The rise of e-commerce, fintech, and AI has driven a surge in demand for data storage and processing capabilities. As a result, data centres face increasing challenges related to heat generation, requiring advanced cooling solutions to maintain operational efficiency and reliability.
One of the primary water management challenges is the heavy reliance on freshwater for cooling, which can strain local water supplies, particularly in drought-prone areas. Achieving a water-positive status requires returning more water to the environment than is consumed. To reduce dependence on freshwater resources, water reclamation strategies are adopted by sourcing and treating non-potable water for cooling purposes.
At Suntar, we provide membrane-based water reclamation solutions for recycling and reusing water, reducing data centres’ dependency on freshwater sources while reducing environmental impact.
Data Centre Water Solutions
Why Water Treatment Is Important to Data Centres?
Water is one of the most efficient and cost-effective cooling methods for data centres due to its high specific heat capacity compared to air. This allows water to absorb more heat while undergoing a smaller temperature increase.
However, untreated water can pose significant risks. Water quality requirements vary depending on the specific cooling technology used, but maintaining high water quality is always critical to ensure optimal performance. Poor water quality can lead to several issues:
- High hardness due to high calcium and magnesium content: Causes scaling, which reduces heat transfer efficiency.
- High levels of bacteria, organic matter, and microbiological contaminants: Can lead to biofouling, clogging, and system blockages.
- Chlorides, Sodium (Na), silica, and sulphates (SO₄): Can also negatively impact cooling system components.
A comprehensive water treatment strategy is therefore essential to ensure reliable, efficient, and long-lasting operation of data centre cooling systems.
Process Flowchart
Relevant Technologies
Membrane Solutions for Pre-Treatment
Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration (UF): Eliminates fine particles, macromolecular colloids and bacteria.
Spiral Wound Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes dissolved salts, heavy metals, and contaminants.
Graphene Membrane Bioreactor (MBR): Used in conjunction with biological treatment to enhance biological treatment processes efficiency and achieve effluent suitable for reuse or discharge due to reduction of organic matter, nitrogen compounds and other pollutants.
Post-Treatment & Storage
Polishes reclaimed water for reuse in cooling systems and ensure that water is readily available due to a high storage time.
Monitoring & Automation
Integrated control systems ensure consistent performance and remote monitoring capabilities.
Our Water Solutions
- Reclaimed Water: Up to 85% Recovery
- Ground Water / Rain Water / Surface Water: Up to 75% Recovery
- Sea Water: Up to 50% Recovery
- Cooling Tower Blowdown: Up to 70% Recovery (ZLD Up To 99% Recovery)
Why We are Your Preferred Solutions Provider?
Design Experience:
- Deep design experience for multi-phase data centre water reclamation projects with scalability and flexibility requirements.
Engineering Capabilities:
- Proven track record in delivering large scale water treatment projects on time and on cost around the world.
Technology Portfolio:
- Comprehensive technology portfolio of water treatment technologies to tackle challenges present in different water sources.
Feasibility Studies:
- Localized project personnel to evaluate water supply options and navigate engagements with water operators and govt agencies such as JSW, IWK, PWA, PUB etc. for licensing and permit requirements
Business Impact:
- Competitive CAPEX and OPEX via innovative and proven solutions.
- High-quality and reliable water supply that helps cooling systems maintain optimal operating temperatures in data centres, ensuring system stability and preventing downtime.