EC fans for data center cooling: Energy efficiency and reliability
Data centers place high demands on their cooling systems. Servers generate heat around the clock, while cooling demand continuously changes as IT loads fluctuate. That’s why EC fans are becoming the preferred choice for modern data center cooling.
Compared to traditional AC fans, EC fans offer higher efficiency, precise speed control and advanced communication options. This allows cooling systems to operate more efficiently without compromising reliability. Whether they’re installed in CRAH units, CRAC units, fan walls or in-row cooling systems, the right EC fan contributes directly to the overall performance of the installation.
In this article, you’ll learn why EC fans play such an important role in data center cooling, where they are typically used and what OEMs and system builders should consider when selecting the right fan.
New to EC technology? Read our article What is an EC fan? to learn how electronically commutated motors work. Or browse our range of EC fans.
Why are EC fans becoming the standard for data center cooling?
Cooling accounts for a significant share of a data center’s total energy consumption. Improving the efficiency of the cooling system therefore has a direct impact on operational costs and on the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of the facility.
One of the most effective ways to improve efficiency is by replacing conventional AC fans with EC fans. Because EC motors can accurately match fan speed to the required airflow, they consume considerably less energy during partial load conditions—where most data centers operate for the majority of the time.
EC fans offer several key advantages.
- Precise speed control
Unlike traditional AC motors, EC motors feature integrated electronics that allow the fan speed to be controlled directly. In many applications, no external variable frequency drive (VFD) is required.This enables the airflow to continuously adapt to the actual cooling demand, improving efficiency while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Want to learn more about controlling EC fans? Read our article How to Control an EC Fan.
- High efficiency at partial load
Data centers rarely operate at full IT capacity all day long. As workloads fluctuate, cooling demand changes accordingly.
EC fans excel under these varying conditions because power consumption decreases significantly as fan speed is reduced. Compared to many conventional AC fan systems, this results in substantial energy savings during normal day-to-day operation.
Interested in the differences between both motor technologies? Read EC vs AC Motors: What’s the Difference?
- Easy integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)
Many EC fans support communication protocols such as Modbus RTU or control signals such as 0-10 V.
This allows fan speed, alarms and operating data to be integrated into the Building Management System (BMS), enabling the cooling system to automatically respond to changing thermal loads throughout the data center.
- Lower maintenance requirements
EC motors have fewer wear components than traditional AC motors. Since there are no carbon brushes and the electronics are integrated into the motor, maintenance requirements are generally lower.
For facilities operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this contributes to improved reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Typical applications of EC fans in data centers
Fan walls
One of the most common applications is the fan wall.
Instead of using one large fan, multiple smaller EC fans operate in parallel.
This configuration offers several advantages:
- Improved reliability through N+1 or N+2 redundancy
- Better efficiency under varying load conditions
- Easier maintenance
- Higher efficiency during partial load operation
If one fan fails, the remaining fans continue operating, allowing the cooling system to maintain most of its capacity. This redundancy is one of the main reasons why fan wall EC fans have become standard practice in many modern data centers.
CRAC en CRAH units
EC fans are also increasingly used in Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC) and Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAH).
Because fan speed can continuously adapt to the cooling demand, airflow is delivered more efficiently while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
For both CRAH fans and CRAC fans, selecting the correct airflow, static pressure and control strategy is essential to achieve optimum system performance.
In-row cooling
As rack power densities continue to increase, cooling systems are moving closer to the heat source.
In-row cooling systems therefore require compact fans capable of delivering high airflow together with sufficient static pressure despite limited installation space.
Depending on the application, either an axial EC fan or a centrifugal EC fan may be the most suitable solution.
Want to learn where else EC technology is used? Read our article Applications of EC Fans.
Retrofit of existing cooling systems
Not every data center requires a completely new cooling installation. In many cases, existing cooling units can be upgraded by replacing only the fan section with EC fans.
