It is important to understand that Data Center Cooling, also referred to as Critical Systems, is a special segment of Air Conditioning. Different than traditional homes, and offices comfort cooling, Data Centers house sensitive equipment that requires optimal temperature & humidity control to protect servers. Most noteworthy, Data Centers (server rooms) depends on uptime. Read More
It is important to understand that Data Center Cooling, also referred to as Critical Systems, is a special segment of Air Conditioning. Different than traditional homes, and offices comfort cooling, Data Centers house sensitive equipment that requires optimal temperature & humidity control to protect servers.
Most noteworthy, Data Centers (server rooms) depends on uptime. Many companies lease space on servers. Government agencies, hospitals and many other large businesses use Data Centers to operate. Small businesses may also use data centers for cloud-based storage.
Consequently, Data Centers use large amounts of energy. Due to this, cooling systems need to be Efficient. Cooling accounts for 25% of Data Room Energy, according to ASHRAE.
Data centers produce heat when operating. For this reasons, systems designed to cool and protect them are needed. Every data center depends on Optimal cooling and humidity. Cooling systems play a vital role.
Reliable systems are key to operations. Many cooling systems last approximately 8 to 10 years. Contractors should rely on Factory trained Reps to configure Data Room Cooling Systems. This strategy will protect the system warranty.
With every phase of the installation process, factory guidelines on cooling systems are recommended. Finding talent with knowledge can be tricky. In many cases, it is best to contact the manufacturer, for a trained rep to assist you with your project.
Because cooling options are vast, it is important for Data Center Owners, managers, or contractors to work with experienced professionals who have formal training. Many cooling system manufacturers will not honor warranties without a factory trained representative.
Various Cooling Techniques used to cool data centers.
- Air Cooled – A fan draws air across components to create heat transfer.
- Liquid Cooling – This is an absorption technique.
- Immersion Cooling – Microprocessors are immersed in non-conductive liquid. Heat is sent away.
- Dielectric fluid – Microprocessors are sprayed with a non-conductive liquid. The liquid changes state and takes heat away to another heat exchanger, where the fluid rejects the heat.
Needless to say, every Data Center depends on uptime because it is the brain of participating businesses. This is the place where servers, cables, and internet components are housed. Government agencies, hospitals and many other businesses use data centers to operate.
Because Data Centers are very intense, large amounts of power is utilized to operate. Due to this, Data Centers have backup power supplied by generators known as UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems) to maintain. Data centers need to be engineered to minimize glitches and malfunctions, to say the least.
Finally, Data Room Cooling Systems also need to protect the server by controlling humidity and temperature. This protects systems in various ways. Low humidity can be troublesome while high humidity is a definite threat. High Humidity can cause condensation and decreased heat transfer. Microprocessors are very sensitive, therefore, condensation can slow, or shut them down.
Especially relevant, the recommended temperature for data centers is between 70 and 75°F (or 21 and 24°C).