Daikin Expands Data Centre Cooling Portfolio with New Pro-C CRAH Unit
Introducing the Daikin Pro-C CRAH Unit
Daikin has announced the launch of its latest innovation in data centre cooling solutions – the Pro-C computer room air handler (CRAH). This new addition strengthens Daikin’s extensive portfolio for data centre applications, offering an optimised design and advanced control strategies to meet the diverse cooling requirements of modern data centres. Manufactured in Italy and the UK, the Pro-C ensures best-in-class delivery times and reduced transport costs.
For further details on Daikin’s data centre solutions, visit Daikin Applied UK.
Pro-C CRAH: A Flexible and Efficient Cooling Solution
The Pro-C CRAH is designed to provide reliable and energy-efficient thermal management, featuring third-party certified performance. With a cooling capacity range from 30 kW to 210 kW, this unit offers the modularity and adaptability required for different data centre configurations.
Energy efficiency is a key focus, achieved through:
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Optimised chilled water heat exchangers
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Latest generation EC fans
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Integration of pressure-independent control valves
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Active harmonic filters
The inclusion of advanced control strategies and automatic transfer switches (ATS) ensures continuous reliability, reducing risks associated with power failures.
Key Features of the Pro-C CRAH
Flexibility and Modular Design
The Pro-C is engineered for maximum adaptability, making it suitable for all types of data centre layouts. It is available in two configurations:
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Hard floor – offered in both split and compact versions.
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Raised floor – available exclusively in split version, with an optimised heat exchanger to improve energy efficiency by recovering heat from expelled air and transferring it to inlet air.
This process helps reduce energy consumption, enhancing operational sustainability.
Optimised Heat Exchanger
The Pro-C heat exchanger is designed for high efficiency, focusing exclusively on sensible heat exchange while eliminating the need for condensate discharge management and air dehumidification. By operating at higher chilled water temperatures, the unit prevents condensation formation, thereby safeguarding critical data centre equipment.
Additionally, the high chilled water temperatures allow seamless integration with free cooling chillers, reducing the need for compressor-based cooling. The use of thick aluminium fins enhances durability and longevity, ensuring round-the-clock operation.
More insights on selecting air handling units for data centres can be found here.
Energy-Efficient EC Fans with Power Factor Correction
The Pro-C incorporates EC (electronically commutated) fans with brushless DC motors, which provide:
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Longer lifespan compared to traditional motors.
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Dynamic response to varying heat loads in the data centre.
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Precise speed control for optimal energy use.
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Active Power Factor Correction (PFC), minimising harmonic distortion and improving efficiency.
Pressure-Independent Control Valves
The integration of pressure-independent control valves enhances water flow management, leading to:
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Improved temperature control.
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Reduced air-cooling equipment operating time.
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Lower overall running costs.
Advanced Control Strategies for Optimised Efficiency
Data centres require high cooling capacities, often necessitating multiple CRAH units. Daikin’s Teamwork control function ensures performance optimisation and redundancy, offering:
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Capacity adjustments based on real-time data.
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Additional safety measures during failures.
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Continuous adaptation to evolving trends to maintain operational efficiency.
For guidance on selecting the right control solution for data centres, visit this link.
Protection Against Power Failures
Ensuring continuous operation is critical in data centres. The Pro-C CRAH unit integrates automatic transfer switches (ATS), which:
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Immediately restore power in the event of a failure.
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Can be supplemented with an ultra capacitor UPS to activate fans instantly when ATS restores power.
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Achieves full fan speed within less than a minute.
Expertise in Handling Complex Data Centre Projects
With decades of experience, Daikin is a global leader in air conditioning solutions, ensuring:
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Reliable product development and manufacturing in both Italy and the UK.
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Lower transport costs and flexible manufacturing due to strategic factory locations.
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A robust global service network to ensure efficient after-sales support.
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Pre-delivery testing to validate performance and compliance with project specifications.
For advice on selecting after-sales services, check out this article.
Extensive Data Centre Cooling Portfolio
Daikin offers an extensive range of cooling solutions tailored to data centre needs:
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Air-to-water free cooling chillers – Utilising low ambient temperatures to minimise energy consumption, available with Daikin-developed VFD screw compressors for superior part-load efficiency. More information can be found here.
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Intelligent Data Centre Manager (iDCM) – AI-supported plant management system that optimises multiple chiller units for peak efficiency.
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Pro-W Fan Array Units – Scalable cooling solutions available in four sizes, covering 175 kW to 700 kW, to accommodate data centres of varying sizes.
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Pro-C CRAH Units – Advanced cooling solutions with modular configurations for precise temperature control and energy efficiency.
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After-Sales Services – Wide-ranging preventive and corrective maintenance solutions, including Daikin on Site (DoS) real-time remote monitoring to proactively detect and resolve issues.
Conclusion
The Daikin Pro-C CRAH is a cutting-edge thermal management solution designed to support data centres in achieving optimal cooling efficiency, flexibility, and reliability. With its modular design, energy-efficient components, and advanced control strategies, it meets the demands of modern data centre operations while ensuring cost-effective and sustainable performance.
For more details on Daikin’s data centre cooling solutions, visit Daikin Applied UK.