Data centre cooling: How spray technology improves efficiency
AS rack power densities in data centres rise due to AI and high-performance computing, traditional mechanical cooling becomes energy-intensive. Spraying Systems Co. supplies spray technology for cooling applications that can help operators manage rising thermal loads and improve cooling efficiency.
The company’s engineered spray technology supports facility-level cooling efficiency and process reliability by enabling precise humidification and evaporative cooling.
Fine-mist or fog nozzles atomize water into very small droplets (typically 10 to 30 microns for “dry fog” applications). These droplets evaporate rapidly in the airstream, absorbing heat and lowering the temperature of incoming air before it reaches condensers, heat exchangers, air-cooled chillers, or outdoor units.
HVAC / evaporative cooling
Spraying Systems Co.’s precision spray nozzles deliver fine, uniform mists for adiabatic (evaporative) pre-cooling of incoming air to air-cooled heat exchangers, condensers, and outdoor units. The droplets evaporate rapidly, lowering air temperature and improving heat-rejection capacity during hot weather or peak loads.
Systems often run dry most of the year and activate only when needed, with staged controls based on ambient conditions. Engineered droplet size, distribution, and placement minimise water carryover, protecting equipment while reducing chiller energy use and improving overall cooling efficiency.
Maximising power
Evaporative cooling nozzles are applied to natural-gas or diesel backup generators and on-site power engines. By cooling inlet air, the systems increase engine efficiency and power output, allowing facilities to extract more capacity from existing generators without major upgrades.
This helps data centres meet rising IT loads while maintaining reliability during utility outages or peak demand.
NOx control
For emissions compliance, specialised injectors and nozzles precisely dose ammonia or urea into exhaust streams from generators or turbines. These support Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) or Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) systems. Consistent droplet size, distribution, and placement ensure effective reagent-NOx reaction, minimise catalyst degradation or plugging, and help meet EPA limits. Insulated injectors and automated controls handle variable loads and short-duration testing runs common in data centre power systems.
Water treatment
Spray nozzles and eductors enhance chemical mixing, distribution, and process consistency in cooling-water treatment tanks and systems. Eductors use hydraulic energy for thorough mixing without mechanical agitators, reducing scaling, corrosion, and fouling risks. This protects critical cooling infrastructure, improves reliability, and supports sustainable water management in evaporative systems.
Together, these applications help data centres maintain uptime, improve energy and water efficiency, meet environmental regulations, and scale performance under increasing thermal and power demands.
For more information contact grant@monitorspray.co.za
