Single or Double-flow CMV: Efficiency, Consumption and Costs

Energy efficiency has become a priority in all human activity, and reducing our ecological footprint is imperative. At the same time, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is increasingly valued, not only for its influence on health and well-being, but also on the productivity of those who occupy modern buildings, from homes to offices, schools, hospitals and industrial environments.

Historically, buildings had few windows and low airtightness. In single-flow CMV systems, air was only extracted, and new air entered through window gaps or passive ventilation grilles. Today, buildings are much more insulated and brighter, an evolution that requires controlled and balanced ventilation.

This is where the dual-flow CMV system with heat recovery comes in, which not only removes polluted air, but also treats it and brings the temperature of the supplied air closer to that of the return air, combining energy efficiency, thermal comfort and clean air.

Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV)

Controlled Mechanical Ventilation is a system that ensures continuous and controlled renewal of indoor air.

While natural ventilation is unpredictable, CMV maintains constant air flows, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

There are two main types of CMV:

• Simple-Flow, which can extract and blow air.
• Double-Flow with heat recovery, which extracts and blows in new treated air, utilising the energy from the extracted air.

Single-Flow CMV: operation and limitations

Single-Flow systems work only by extracting stale air (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms). Fresh air enters uncontrolled through cracks, windows, or intake grilles.

Although they are a more economical solution in the short term, they have several limitations:

• Significant energy losses: hot or cold air is expelled without energy recovery, which increases the energy bill.
• No filtration: incoming air is neither treated nor purified.
• Thermal discomfort: cold draughts or temperature variations.
• Noise and outdoor pollution: direct entry of particles and noise.
• Maintenance costs: accelerated deterioration of buildings and interior spaces.

Double-Flow CMV with heat recovery: operation and advantages

The Double-Flow CMV extracts stale air and blows new, treated and filtered air into the main rooms.
Between these two flows there is a heat exchanger that transfers up to 93% of the thermal energy from the extracted air to the new air.

The result is efficient and balanced ventilation, with several advantages:

• Superior energy efficiency, with lower heating and cooling requirements.
• Better indoor air quality thanks to particle and pollutant filtration.
• Greater thermal and acoustic comfort, without draughts.
• Always fresh and healthy air, ideal for homes and professional spaces.

In addition, modern dual-flow units can include free cooling and free heating, using outside air to naturally cool or heat the building without additional energy consumption.

Single-Flow CMV vs Double-Flow CMV

The difference between the two systems translates into significant differences in energy consumption and operating costs.

The following simulations show the monthly energy consumption and cost associated with air conditioning, considering a flow rate of 1000m³/h operating 8 hours/day and a setpoint of 20ºC, but with two different configurations:

Double-Flow Heat Recovery unit (KT OCRAMclima®) with DX coil and outdoor unit

Monthly graph of energy consumption and air conditioning costs, considering a heat recovery unit with 85% efficiency and electrical heater to cover the remainder if necessary.

The bars represent total consumption (kWh) per month.

The green line indicates the energy cost at €0.16/kWh.

The red line indicates the energy cost at €0.24/kWh.

The result shows a significant reduction in energy consumption and costs during the cold months, proving the efficiency of heat recovery in heating and cooling fresh air.

Single-Flow (unidirectional) unit with DX coil and outdoor unit

Monthly graph of air conditioning consumption and cost, considering a single-direction unit and a DX coil with outdoor unit.

The bars represent total consumption (kWh) per month.

The green line indicates the energy cost at €0.16/kWh.

The red line indicates the energy cost at €0.24/kWh.

In this scenario, energy consumption is considerably higher, especially during winter and summer, due to the absence of heat recovery; the air is heated or cooled entirely using electrical or refrigeration energy.

Direct comparison of consumption and air conditioning costs

The difference between the two systems is significant:

• The double-flow heat recovery unit reduces energy consumption and costs by 30% to 50% compared to a single flow system.
• These savings translate into a rapid return on investment, as well as increased thermal comfort and better indoor air quality.

These results confirm that investing in double-flow ventilation with heat recovery means investing in the efficiency, sustainability and durability of the building.

Health and wellbeing benefits

Dual-flow CMV systems are not only notable for their energy efficiency, they are also crucial for indoor air quality (IAQ) and, consequently, for the health and comfort of those who live or work in the building.

