Data centers and all the electrical equipment involved generate a lot of heat. This is one of the reasons that quality HVAC in data centers is even more important. If temperatures rise too high, servers can shut down, suffer a decreased lifespan, or even suffer physical damage. Dust and humidity are also much larger concerns when computer equipment is involved. The correct data center HVAC design is essential to avoid these potential problems. Let’s take a deeper look into everything that goes into the HVAC design for server rooms.
How Do You Cool a Data Center?
The answer to this question is constantly evolving as more and more hyper-scale data centers are built. Computer room air conditioners (CRACs), evaporative cooling processes, and hot aisle/ cold aisle containment are only the beginning. As our world becomes increasingly reliant on data and its transfer, new technologies are moving from the realm of fiction to fact. Immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling are great examples.
How Much Cooling Is Needed for a Data Center?
The usual cooling capacity required for a data center is about 1.3 times the expected IT load plus any redundant capacity, especially for smaller server rooms. The cooling load you calculate may vary from this standard, especially in the case of larger data centers and hyper-scale facilities.
How Does a Data Center Chiller Work?
Data center air handling units operate in much the same fashion as their counterparts elsewhere. First, water is chilled and directed through a cooling coil inside the unit, which then uses modulating fans to pull in external air from outside the facility. Since their operation is based on chilling external air, computer room air handler (CRAH) units are a lot more efficient when used in colder climates.
What Should the Humidity Be in a Server Room?
Humidity around sensitive electronics is a crucial issue. Air that is too dry is prone to static electricity issues, which can damage delicate electronics. If the humidity is too high, the moisture in the air can also cause damage.
The most recent recommendations for the temperatures at which you can reliably operate a data center for most classes of information technology (IT) equipment are:
- Dew point (DP) of -9˚C DP to 15˚C DP.
- Relative humidity (RH) of 60 percent.
- Temperature between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius (°C) or 64 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
How Do You Calculate BTU for a Data Center?
For best results, a professional should evaluate your space for any mitigating factors affecting the heat generated and any other factors involved in providing HVAC for a data center. That said, to get a rough estimate on your own, use the following formula.
- Get the wattage of your power supply.
- Divide the wattage by the efficiency found in the Technical Product Specification (TPS)
- Multiply the Watts consumed by 3.41214 to get BTU/h
Contact Henick-Lane for All Your Commercial HVAC Needs
Having served a wide range of commercial HVAC needs and requirements for more than five decades, our expert team at Henick-Lane can provide affordable, practical, and cutting-edge solutions for data centers, including hyper-scale data centers. If your building requires maintenance, service, or an upgrade, contact Henick-Lane. We can custom design an HVAC solution that will ensure comfort in your building and a safe climate for your data. Get started by calling (718) 768-7277 today or filling out our contact form.