What type of cooling system uses water to dissipate heat in a data center?

The chilled water cooling system is designed specifically to use water as a medium for heat exchange. It operates by circulating chilled water from a cooling plant or chiller, which absorbs heat from the data center space and transfers it to the water. The cooled water is then recirculated back to the cooling units to continue the process of dissipating heat. This method is particularly effective because water has a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to absorb a significant amount of thermal energy with relatively small temperature changes.

In the context of data center environments, the chilled water cooling system is favored for its efficiency in handling the high thermal loads typically found in these spaces. It can also support a variety of cooling equipment, including air handling units and in-row cooling solutions, making it a versatile choice for maintaining optimal operating conditions within the facility.

Other cooling methods mentioned, while important in data center operations, do not primarily involve water as the main cooling medium. For example, air conditioning units utilize refrigerants rather than simply water, evaporative cooling systems rely on water evaporation to cool the air, and refrigerated air systems are also not water-based but instead use refrigerants to capture and remove heat.