By ensuring continuous and balanced ventilation, these systems keep the air constantly refreshed, eliminating pollutants, humidity and excess carbon dioxide (CO₂). The result is a healthier, more stable and productive indoor environment.

Controlled mechanical ventilation provides:

• Reduction of CO₂ and pollutants: prevents stale air, improves concentration and reduces symptoms associated with poor ventilation (headaches, fatigue, allergies).
• Greater well-being and productivity: in schools, offices and homes, clean air translates into better cognitive performance, comfort and respiratory health.

Practical applications of heat recovery ventilation

Heat recovery ventilation is a versatile solution that can be adapted to different types of buildings, from the residential sector to industrial environments.

In all cases, the objective is the same: to ensure clean air, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency.

• Housing and offices. Provides daily comfort and healthy air, maintaining a stable indoor temperature throughout the year. Reduces energy consumption and improves the quality of life and productivity of occupants.
• Hospitals and laboratories. Essential for highly demanding environments, heat recovery systems ensure constant and controlled air renewal, limiting the spread of contaminants and ensuring health safety.
• Schools and public spaces. They promote better concentration and cognitive performance, while reducing the risk of outbreaks and absenteeism associated with poor ventilation conditions.
• Industry and technical environments. They adapt to specific processes, ensuring thermal stability, particle control and protection of sensitive equipment, which are essential for operational continuity and the quality of the final product.

OCRAMclima® in heat recovery ventilation

OCRAMclima® develops dual-flow controlled mechanical ventilation solutions with heat recovery, designed for efficiency, durability, and comfort.

The KT Home and KT Pro ranges have been designed to meet different needs, from residential spaces to buildings with higher air flow, with simple installation and optimised maintenance.

Heat recovery ventilation is one of the cornerstones of energy efficiency and indoor air quality in modern buildings.

With double-flow technology, it is possible to save energy, improve comfort and ensure a healthier and more sustainable indoor environment.

Explore OCRAMclima® solutions and discover how KT heat recovery systems can optimise energy performance and air quality.

HVAC Control and Automation for Efficient Buildings

In a modern building, energy efficiency and indoor air quality do not depend solely on good equipment: they depend above all on how this equipment is controlled and managed, and this is where HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) automation comes in.

In a scenario where digitisation and smart integration shape the future of buildings, HVAC control and automation play an essential role for those seeking energy efficiency in air conditioning, greater reliability and better indoor air quality. This approach not only optimises consumption and extends the useful life of equipment, but also contributes to the development of smart and sustainable buildings, in line with current requirements for efficiency and environmental responsibility.

This is the path that OCRAMclima® has been consolidating: developing reliable, intelligent and tailored solutions, ensuring comfort, performance and sustainability.

The role of control and automation in HVAC performance

An efficient system needs to react to changes in the environment. An AHU should be a dynamic system that responds in real time to changes in the ambient and internal temperatures of the building.

With intelligent automation, the unit automatically adapts its operation to ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance.

Thanks to automatic and precise controls, energy consumption is reduced, components suffer less wear and tear, and operating costs become more predictable. For occupants, the result is greater comfort, and for building management there is the clear advantage of lower operating costs and more predictable maintenance.

How does the control system of an Air Handling Unit work?

The efficient operation of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) depends on the coordinated integration of various field devices. Among the main ones are:

• Temperature, humidity and CO₂ sensors – continuously monitor air quality;
• Differential pressure switches and pressure transducers – monitor flow conditions and filter status.

The information collected is essential for automatic control of the AHU. Based on this data, the actuators dynamically regulate:

• The heating and cooling water valves;
• Air registers (dampers), controlling air flow and adequate renewal.

The ‘brain’ of the system is the Siemens Climatix® programmable controller, responsible for executing the operating logic. This controller, which can be configured and programmed according to the needs of each HVAC project, enables:

• Management of operating modes (occupied/unoccupied, summer/winter, etc.);
• Temperature and humidity regulation with adjustable setpoints;
• System protection, such as dirty filter alarms detected by differential pressure switches;
• Integration with supervision systems (BMS – Building Management System) through native protocols such as BACnet and Modbus, or optional protocols such as KNX.

