INTRODUCING OUR FAN WALL UNIT
Built with intensive operations in mind, our Fan Wall Unit is a scalable, modular CRAH solution for hyperscale data centres. Drawing on almost two decades of precision cooling experience, we have engineered efficiency and accessibility into its design. As a chilled-water system, it uses water supplied from an external chiller rather than a compressor-based air-cooled configuration.
EFFICIENCY AT ITS PEAK
Each Fan Wall unit delivers up to 800kW of cooling, providing unparalleled performance while also reducing overall energy consumption. Perfect for high-density environments where scalability and redundancy are key requirements.
Evolution of cooling.
ENGINEERED WITH INTENTIONALITY
A Computer Room Air Handling (CRAH) unit is an essential cooling component designed for data centres and server racks. Through innovative engineering, our Fan Wall Unit surpasses conventional CRAH technology, utilizing unique horizontal airflow to increase efficiency, reduce hotspots and decrease overall consumption.
USED IN COMBINATION
While FWU is an upgrade over CRAH in capacity and efficiency, both solutions can be combined to optimize cooling in hyperscale data centres. In the same data centre, CRAH units can be assigned to switch rooms while FWU are dedicated to server racks.
Understanding CRAH Scale: Standard CRAH Unit and Fan Wall Unit
| ASPECT | CRAH UNIT | FAN WALL UNIT |
|---|---|---|
| CAPACITY | Max capacity of 200kW per unit. | Offers up to 800kW per unit. |
| SUITABILITY | Computer and server rooms. | Hyperscale data centres, high density racks. |
| FOOTPRINT | Not stackable, therefore density is constrained by available floor space. | Stackable, therefore density can be increased based on ceiling height. |
| PUE | Borderline against local standard PUE requirement. | Efficient system surpasses local standard PUE requirement. |
| OPEX | Usually higher than FWU when compared using equal scale and conditions. | Efficient operations and lower consumption contribute to lower OPEX. |
| EFFICIENCY | Upthrow or downthrow airflow is less efficient due to air resistance. | Horizontal airflow increases efficiency due to reduced air resistance. |
| ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION | Downflow configuration typically requires construction of raised floor system. | Not required. |
| TCO | Construction of raised floor required for downflow configurations increases TCO. | Construction of raised floor not required, alongside reduced maintenance costs and modular scalability, reduces TCO over time. |
OPTIMISED AIRFLOWUnique horizontal airflow technology reduces hotspots via uniform circulation. |
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INCREASED DENSITYCompact physical footprint and can be arranged vertically without need for side clearance. |
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LOWER PUE, LOWER OPEXEfficient operations lead to reduced power usage effectiveness (PUE), resulting in cost savings over time. |
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SPACE EFFICIENCYThe modular design of the Fan Wall unit maximises space usage, making it ideal for facilities with limited room. |
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SIMPLIFIED MAINTENANCERear access to EC fans ensures easy servicing, minimising downtime and improving operational continuity. |
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RELIABLE PERFORMANCEFilter panels maintain air quality and extend the lifespan of equipment, ensuring dependable performance in critical environments. |
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Exceptional performance – watch how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fan Wall Unit
A Fan Wall Unit is a modular cooling system designed for high-density data centres. Its scalable configuration allows capacity to be adapted to different operational requirements. Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about how Fan Wall Units work and where they are used.
CRAH and Fan Wall Units both use chilled water from an external chiller to regulate air temperature. In a data centre, Fan Wall Units regulate server racks while the smaller, compact CRAH units support critical infrastructure such as Main Distribution Frame rooms (MDR), Meet-Me rooms (MMR) and general electrical rooms. Together, they support precision cooling across spaces with different cooling loads and requirements.
A Fan Wall Unit uses multiple modular fans to deliver targeted, scalable airflow in data centres. An air handling unit, or AHU, typically manages broader ventilation, filtration and conditioning requirements across a building or facility.
Yes, our solutions are highly customisable to meet specific space and capacity requirements. For further assistance, please contact us to discuss your needs.
Regular upkeep may include filter checks, EC fan inspections, control testing and cleaning. Canatec’s maintenance services offer flexible support options, spare parts replacement and a two-hour response time to help minimise disruption and maintain dependable cooling performance.
Resistance occurs when airflow collides with the 90° surfaces in upthrow/downthrow configurations. Horizontal airflow increases efficiency by removing this resistance.
They are ideal for hyperscale data centres, colocation facilities, and 5G edge environments. Discover more about their applications here.
Fan Wall Units use a modular array of smaller direct-drive fans instead of one large fan. Combined with efficient motors and smart controls, this arrangement can match airflow more closely to cooling demand, reducing unnecessary power use and supporting lower operating costs.
As a cooling solutions provider in Singapore, Canatec brings nearly two decades of experience in precision cooling and critical infrastructure. We support clients with system design, customisation, installation and lifecycle services, helping data centre operators develop reliable cooling strategies around their operational and site requirements.