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Data centres are at the very heart of modern society and are central to the global economy.
The Challenge
Most of our personal and business data is stored in data centres, where computing and digital storage systems are securely kept and maintained.
The importance and sensitivity of data centre technology means that an ideal temperature is required to stop critical IT equipment overheating. This requires sophisticated cooling systems that can be easily disrupted by external airborne debris, such as seeds, leaves, insects and litter. These airborne elements are naturally drawn inside air inlets, blocking fin coils and providing a potential food source for bacteria. When airflow is restricted, cooling efficiency is reduced leading to performance issues, increased risk of component damage and costly repairs and maintenance.
Furthermore, unnecessary and inefficient expenditure of energy in data centres leads to a costly PUE (power usage effectiveness). In line with global aspirations for data centres to be carbon neutral by 2030, actions need to be taken to improve efficiency and reduce energy wastage.
The Solution
In areas densely populated with trees, data centres often struggle with an influx of seeds, pollen, insects and leaves. In urban and rural areas, litter can also cause concern. Consequently, a build-up of debris over time can lead to blockages and in the right environment potentially hazardous bacterial growth.
Removing debris from data centre air coolers can be expensive and time-consuming, so the best course of action is to prevent it from happening in the first place, rather than constantly cleaning internal cooling equipment.
A cost-effective solution with immediate results is to install debris filter screens, which can trap airborne debris and prevent the fouling of internal heat exchange components. With filter screens in place, maintaining optimal temperatures in data centres is easier, and cooling systems can operate all-year-round without disruption, reducing unnecessary energy consumption or system downtime.
Galebreaker provides world class debris screens to some of the world’s largest technology companies. Easy-to-install, our debris filter screens can be up to 72m long and 3m high, rolling or fixed depending on your needs, with manual or automatic operation.
Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 60mph, our specifically designed fabrics come with different porosities of mesh, and have low pressure drop coefficients to help maintain airflow in critical areas.
For all installations we offer a comprehensive site survey to understand and create a customised solution for your building.
The Benefits
The right debris filter screens will trap airborne debris, prevent blockages and bacterial growth, and ensure all data centre equipment continues to run efficiently, at the optimal temperature.
This will help reduce maintenance costs and improve component efficiency and lifespan. The average time to ROI on a debris filter screen installation is between 6 to 18 months.
Case Studies
Check some of our projects to know how we help businesses solve their challenges
Debris Filter Screens in Alberta, Canada
ME Global
Installing a combination of Galebreaker screens around the perimeter of the air cooler stopping any airborne contamination but still providing plenty of airflow with no impact on cooling...
Debris filter screens on an air cooled chiller in the UK
Anonymous site
Debris Filter Protection in the UK Debris filter screens on an air cooled...
Debris Filters in Switzerland
Recycling Plant, Switzerland
Galebreaker wind screens with a specifically selected porosity to stop airborne debris but not completely block...
Full Weather Protection in Ontario
North Bay Power Plant
Performance Improvement in a Challenging...
Improving ACC Airflow in Massachusetts
The Dighton Power Plant
Installing a cruciform configuration underneath the ACC with our patented M75...
Improving Fan Performance near Las Vegas
Apex
Both cruciform and perimeter screens improve performance at the Apex Generating Station...
Improving Mechanical Performance near Boston
Blackstone Energy Project
Reducing fan and gear reducer stress at the ANP Blackstone Energy...
Installing Debris filter screens on Data Centres
Anonymous site
Data centres are at the very heart of modern society and are central to the global...
Mega Watt Output Improvement in Mexico
Rio Bravo Energy
Improving vacuum on hot windy days at the Rio Bravo Energy...
