ASHRAE has collaborated with the US Government’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (USA) to develop the AI Data Centre Energy Performance Framework.
The guidance focuses on thermal management as a fundamental aspect of the energy demand equation for the facilities. It incorporates practice, technical strategies for the full lifecycle of both new and existing AI Data Centres, including planning and design, commissioning, retrofit and ongoing operation.
The goal is to help owners, operators and engineers make decisions that optimise performance, control operating costs and support resilient operations. The framework addresses performance factors including energy and water use and facility reliability, with recommendations suitable for a range of climate zones and operating conditions.
At the crux of the guidance is recognition that cooling is an inseparable part of data centre function, and a major determinant of both reliability and energy use.
Commenting on the launch, Bill McQuade, President, ASHRAE, said, ASHRAE’s technical leadership in building systems and data center guidance is central to this effort at a pivotal moment for our industry.”
