Environmental Control for Data Centers

Understanding humidity control in critical environments such us data centers can help save energy and money.  Unfortunately, the use of HVAC technology in such environments is still fairly new and needs to be improved to realize the most energy efficient methods.

 

Even though environmental control for data systems first came to the forefront in the 1960’s, it’s only been in the last decade that the most significant advances have been made.  Standards are continually changing as needs change.  It is well known how quickly computer technology changes and the HVAC industry must constantly evolve in order to keep up with the cooling demands.

 

The efficiency of climate control systems in data centers relies not only on the fuel being used, but also in the overall design of the system itself.  Because of the ever changing needs in different data centers, older designs that were once highly efficient in one application may not be the best choice in the newer data canters.  Incorrect design could ultimately lead to increased energy consumption beyond what would have been needed in a better designed system.

 

The next challenge that needs to be overcome is better understanding the limitations of the computer equipment itself.  There is not enough data on the effects of humidity on the equipment.  While it is known that excessive humidity will damage the equipment, it is not known how varying levels of humidity within the recommended range affect the equipment’s overall life.

 

Another unknown is how the use of outside air would affect the equipment.  In HVAC, the use of outside air would greatly increase the efficiency of the system.  However, outside air is likely to carry with it dust and dirt particles that could build up inside the equipment and cause a short circuit.  There are also greater fluctuations in the humidity of outside air.

 

Data Center designers as well as operators need to work together to determine the best course of action for keeping the systems at peak operating performance.  Understanding the pace at which technology changes as well as continually gathering as much data as possible for analysis will go a long way toward ensuring the most energy efficient cooling systems for data centers.

 

If you need more information on Data Center Environmental Control, contact AirNow/Herricks Mechanical Corp and we will be happy to assist you.