Thanks to HVAC automation and centralised control, AHUs ensure a comfortable, efficient and energy-optimised indoor environment.

More than just controlling, automation should optimise. Strategies such as dynamic setpoints, intelligent heat recovery and flow balancing are now fundamental practices for increasing energy efficiency in air conditioning and ensuring more sustainable buildings.

Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)

The integration of Siemens Climatix® with Building Management System (BMS) goes beyond simple climate control. It is an approach geared towards intelligent HVAC automation, which allows the full potential of the HVAC installation to be exploited efficiently and sustainably.

Through BMS, it is possible to monitor the entire system in real time, generate detailed reports, and implement data-driven predictive maintenance.

This integration translates into truly intelligent HVAC management, in which sensors, controllers and actuators work together to reduce consumption and maximise environmental comfort.

Intelligent and adaptive HVAC automation

• Dynamic management of operating modes: the system automatically adjusts to schedules, occupancy levels and outdoor conditions, ensuring comfort only when necessary.
• Energy optimisation: through real-time data analysis, it is possible to reduce consumption, avoid waste and extend the useful life of equipment.
• Predictive maintenance: alarms and logs recorded by the controller enable you to anticipate failures and plan interventions more efficiently.

Integration with other building systems

Thanks to its compatibility with standard protocols (BACnet, Modbus, KNX), Climatix® can be integrated with other building subsystems, such as:

• Automatic lighting and blinds to enhance energy efficiency;
• Security and access systems, for coordination between comfort and protection;
• Renewable energy production, aligning consumption and local production.

Global benefits

With these advanced strategies, HVAC automation is no longer just a matter of thermal comfort, but rather a tool for overall building management, contributing to:

• Reduction in operating costs;
• Achievement of sustainability targets;
• Greater comfort and productivity for occupants;
• Appreciation of real estate assets.

Benefits of HVAC automation for different types of buildings

The integration of the HVAC control system with Siemens Climatix® and BMS offers advantages tailored to the specific needs of each type of building:

Offices

• Thermal comfort and air quality adjusted to occupancy;
• Reduction of energy costs outside working hours;
• A healthy environment that improves employee productivity.

Hotels

• Customised climate control per room or zone;
• Greater efficiency by adjusting consumption according to occupancy rates;
• A more comfortable experience for guests, increasing satisfaction.

Hospitals and clinics

• Strict control of temperature, humidity and pressure in critical areas (clean rooms, operating theatres);
• Centralised monitoring to ensure security and service continuity;
• Reduced risk of cross-contamination through controlled ventilation.

Shopping centres and retail

• Efficient management of large areas with different occupancy profiles;
• Optimisation of energy costs in common areas and shops;
• Improving the customer experience through comfortable environments.

Schools and universities

• Adjustment of climate control based on the actual presence of students and teachers;
• Monitoring indoor air quality, essential for well-being and concentration;
• Significant savings during holidays or periods of non-use.

Industry and logistics

• Environmental control for sensitive production processes;
• Integration with energy and production systems (e.g. photovoltaic, cogeneration);
• Reliability and operational safety in warehouses and industrial areas.

HVAC control and automation are now key elements in achieving energy efficiency, reliability and comfort in any building. OCRAMclima® develops and implements control and automation systems tailored to each project, ensuring scalability, efficiency and reliability.

With integration into Building Management System (BMS), we combine advanced management, continuous monitoring and specialised technical support so that each building operates at its maximum potential.

Would you like to optimise the performance of your HVAC systems?

Preventive maintenance in HVAC systems

• Request a detailed equipment maintenance manual

Air conditioning is not just a matter of comfort, it is also an essential factor in ensuring health, equipment performance and energy efficiency in commercial and industrial buildings.

However, all of this depends on an often overlooked element: preventive maintenance. When performed properly, it extends the life of equipment, improves indoor air quality and reduces energy and operating costs.

Why is preventive maintenance so important?

Regular maintenance of an HVAC system is not just a technical obligation, it ensures that the entire system operates with minimum effort and maximum return. Here are the main benefits of preventive maintenance:

• Lower energy consumption: clean filters and unobstructed fins require less effort from the fans and operate with lower energy consumption, reducing operating costs.
• Better air quality: Periodic filter replacement prevents the proliferation of dust, mould and other contaminants, providing a healthier environment.
• Reduction of downtime and unforeseen costs: Frequent inspections identify premature wear and tear and prevent unexpected downtime that can lead to high replacement costs.
• Increased Equipment Lifespan: Proper maintenance ensures that components operate within ideal standards, preventing early failures and extending their durability.
• Compliance with required technical and environmental standards.

