Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a practical, beginner-level introduction to mechanical cooling systems in data centers, covering design, operation, and energy efficiency. With approximately 5 hours of on-demand video content, learners will gain foundational knowledge in thermal management, cooling technologies, airflow optimization, and system monitoring—equipping them for roles in data center engineering and facilities management.
Module 1: Data Center Thermal Fundamentals
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Heat load sources and heat transfer principles
- Understanding PUE and cooling efficiency metrics
- Airflow dynamics in data center environments
- Basics of psychrometrics and humidity control
Module 2: Air-Based Cooling Systems
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- CRAC vs. CRAH units: differences and applications
- Direct expansion (DX) and chilled-water cooling coils
- In-row and perimeter cooling configurations
- Raised-floor and overhead airflow delivery methods
Module 3: Chilled-Water & Chiller Plant Design
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Types of chillers: centrifugal, scroll, and screw
- Primary and secondary pump loop configurations
- Cooling tower integration and condenser circuit design
- Redundancy planning for chiller systems
Module 4: Containment & Airflow Management
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Hot-aisle and cold-aisle containment strategies
- Benefits of airflow containment systems
- Use of blanking panels and sealing techniques
- Airflow management accessories and best practices
Module 5: Energy Efficiency & Free-Cooling
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Air-side and water-side economizer cycles
- Direct and indirect free-cooling methods
- Variable-speed drives and chilled-water reset strategies
- Heat recovery options for improved efficiency
Module 6: Monitoring, Controls & Automation
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Integrating BMS and DCIM for cooling control
- Optimal sensor placement and real-time analytics
- Alarm systems and trending for preventive maintenance
- Automation protocols for system optimization
Module 7: Troubleshooting & Best Practices
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Common cooling failures: coil fouling, pump cavitation
- Diagnosing airflow obstructions and hotspots
- Safety procedures and response protocols
- Preventive maintenance checklists
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic engineering concepts
- Understanding of general data center infrastructure
- High school level physics or physical science
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain core principles of data center cooling systems
- Evaluate and design effective cooling architectures
- Calculate thermal loads and airflow requirements
- Implement energy-saving strategies like free-cooling and containment
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain cooling systems using BMS/DCIM tools