Which of the following is a primary cooling system in data centers?

Refrigerant-based systems are a primary cooling solution commonly utilized in data centers due to their efficiency in transferring heat away from equipment. These systems work by using refrigerants that absorb heat from the data center environment and then circulate through a closed loop to dissipate that heat outside or into a secondary heat exchange system. This is particularly effective in maintaining the optimal operating temperature for sensitive IT equipment, which is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring reliability and performance.

The reasons other options are less suitable include their secondary roles or limitations in addressing the specific cooling needs of a data center. Fan-assisted cooling, while helpful for air movement, often functions as a supplementary system rather than a primary means of cooling. Thermal storage systems can provide cooling but rely on prior ice or chilled water creation, making them generally a more complex and auxiliary option. Natural ventilation, while energy-efficient, can be unpredictable and is heavily influenced by external environmental conditions, making it less reliable for the constant cooling requirements of a data center. Therefore, refrigerant-based systems are preferred for their consistent and effective management of internal heat loads.