Image caption: Example of the interior of an Air Handling Unit without preventive maintenance, after 18 months.

Main Preventive Maintenance Actions:

Preventive maintenance of systems varies depending on the equipment in question, however, a well-defined schedule should be followed according to operating conditions.

The main actions include:

• Regular cleaning of the unit to prevent dust or other volatile particles from accumulating that are not retained in the filters.
• Cleaning the battery fins (if applicable) to unblock the air passage, as if they are dirty, efficiency will be low and we will not obtain the necessary performance.
• Regular maintenance of the filters helps to maintain low pressure drop in the unit, thus reducing the fan’s energy consumption and substantially lowering operating costs.
• Inspection of components and verification of system efficiency.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Air Handling Units (AHU MU and AHU HMU)

Filters:

• Pre-filters: replace every 6 months.
• Final filters: replace every 12 months.

Essential care:

• Do not operate the unit without filters.
• Check for contamination, deterioration and corrosion, both general and of components: every 3 to 6 months.
• Check for fluid leaks in pipes and manifolds: every 6 months.
• Check clogging levels regularly: every 12 months.
• Carry out hygiene inspections: after start-up; every 2 years if you have humidifiers; every 3 years if you do not have humidifiers.

Cleaning:

• Cold water and pH neutral or slightly alkaline detergents.
• Use disinfectants suitable for different surfaces, with alcohol solutions never exceeding 95%.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Heat Recovery Units (KT Pro and KT Home)

Filters:

• Periodic inspection and replacement as needed due to wear.

Cleaning:

• Every 6 months.
• Use water at room temperature.
• Use pH-neutral or slightly alkaline detergents that are compatible with the materials.

Essential care:

• Regularly check for blockages in the fresh air or stale air intake.
• Check for condensation, contamination, deterioration and corrosion, both general and of components: every 3 to 6 months.
• Check for fluid leaks in pipes and manifolds: every 6 months.

Maintenance and Cleaning of Nano Purifying Systems (NPS® Master)

Filters:

• They should be cleaned every month.
• Replaced if damaged: every 6 to 12 months.
• Intelligent warning system, equipped with automatic replacement alarms.

Internal cleaning:

• Every 6 months, with an alkaline solution diluted in water. Ozone lamps must be removed before cleaning.
• Ozone lamps:
• Clean every 3 months.
• Replace with specific safety precautions (after cooling and residual ozone levels).

Energy impact of poor maintenance

Replacing and cleaning filters has a direct impact on energy consumption. An OCRAMclima® simulation with a flow rate of 11,000 m³/h shows:

INS+EXT pressure drop Clean filters (G4+M6+F9/M5) Dirty filters (G4+M6+F9/M5)	1350 Pa 1650 Pa
Hourly consumption with clean filters	6.08kW
Hourly consumption with dirty filters	7.1kW

Considering the average energy price as 0.24€/kWh:

24-hour operation	1 Day	1 Month	1 Year
Price with clean filters	35,0€	1 050€	12 600€
Price with dirty filters	40,9€	1 227€	14 724€

The difference of 2 124€/year proves that preventive maintenance significantly reduces operating costs.

Keeping air conditioning systems running efficiently and safely depends largely on proper preventive maintenance. Small gestures, such as timely filter replacement, prevent particle accumulation, efficiency losses and high energy consumption.

In practice, neglecting this routine can seriously compromise the performance of the units and accelerate component wear, leading in many cases to the need for complete replacement of the equipment.

OCRAMclima® supports its customers in all phases of the HVAC system life cycle: from the supply of filters to the complete replacement of equipment when the system reaches the end of its useful life due to lack of maintenance. With specialised solutions, quality materials and ongoing support, we help ensure that the air remains clean, efficient and sustainable.

Dimensioning Air Handling Units for Data Centres

Data centers are now critical infrastructures that support the functioning of the digital economy. As the volumes of information processed and stored grow, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), so do the energy requirements of these spaces.

