Datacenters
Data centers form the backbone of our digital infrastructure, while facing increasing pressure to operate more energy efficiently and sustainably. The growth in computing power and power density is driving a rising demand for cooling, with chilled water systems and pump technology playing an increasingly important role. Van der Ende Group supports data center engineers with high quality pump solutions from Xylem, designed for reliable performance, optimal energy efficiency and future proof integration within complex cooling and water systems.
The impact of cooling on PUE, WUE and CUE
Within data centers, three KPIs are key to sustainability and performance:
- PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness): the ratio between total facility energy use and the energy consumption of IT equipment
- WUE (Water Usage Effectiveness): the amount of water required for cooling
- CUE (Carbon Usage Effectiveness): CO₂ emissions related to energy use
Cooling systems have a direct impact on all these factors. Inefficient hydraulics or poorly matched pumps not only lead to higher energy consumption, but also to unnecessary water use and a larger CO₂ footprint.
By using high efficiency pumps with IE5 motors and intelligent variable speed control, such as hydrovar® X, pump energy consumption can be reduced by up to approximately 40%. This directly translates into lower operating costs and improved performance in terms of PUE, WUE and CUE.
Pumps as a critical factor in data center infrastructure
In a modern data center, pumps are not merely supporting components, but an essential part of the overall infrastructure. They ensure a stable and controlled flow of thermal energy in the form of chilled water or coolant.
This applies on multiple levels at the same time. In chillers and recirculation systems, pumps ensure constant heat removal. In hybrid cooling concepts, where air and liquid cooling are combined, they provide flexibility and scalability. In high density applications, such as liquid cooling and CDUs (Coolant Distribution Units), precise control of flow and pressure is mission critical.
In addition, pumps are indispensable in HVAC systems, fire protection, water treatment and wastewater management. Increasingly, they also play a role in heat recovery, where waste heat from the data center is used for external applications. The challenge lies not only in capacity, but above all in reliability under variable loads and 24/7 operation.
From waste heat to a strategic energy source
Data centers continuously produce large amounts of heat. In traditional configurations, this heat is dissipated, even though it has significant energy value. We see opportunities in reusing this waste heat. By connecting data centers to district heating networks, excess heat can be used in sectors with a structural heat demand, such as greenhouse horticulture or industry. This creates a system in which energy is not lost, but reused.
Van der Ende Group plays a technical role in this process. With experience in areas such as geothermal energy and heat distribution, we realize the infrastructure needed to transport, store and make heat available. This includes robust pump solutions, reliable water treatment and precise control technology. In this way, a data center becomes not only an energy consumer, but also a potential energy source.
The right pump technology for every application
Selecting the right pump depends on the application, the fluid and the operating conditions. In data center environments, we supply several solutions, including:
The Lowara e-NSC is ideally suited for high flow rates in cooling systems and hydronic networks. For applications involving aggressive coolants, such as CDUs, the Lowara e-SH (X) in stainless steel provides the necessary chemical resistance and reliability.
For HVAC systems and building services installations, the Lowara e-LNE is often chosen due to its compact design and high efficiency under variable loads. In addition, multistage pumps such as the e-SVX and e-HM are used for pressure boosting and specific process conditions.
What these solutions have in common is their focus on:
- high hydraulic efficiency
- long service life
- stable performance under varying loads
Combined with intelligent control, this creates a system that continuously adapts to the current cooling demand without unnecessary energy consumption.
Reliability throughout the full lifecycle
In a data center environment, downtime is not an option. That is why selecting a pump involves more than specifications alone. Van der Ende Group supports the full lifecycle of the system. In our workshop, installations are prepared and optimized for specific applications. On site, our technicians handle installation, commissioning and service.
Through preventive maintenance and rapid availability of parts, we minimize risks and ensure operational continuity. Thanks to our extensive inventory, we can respond quickly when needed. For additional insight into the condition and performance of pump systems, installations can be equipped with Optimyze. This smart sensor technology continuously monitors factors such as vibrations, temperature, and pressure, making anomalies like cavitation, wear, or imbalance detectable at an early stage. This makes maintenance predictable and helps further limit unexpected failures and downtime.”
Optimize performance and use energy more efficiently
The role of pumps within data centers has fundamentally changed. Where they were once seen as supporting components, they are now critical to energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
By investing in the right pump technology and smart system integration, data centers can:
- reduce energy consumption
- optimize water usage
- reduce CO₂ emissions
- use waste heat as a valuable energy source
This not only creates a more efficient data center, but also a future proof infrastructure.
Would you like to understand how your data center can cool more efficiently or how waste heat can be used within your installation? Contact Van der Ende Group for customized technical advice. We work with you from design through optimization, with solutions that have a direct impact on performance and sustainability.