Rahman highlights the range of heat pump units offered by the company, ranging from 30-35 kW to 1.1 MW per unit. These systems allow for simultaneous heating and cooling by capturing condenser-water heat instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
In a 10-minute interview, Rahman presents real-world examples showcasing the effectiveness of this concept:
South Dublin, Ireland – A district heating loop spanning 1.5km currently heats over 32,000m² of public-sector space and is set to expand to serve 133 additional apartments, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 1,500 tonnes annually.
Espoo, Finland – Utilizing Mitsubishi Electric FOCS-2-W heat-pump modules, a data center in Espoo is able to raise outlet water temperatures to 70°C, providing heat to a network serving more than 7,000 customers.
Rahman also mentions the impact of the UK’s October 2023 Energy Act, which has spurred similar projects in London and other high-demand areas, thanks to Ofgem regulation and government funding of £350 million.
As Rahman emphasizes, the shift towards capturing waste heat is becoming essential for both new and existing data center facilities. This approach not only reduces boiler usage and improves PUE but also contributes to community welfare.
