BS EN 50600-4-7:2020: Elevate Your Data Centre's Cooling Efficiency

In the rapidly evolving world of information technology, the efficiency and sustainability of data centres are more critical than ever. The BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 standard is a pivotal document that provides comprehensive guidelines for assessing and improving the cooling efficiency of data centre facilities and infrastructures. Released on April 9, 2020, this standard is an essential tool for IT professionals, data centre managers, and infrastructure engineers who are committed to optimizing their operations.

Why Cooling Efficiency Matters

Data centres are the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, hosting critical applications and data for businesses and consumers alike. As the demand for data processing and storage continues to grow, so does the energy consumption of these facilities. Cooling systems are one of the largest consumers of energy in a data centre, often accounting for up to 40% of the total energy usage. Therefore, improving cooling efficiency is not only a matter of reducing operational costs but also a significant step towards achieving sustainability goals.

Comprehensive Guidelines for Optimal Performance

The BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 standard provides a detailed framework for evaluating the cooling efficiency of data centres. It introduces the concept of the Cooling Efficiency Ratio (CER), a key performance indicator that helps in assessing the effectiveness of cooling systems. By following the guidelines outlined in this standard, data centre operators can identify inefficiencies, implement best practices, and ultimately enhance the overall performance of their cooling systems.

Key Features of the Standard

• Standard Number: BS EN 50600-4-7:2020
• Pages: 22
• Released: April 9, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 539 04250 4
• Status: Standard

Benefits of Implementing BS EN 50600-4-7:2020

Adopting the BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 standard offers numerous advantages for data centre operations:

• Energy Efficiency: By optimizing cooling systems, data centres can significantly reduce their energy consumption, leading to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Cost Savings: Improved cooling efficiency translates to reduced energy bills and maintenance costs, providing a quick return on investment.
• Enhanced Reliability: Efficient cooling systems help maintain optimal operating conditions, reducing the risk of equipment failure and downtime.
• Sustainability: Aligning with global sustainability goals, this standard supports environmentally responsible practices in data centre operations.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 standard is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in the design, operation, and management of data centres, including:

• Data Centre Managers
• IT Infrastructure Engineers
• Facility Managers
• Energy Efficiency Consultants
• Sustainability Officers

Conclusion

In an era where data centres are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less, the BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 standard is an invaluable resource. By providing a clear and actionable framework for improving cooling efficiency, this standard empowers data centre professionals to enhance performance, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing facilities or design new ones, integrating the principles of this standard will ensure that your data centre is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Embrace the future of data centre efficiency with the BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 standard and take a decisive step towards operational excellence and sustainability.

BS EN 50600-4-7:2020

This standard BS EN 50600-4-7:2020 Information technology. Data centre facilities and infrastructures is classified in these ICS categories:

• 35.020 Information technology (IT) in general
• 35.110 Networking
• 35.160 Microprocessor systems

This document specifies the Cooling Efficiency Ratio (CER) as a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to quantify the efficient use of energy to control the temperature of the spaces within the data centre.

This document:

1. defines the Cooling Efficiency Ratio (CER) of a data centre;

2. describes the relationship of this KPI to a data centre’s infrastructure, information technology equipment and information technology operations;

3. defines the measurement, the calculation and the reporting of the parameter;

4. provides information on the correct interpretation of the CER.

Annex A describes the correlation of CER and other KPIs.

Annex B provides examples of the application of CER.

Annex C introduces the parameters that affect CER.

Annex D describes requirements and recommendations for derivatives of KPIs associated with CER.