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Data Center Economizer Solutions
One of the most exciting and talked about best practices for
data center efficiency is “free cooling”—using the ambient
environment to augment or replace mechanical air
conditioning. Free cooling is achieved through economizers,
classified as either air-side or water-side depending on the
medium used for cooling.
While these solutions are not entirely “free,” they can be
extremely effective in the right geography.
Air Side Economizers
Air-side economizers introduce outside air into the data
center whenever conditions (temperature and humidity) are
favorable. Instead of condensers, compressors, and pumps
running full-bore, fans introduce cold air into the data
center and expel hot air outside. The energy (and money)
typically expended on mechanical cooling is saved.
When ASHRAE expanded its recommended inlet temperature range
to 27 degrees C (80.6 degrees F), they did so with the
intention of allowing more economizer operating hours.
Though temperate environments will realize the quickest ROIs,
nearly all geographies can attain some level of free cooling
through air side economizers.
Air side economizers, as solutions, are typically engineered
during the design phase of a new building, as many parts
must work in tandem to maximize the system.
Water Side Economizers
Water-side economizers—taking the form of cooling towers or drycoolers—introduce a secondary heat exchanger to a chiller
system. This heat exchanger uses outdoor air, instead of
compressors, to cool the water that’s eventually supplied
downstream to
computer room air handlers. As long as the
ambient temperature is several degrees below the chilled
water supply temperature,
water side economizers provide
reliable cooling with no noticeable change in the data
center.
Product Combinations
There are a number of data center products that complement
economizers.
Containment solutions keep hot and cold air
separate and further efficiencies. Certain
high density
cooling products are optimized for free cooling; they
function with elevated water temperatures, which means more
hours of water side economization. Instead of 45 degree F
chilled water, these products can dissipate high densities
with supply water in the 60s.
The 42U Advantage
Very few words, at least in data center lingo, begin with
“free.” Data centers work days, nights, weekends, and
holidays, requiring continuous cooling. The prospect of
significant savings has many end users interested in the
economics and engineering of both types of economizers.
Let 42U present your options. Each data center and geography
is different. We’ll ensure you get the greatest return from
your economizer investment.
Contact us to find the best Economizer solution
for your cooling needs.
Our engineers can help you select the best Economizers for your cooling needs.
Click here
or Call 1-800-638-2638 for a free project
consultation. |
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