This type of retrofit can significantly reduce energy consumption while extending the service life of the existing installation. For many facilities, upgrading the fans offers an attractive way to improve efficiency without replacing the entire cooling unit.
What should you consider when selecting an EC fan for a data center?
Although EC fans are suitable for a wide range of data center applications, selecting the right fan is essential for achieving the required performance and efficiency.
Ambient temperature
Every EC motor has a maximum permissible ambient temperature, which depends on the motor design and application. In most data centers, operating temperatures remain well within these limits. However, for applications with higher ambient temperatures, it is important to verify the fan specifications in advance.
Required static pressure
Airflow alone does not determine whether a fan is suitable for an application. Air must often pass through filters, cooling coils, heat exchangers and other components that create system resistance.
For this reason, an EC fan for data center cooling should always be selected based on the required operating point, taking both airflow and static pressure into account.
Control method and communication
Before selecting a fan, determine how it will be controlled and integrated into the installation.
Depending on the application, EC fans can be controlled using 0-10 V, PWM or communication protocols such as Modbus RTU. The right control method depends on the cooling system and the Building Management System (BMS).
Read more in our knowledge article How to Control an EC Fan.
Reliability
Data centers operate around the clock, making reliability a key selection criterion.
Besides airflow and pressure, factors such as bearing quality, expected service life (MTBF) and the desired redundancy level should all be considered during the selection process.
Noise levels
Although data centers are not typically quiet environments, noise can still be an important consideration in technical rooms and service areas.
Selecting the correct fan helps minimise noise levels without compromising cooling performance.
Choosing the right EC fan for your data center
Every cooling system has its own requirements for airflow, static pressure, dimensions and control strategy. As a result, selecting an EC fan is always application-specific.
Ventinet supplies EC fans for OEMs and system builders who develop data center cooling equipment. We help select the right fan based on airflow, static pressure, available installation space, control requirements and operating conditions.
Not sure which EC fan is best suited for your application? Browse our range of EC fans or contact our team for technical advice. We’ll be happy to help you find the right solution for your data center cooling system.
Need advice? Get in touch!
We’re available Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:00.
Frequently asked questions about EC fans for data center cooling
Why are multiple smaller EC fans used instead of one large fan?
Many modern data centers use a fan wall configuration, where multiple smaller EC fans operate together instead of a single large fan. This improves system reliability because if one fan fails, the remaining fans continue operating and maintain most of the required cooling capacity. Fan walls also provide better efficiency under varying load conditions.
Are EC fans suitable for 24/7 operation in data centers?
Yes. EC fans are specifically suited for applications that operate continuously, such as data centers. Their high efficiency, integrated electronics and precise speed control make them ideal for installations where reliability and energy efficiency are essential. As with any application, selecting the correct fan for the operating point is key.
Which communication protocols are commonly used for EC fans in data centers?
This depends on the cooling system and Building Management System (BMS). Many EC fans support Modbus RTU communication or 0–10 V control signals. These allow the fan not only to be controlled but also to provide operating data such as fan speed, power consumption and fault notifications.
Can existing CRAC or CRAH units be upgraded with EC fans?
In many cases, yes. Replacing only the fan section with EC fans can significantly reduce energy consumption while extending the lifespan of the existing cooling equipment. Before carrying out a retrofit, it’s important to verify that the new fans match the available installation space, control system and required operating point.
What should an EC fan for data center cooling be capable of?
Selecting the right EC fan involves more than choosing the required airflow. Factors such as static pressure, reliability, control options, communication protocols, noise levels and available installation space all play an important role. The best solution is always based on the complete operating conditions of the cooling system.
Why is static pressure so important in data center cooling?
In a data center, air flows through filters, cooling coils and other components that create resistance. An EC fan must therefore deliver not only the required airflow but also sufficient static pressure to maintain consistent cooling performance. Selecting a fan based on airflow alone can result in lower efficiency and reduced cooling capacity.
