As data centers grow more power-dense and operationally complex, measurement is not longer optional – it’s foundational.
Rising rack densities, AI-driven workloads, hybrid cooling architectures, expanding energy accountability requirements, and accelerating decarbonization goals are reshaping how facilities must manage thermal performance. In this environment, true optimization requires more than monitoring isolated components. It demands integrated visibility across both airflow and hydronic systems.
Cooling performance, energy efficiency, system reliability, and carbon intensity all depend on how well these systems are measured, understood, and controlled together — not independently.
Why Integration Matters
In high-density environments, cooling systems operate as interconnected networks.
• Chillers and cooling towers manage heat rejection.
• Utility loops distribute chilled water.
• Technology loops deliver cooling directly to racks.
• Fan systems manage airflow containment & distribution.
Each system influences the others. A change in hydronic flow affects coil performance. Coil performance impacts supply air temperature. Air temperature influences containment stability and IT inlet conditions.
Without coordinated measurement across these layers, operators are left with partial insight — leading to inefficiency, instability, overcooling, and stranded capacity. And in today’s regulatory and sustainability landscape, partial insight also limits an organization’s ability to quantify, reduce, and verify its environmental impact.
Bridging Air and Water: A Unified Strategy
Effective optimization requires measurement points aligned precisely with the cooling system architecture — from towers and chillers through utility and technology loops to rack-level airflow. Each stage provides essential operational data. When airflow and hydronic measurements are unified, facilities achieve higher cooling efficiency, data driven system tuning, reduced overcooling and energy waste, improved reliability, and more accurate capacity planning.
Power density is rising. Cooling systems are becoming more dynamic. Compliance standards are tightening. Energy accountability is expanding. The path forward isn’t simply more cooling — it’s measurable, high-performance cooling. By integrating airflow and hydronic measurement solutions, operators gain the visibility needed to manage complex thermal ecosystems with precision.
ONICON & Air Monitor deliver the tools to measure, integrate, and optimize every layer of your cooling infrastructure.
Water & Thermal Energy Measurement
Delivering Cooling Efficiently
System-1000 Flow & Energy Measurement System 
Location: Heat Exchanger Equipment
The System-1000 is ideal for heat-exchanger equipment and utility-level energy tracking. It provides comprehensive real-time thermal energy intelligence by:
• Calculating cooling energy (BTU/hr or kWh)
• Tracking coil performance and identifying fouling or valve issues
• Logging energy consumption data for long term analysis
• Monitor efficiency of heat exchanger linking utility and tech loops
FT-3400 / FT-3200 Electromagnectic Flow Meters
Location: Utility Loop
These meters deliver precise chilled water flow measurement at the utility loop, providing the accuracy required for stable and efficient plant operation.
• Measure chilled water flow rates
• Support chiller staging optimization
• Identify pump, valve, or flow irregularities
The SYSTEM-1000 uses this flow meter data to provide accurate energy measurement to improve and maintain overall cooling performance.
System-40 BTU Measurement System
Location: Technology Loop
Focusing on technology-loop flow and energy allocation, the System-40 delivers:
• Energy measurement for pods, rows, in row coolers, and rear door HEX
• Tenant/subsystem cost allocation chargeback/showback
• Insights for load diversity and downstream capacity planning
Where the SYSTEM-1000 supports plant-level energy analysis, the SYSTEM-40 brings that visibility down to the rack and row-level cooling delivery points.
Airflow Measurement
Managing Containment and Temperature Distribution
ELECTRA-flo Thermal Airflow Measurement System
Location: IT Racks Supply & Return Ducts (to and from hot/cold aisles)
Providing accurate airflow measurement for supply and return duct systems, the ELECTRA-flo supports
• CRAC/CRAH airflow verification
• Containment balance across hot and cold aisles
• Identification of airflow shortfalls or bypass conditions
This is essential for verifying coil performance and maintaining proper airflow paths in high-density environments.
FAN IV – Fan Array Transmitter
Location: Fan Inlet/Thermal Wall (per fan array section)
Built for HVAC fan applications, the FAN IV enables:
• Independent fan airflow and DP measurement
• Grouping of multiple fans under shared VFD control
• High-accuracy performance across varying loads
• Detect underperforming fans, filter loading, or blockages
• Optimize fan speed (VFD setpoints) for energy savings
For fan arrays and supply/return systems, accurate fan tracking ensures the cooling delivered matches the thermal demand.
DCAS – Data Center Aisle Sentry
Location: Aisle Containment (hot vs cold)
The DCAS focuses specifically on aisle pressurization and containment stability by:
• Monitoring aisle pressure differentials
• Preventing hot air backflow into the cold aisle
• Ensuring consistent temperature distribution
• Supporting stable containment performance without oscillation
By stabilizing pressure between hot and cold aisles, DCAS improves airflow predictability and overall cooling efficiency.
The ONICON Advantage
ONICON delivers precise measurement solutions for data center airflow and hydronic systems. Our integration expertise provides actioanble visibiity, enabling you to optmize efficiently, allocate accurately – and plan confidently.
