HP tests more cost-effective datacentre air cooling

Hewlett-Packard is testing technology that can cut datacentre air cooling power consumption by up to 60%.

The cost of running datacentres equipped with ever-more powerful systems that give off high more and more heat is a growing issue.

The HP technology uses a network of sensors that feed data to a control system that manages the air flow and temperature setting of air conditioning units.

HP is currently using 900 sensors in a 2,000sq ft datacentre as part of its tests.

The sensors are designed to reduce air blower speeds of air conditioning units as much as possible, while still producing a room temperature that is cool enough for systems to run at an optimum.

HP has called the system a dynamic smart-cooling controller. The technology is to be used at a new HP datacentre in Bangalore, India.