Daikin has supplied 71 free cooling chillers, 330 fan array units, and 8 control systems for Norway's largest data center, OSL-Hamar, owned by Green Mountain. This new data center sets a benchmark in sustainability within the industry, boasting an average PUE of just 1.2, reflecting Green Mountain's sustainability strategy. 

The Data Center  

OSL-Hamar is the largest data center in Norway and is owned by Green Mountain. The company operates several data centers across the country, with a mission focused on providing environmentally friendly and highly energy-efficient data center solutions.  

The construction of OSL-Hamar included state-of-the-art infrastructure, with significant installed power and an average PUE of 1.2, setting a new industry standard. The facility currently consists of 3 main buildings, each including 30 MW of IT power, and runs exclusively on renewable energy from multiple hydropower plants.  This data center also received the European Data Center Project of the Year 2024 award at the Datacenter Dynamics Awards Ceremony on December 11, 2024, recognizing excellence in design and sustainability.  

Daikin Solution

Daikin supported Green Mountain in achieving the desired targets in terms of efficiency and reliability of the OSL-Hamar data center. This case study demonstrates how Daikin's innovative solutions can address the challenges of modern data centers, providing added value and long-term sustainability. The combination of advanced technologies, efficient design, and comprehensive control systems makes Daikin's cooling solutions an ideal choice for data centers looking to improve their performance and reduce their environmental impact. 

Daikin equipment for data centers is developed and manufactured in Europe (Italy and the United Kingdom), reflecting the group’s strategy for R&D and manufacturing as closely as possible to local markets, enhancing sustainability.  

OSL-Hamar data center is cooled down with a water-based system, where free cooling chillers feed the fan arrays with chilled water. The fan arrays keep the white space under the desired temperature conditions. Daikin is supplying this set of equipment, leveraging its 4 development centres in Italy and the UK dedicated to Applied systems. 

• Chillers and screw compressors: in Ariccia (Rome), Italy 

• Variable frequency drives for screw compressors and harmonic filters: in Vicenza, Italy 

• Fan arrays: both in Settala (Milan), Italy, and Cramlington, UK.
  
  

Inverter-Driven Free-Cooling Chillers  

As anticipated, 71 off EWFH-TZ D air-cooled free cooling chillers were chosen for this project. These units were selected for their efficiency, reliability, and compactness. These units also feature Daikin-developed technologies as: the screw compressor, the variable frequency drive (VFD), and the integrated active harmonic filter.  

The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology in the screw compressors adjusts the compressor speed to match the cooling demand, significantly reducing energy consumption. This precise control results in substantial energy savings, especially in part-load conditions. The VFD, developed by Daikin, is also cooled down by refrigerant, meaning it can operate in every condition without being affected by temperature, dust or humidity. This results in significant energy savings and reduces mechanical stress and wear, leading to lower maintenance costs and extended equipment life.  The screw compressors are designed and manufactured by Daikin, using one main screw meshing with the star rotor to produce a volume-matching compression cycle. Due to the main rotor being balanced in both radial and axial directions, the compressor bearing has extremely high reliability. This design reduces the possibility of failure and keeps operation costs low. 

Daikin's Active Harmonic Filter mitigates harmonic distortions by continuously monitoring the electrical system and dynamically adjusting to filter out harmonic distortions. This reduces Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to less than 5%, ensuring a cleaner and more stable power supply. The filter is refrigerant-cooled, allowing it to operate efficiently in various environmental conditions without being affected by ambient temperature, dust, or humidity. Mitigating harmonic distortions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electrical infrastructure, as harmonics can cause excessive heating in conductors, transformers, and motors, leading to premature failure and increased maintenance costs. By reducing harmonic distortions, Daikin's Active Harmonic Filter helps to extend the lifespan of electrical components, improve energy efficiency, and reduce operational costs. 

Intelligent Data Centre Manager Control System  

The Daikin Intelligent Data Centre Manager control system leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize data center operations. This system continuously monitors unit sensors, adjusting operational parameters in real time to ensure efficient and reliable performance. The competitiveness of this solution is further enhanced by its ability to quickly adapt to changes in demand, improving the overall efficiency of the data center. 

The Intelligent Data Centre Manager is designed to provide comprehensive control over the data center's cooling infrastructure. The system integrates with the chillers to provide a unified platform for monitoring and control. The use of AI and machine learning allows the system to analyze data from various sensors and make real-time adjustments to optimize performance. This results in improved energy efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced reliability. 

Fan Array Units

The Daikin Pro-W Fan Array units were chosen for their efficiency, reliability, and compact design. These units provide precise and uniform cooling, essential for maintaining optimal conditions within the data center. Daikin Pro-W units are designed with a modular approach, allowing for easy scalability and redundancy. They can be stacked or positioned directly against each other without compromising airflow, making them suitable for large to hyperscale data center installations. 

The use of electronically commutated (EC) fans ensures high efficiency and low energy consumption. These fans adjust their speed to match the cooling demand, optimizing energy use and reducing operational costs. Pro-W units are equipped with advanced control systems that allow for precise adjustment of fan speed and cooling output. This ensures that the cooling is always matched to the demand, improving efficiency and maintaining optimal conditions within the data center. 

The compact design of the Pro-W units allows for flexible installation in various data center layouts, maximizing space utilization and improving airflow management. This is particularly important in data centers where space is at a premium. Using high-efficiency fans and motors enhances the reliability and longevity of the Pro-W units. These components are designed to operate continuously under demanding conditions, ensuring consistent performance and reducing maintenance requirements. 

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