Machine Learning Software Enhances Cooling Efficiency

Vertiv™, formerly Emerson Network Power, announced it has introduced Liebert® iCOMTM Autotuning, an adaptive intelligence and machine learning software system that improves cooling system reliability, increases efficiency and significantly extends system life.

Liebert iCOM Autotuning is a feature of the Liebert iCOM-S thermal system control and is available for select Liebert cooling systems installed in North America. It will be demonstrated at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 in Las Vegas.

Typical data center cooling systems have multiple control systems for individual mechanical components, such as chillers, CRAC units, economizers and others. These controls generally are not coordinated and often operate with conflicting performance or “fight” each other.

The traditional fix for this problem has been to manually tune component controls, a time-consuming and costly practice that might work for initial conditions but becomes ineffective as conditions change. Simply changing the controls to fine-tune one component often triggers oscillations of other components that had previously been stable.

Liebert iCOM Autotuning resolves this dilemma. It applies machine learning and advanced algorithms to regulate Liebert Direct Expansion (DX) compressors or chilled water valves in a way that brings the rest of the system components into balance and stabilizes airflow and temperature. For DX systems, that means harmonizing compressors, fans and condensers to eliminate costly short cycling. For chilled water systems, that means eliminating rapid fluctuations in valve positions, called “valve hunting,” to balance fan speeds, water temperature and flow rates. The results are efficiency gains up to 15 percent , more stable air temperatures and reduced wear and tear on compressors and chilled water valves, extending their lives by up to 20 percent.

“The introduction of Liebert iCOM Autotuning marks a new level of controls available to operators of data centers and other mission critical operations” said John Peter (JP) Valiulis, vice president, North America thermal management marketing, for Vertiv. “It’s part of wave of technology we are introducing to enhance energy efficiency and provide the highest level of protection for mission-critical operations.”