It is estimated that the energy consumption of data centers could double between 2022 and 2026, with applications such as ChatGPT consuming up to 10 times more processing power than traditional search engines such as Google Search (Statista, 2024).

In this context, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems play a strategic role: they guarantee energy efficiency, protect the physical integrity of equipment and contribute to the operational resilience of data centers.

HVAC requirements in Data Centers

Together with other strategies, such as those in the article ‘Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Measures in Data Centres’, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems play an essential and complex role in data centers.

Unlike traditional buildings, data centers operate continuously, housing high-density electronic equipment that generates large volumes of heat. This requires highly precise climate control systems capable of maintaining stable temperature and humidity conditions to guarantee the performance and longevity of IT systems.

According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommendations, the ideal equipment environment specifications for air cooling are:

• Temperature: between 18°C and 27°C
• Relative humidity: between 20% and 80%
• Dew point: maximum 22°C
• Variation of less than 5°C in temperature and 5% in humidity

These values may vary depending on the class of equipment used, but respecting them is essential. When the temperature exceeds the set limits, computer equipment can automatically shut down, risking data continuity and security.

Risks associated with inefficient HVAC systems

When an HVAC system is improperly dimensioned, has control failures or is not adapted to the geometry and thermal load of the space, the operational risks increase significantly:

• Overheating of servers, which can lead to automatic slowdown or abrupt shutdown
• Condensation in electrical circuits, which compromises the integrity of components and can lead to short circuits
• Premature degradation of components that are more sensitive to heat and humidity, reducing the reliability of critical systems
• Excessive energy consumption
• Unplanned downtime, with potential data loss, service failures and high financial and reputational impacts.

How to Dimension an Air Handling Unit for Data Centers

The wrong choice of HVAC system in critical environments can compromise operational efficiency and safety. When choosing an Air Handling Unit (AHU) for data centers, it is essential to consider various criteria to ensure energy efficiency, reliability and suitability for the space available.

Hereafter, we highlight the main technical criteria to consider when selecting a AHU for Data Centers:

• Energy Efficiency:

Technologies such as EC fans, with lower consumption and variable speed; optimised heat exchangers, with high sensible and latent heat transfer and low pressure drop; and low air resistance filters, which reduce the power required from the fans.

• Adequate Cooling Capacity:

Depending on the project, thermal loads can be borne by the AHU alone or shared with other cooling equipment, always keeping the temperature within the defined parameters, which normally follow ASHRAE recommendations for the safe and efficient operation of servers.

• Air Quality:

A AHU for data centers must have advanced filtering systems capable of eliminating particles and contaminants, guaranteeing a clean and suitable environment for the equipment.

• Flexibility and Modularity:

Modular units allow scalability and adaptation to different data center configurations and evolutions.

• Integration with Building Management System (BMS):

With real-time monitoring, automatic adjustments to environmental variations and alerts

• Preventive Maintenance:

Essential for extending the lifetime of the system and avoiding costly breakdowns, guaranteeing the continuous operation of the data center.

• Compliance with Standards and Certifications:

Ensuring the constructive quality, energy performance and safety of the equipment installed.

Specialised air conditioning in data centers is a determining factor in ensuring energy efficiency, operational continuity and equipment durability. In a context where every degree counts and where the margins for error are minimal, it is essential to choose HVAC systems that are reliable, modular and adjusted to the technical requirements of each project.

At OCRAMclima®, we develop tailor-made Air Handling Units (AHU), with integration into Building Management System (BMS), high energy efficiency and advanced filtering solutions. In addition to AHU, we offer complementary solutions that can be adapted to challenges such as data centers.

If you want to delve into the solutions available for your project, or obtain technical support in the process of specifying and selecting equipment, our sales team is available to support you.

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Seismic Zones: Infrastructure, Equipment, and HVAC

Seismic zones are regions where earthquakes are more frequent, and where accurate cartographic recording is crucial for developing social and urban planning, as well as for adopting risk mitigation measures.

Earthquakes primarily result from the release of energy in the tension zones between tectonic plates (interplate earthquakes). Another cause is volcanic activity and molten material inside the plates (intraplate earthquakes), which, although the seismic magnitude is typically not as high, can have significant consequences due to the epicenter being closer to populated areas.

