Source: Nortek Air SolutionsNortek Air Solutions' patented liquid-to-air membrane exchanger technology was selected to cool two Facebook buildings in Clonee, Ireland, which may be the worlds most advanced, energy-efficient data center.

Nortek’s StatePoint technology is comprised of a liquid-to-air membrane heat exchanger. Nortek worked closely with Facebook to develop the technology, which was announced as a new cooling system for data centers in certain climates in June 2018.

The liquid-to-air membrane addresses disadvantages of open spray and wetted media evaporative cooling systems. The engineered membrane prevents cross-contamination between water and air streams as water evaporates through a membrane separation layer to cool an air steam that regulates the temperature of the data center. This reduces the risks of cooling-water fouling and aerosol carryover into the exhaust stream.

Nortek states that the StatePoint system provides for a 20% reduction in water usage in hot and humid climates and up to a 90% reduction in water consumption in cooler climates. The evaporative cooling technology is also resistant to scale formation, providing for a longer operational lifespan.

Liquid-to-air membrane exchanger technology isolates the airstream from the cooling water for a highly efficient, indirect air-liquid-air cooling system that is acclaimed to use 20% to 30% less power than direct evaporative cooling systems. The system contains no refrigerants, requires less power during peak loads and is deployed at Facebook’s data center in Clonee, Ireland, which is entirely powered by 100% renewable energy.