Data center operator Digital Edge’s NARRA1 has been acknowledged for its resource-efficient design, showcasing an innovative liquid cooling system and numerous energy-conserving features.
The design achieved a market-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.193 and includes a 57% reduction in lighting power density.
“NARRA1’s cutting-edge liquid cooling system is a significant advancement in data center technology,” said Mervyn Chan, VP for Engineering at Digital Edge. “This system not only improves energy efficiency but also supports the growing demands of AI applications.”
Citing publicly available data, Digital Edge said the Philippines’ data center colocation market is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36% through 2028. Investments from global cloud and hyperscale customers are expected to rise even more sharply, with a 61% CAGR predicted for the same period. Industry certifications, such as the LEED Gold certification received by Digital Edge last year, are becoming increasingly important in attracting leading technology companies to the country’s data center market.
Liquid cooling
NARRA1’s advanced features include two types of liquid cooling: direct-to-chip and immersion cooling. This technology enables the facility to maintain a PUE of less than 1.2 in cold conditions and less than 1.27 in warm conditions while saving over 20% more water compared to traditional designs. The seamless connection to liquid-cooled racks allows for increased facility water temperatures without compromising efficiency.
The Hybrid Super Capacitor (HSC) technology implemented at NARRA1 lowers fire hazards compared to lithium-ion batteries, eliminating the need for stringent fire extinguishing and air-conditioning requirements. This technology is set to be included in all future Digital Edge builds.
“Our Hybrid Super Capacitor technology not only enhances safety but also reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for extensive fire suppression and cooling systems,” Chan stated. “This positions us well for future growth and sustainability in the industry.”
Digital Edge, which opened in early 2023, recently received two globally recognized industry certifications: ANSI/TIA-942-C certification for resilience, security, and quality and EDGE certification for green buildings.