The main seismic zones of the planet are:

• The Circum-Pacific Zone, one of the areas with the highest seismic intensity, surrounding the Pacific Ocean;
• The Alpine-Himalayan Belt, extending from the Iberian Peninsula and northern Africa to Indonesia;
• The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which includes the Azores archipelago;
• The Rift Valley Zone in East Africa.

Seismic Risk in Portugal

Portugal and Spain have shown some seismic activity, making them higher-risk zones than most of Europe. According to the Portuguese Society of Seismic Engineering, Portugal, particularly in the southern part of the country and the Azores, is characterized as a zone of significant seismicity due to its location. The region is affected by not only interplate earthquakes but also due to the proximity of the following active faults:

• The Tejo Valley Fault (likely the origin of the 1755 earthquake);
• The Gorringe Fault (the epicenter of the 1909 Benavente earthquake);
• The Azores Archipelago, affected by the meeting of three tectonic plates (American, Eurasian, and African).

Financial Losses and Damages

In areas prone to earthquakes and tremors, proper design and engineering are essential to ensure the stability of buildings. However, earthquakes can affect not only the structure but also non-structural components, such as mechanical, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire protection systems.

When such an event occurs, the main financial impacts are the costs of equipment repair, cleaning the damage, and the loss of the building’s function.

Especially in an industrial building, replacing HVAC equipment, ducts, pipes, electrical systems, and fire network systems can be more expensive than the structure itself, and damaged non-structural elements can make the building unusable.

Seismic protection in HVAC

The ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) has building codes and provides guidelines for the seismic protection of non-structural elements through the Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7, 2010 edition).

The ASCE also assigns importance factors to different equipment. In simple terms, the importance factor reflects the severity of a potential failure of the equipment in question. HVAC equipment, smoke removal systems, backup generators in hospitals, and pipes that transport hazardous materials would all have higher importance factors.

The primary purpose of seismic support is to restrict the horizontal shaking of an earthquake. All seismic supports firmly anchor the equipment to the structural elements of a building, allowing them to move with the structure during an earthquake. This prevents the equipment from tipping over, falling from its suspended location, or colliding with other objects.

Seismic Air Handling Units (AHUs) are essential in earthquake-prone areas as they ensure the continuity of HVAC and ventilation systems, minimizing structural and operational risks.

Technical and Safety Requirements for AHUs in Seismic Zones:

1. Reinforced Structures

• AHUs in seismic zones need a more robust structure to withstand vibrational movements without compromising their integrity;
• The use of stronger materials and construction methods helps absorb and dissipate seismic energy, preventing breaks, deformations, or failures;
• Reinforcements on welds and joints maintain the system’s rigidity.

2. Proper Fixation and Seismic Supports

• The fixation of AHUs to the ground or supporting structures should be done using special anchoring elements, such as bolts and mounting plates, capable of resisting multidirectional forces;
• The antivibration supports, commonly found in conventional AHUs, are adjusted to work effectively during seismic events, using dampers and isolators designed to withstand dynamic loads.

3. Vibration Isolation and Damping

• To mitigate the effect of tremors, an isolation system is used that separates the ATU from the building structure, allowing it to move without causing damage;
• Special damping systems help absorb vibrations, preventing the equipment from transferring forces to the building’s structure;
• Base isolators, which allow for some freedom of movement and absorb the energy from the impact, are particularly useful.

4. Seismic Testing and Certification

• Seismic AHUs are tested to meet seismic resistance standards, such as ASHRAE Standard 171 (Seismic Resistance Requirements for HVAC Equipment);
• Vibration and dynamic resistance tests help assess the unit’s resilience and predict its behavior during actual earthquakes.

5. Design Considerations for Specific Contexts

• In critical buildings, such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities, where continuous ventilation is essential, the use of seismic AHUs is indispensable to maintaining operations;
• It is also common to integrate seismic sensors that, upon detecting tremors, automatically adjust the system’s operation to avoid overloading or unexpected shutdowns.

6. Redundancy and Backup in Critical Systems

• Redundant systems are often installed to automatically activate in case of failure or damage to the primary system;
• This ensures ventilation and air control even under adverse conditions, especially in locations with essential functions, such as healthcare areas.

These structural reinforcement and isolation strategies help ensure that the AHU continues to operate or can be quickly restored after a seismic event, maintaining safety and contributing to the environment’s functionality.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Measures for Data Centers

Data centers are the backbone of the digital era, and despite already consuming more than 1% of global electricity, the path to sustainability is set.

With the rise of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for data processing and storage is growing at an unprecedented rate. However, this massive expansion brings significant challenges: energy consumption, efficient cooling, environmental impact, and adequate infrastructure.

Is the world ready to keep up with the fast pace of data centers?

Reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact of data centers are crucial challenges in the digital age. Regarding energy efficiency, several strategies can help mitigate this situation.

• Reducing the number of physical servers by using virtualization to maximize resource utilization and adopting energy-efficient servers are two key strategies, but the solutions don’t stop there.

• To improve cooling systems, two alternative methods can be used instead of traditional air conditioning. Free cooling, which cools servers when weather conditions allow; or water cooling, a method that involves immersing electronic components in a dielectric liquid, allowing direct contact with the equipment without the risk of short circuits.

• Investing in renewable energy to power data centers and offsetting consumption by purchasing clean energy credits can be excellent measures regarding renewable energy sources, but there are three other major strategies.

• Smart energy management can be enhanced by real-time monitoring through IoT sensors, which help adjust energy consumption. Additionally, modular data center construction is becoming increasingly popular, allowing for gradual expansion and optimizing energy use as infrastructure grows.

• Another strategy involves building data centers in naturally cold locations to reduce cooling needs and placing them near renewable energy sources to minimize transmission losses.

• Implementing smart strategies such as virtualization, advanced cooling, and integration with renewable energy sources is not just a necessity but an opportunity to redefine the future of digital infrastructure.

Technology is advancing, but it is up to us to ensure that this evolution is sustainable. The path to more efficient data centers is already laid out—those who follow it will not only reduce costs but also lead the transformation toward a greener and more responsible future.

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Discover our suggestions for ensuring efficiency and security in Data Centers:

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More about Data Centers:

The boom of data centres and the challenges of the climate control

The data center market in Europe has seen significant growth in recent years and projections indicate that this trend will continue. In 2024, the European data center market was expected to reach 12,23 thousand MW, with an annual growth rate of 7.96%, thus reaching more than 17,93 thousand MW by 2029.

It is estimated that there are over 8,000 data centers worldwide, the largest cluster being in Northern Virginia with over 300 data centers and an energy consumption capacity of 2,552MW.

Portugal, despite being pointed out as a hub and gateway to the world in terms of interconnection, has 35 data centers, although more investment in this sector is planned.

In Europe, the UK is the country with the biggest environmental footprint. The data centers operating out of London require 1,053 MW. On the same list, the second European city with the most installed capacity is Frankfurt, with 864 MW.

Globally, the second region with the most computing capacity is Beijing, with 1,799 MW, which remains the only Asian city to need more than 1,000 MW to power its data centers. The data centers already installed in Tokyo, for example, consume 865 MW.

DATA CENTERS: CAN THE WORLD KEEP UP?

This growth is driven by several factors, including the increased use of data, the growing demand for cloud computing services and the need for robust e-commerce systems. In addition, the expansion of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing is contributing to increasingly advanced data center infrastructures.

However, this growth brings with it significant challenges, especially with regard to energy consumption. According to the European Commission, data centers in Europe used 259 TWh of electricity by 2020, representing 1.7% of the world’s total energy consumption. With the market expected to generate 30 times more data over the next ten years, a corresponding increase in energy consumption is expected. Consequently, there is an increasing focus on reducing energy consumption, consolidating wide area networks (WAN) and bandwidth requirements, creating opportunities for the data center interconnection market.

Known as ‘the new vaults’ because they house servers and storage systems, data centers are physical infrastructures designed to store, process and distribute large volumes of data and digital applications. They support the IT operations of companies, governments and internet service providers.

Due to the high energy consumption and environmental impact, there is an increasing focus on the energy efficiency and sustainability of data centers, including the use of renewable sources and advanced cooling technologies.

The future of data centers in Europe looks promising, with continued growth driven by digitalisation and the adoption of new technologies. However, it will be crucial to address the challenges related to energy consumption and sustainability to ensure a balanced and responsible development of the sector.