Increase the Temperature Set Point – Modern ICT technology is designed to support a wider range of ambient inlet temperatures. In line with current ASHREA standards Workspace Technology recommends that the general “cold aisle” temperatures are set to 24ºC. Typically every 1ºC increase in temperature will reflect a 5% saving in AC operating costs.

Reduce Humidification – Modern ICT technology is not as sensitive to humidity as historical computers. Running AC systems with RH control at +/- 2% will mean that humidifiers /reheat circuits may be operating up to 80% of the time. By simply increasing the “dead band” of operation to +/- 10% based on a RH 45% set point will help contribute to significant energy savings with no detrimental effects on ICT equipment.

Eliminate Cold Air “Loss” Very often a large proportion cold air produced by data centre CRAC units is lost before it reaches it destination i.e. “equipment inlets”. By deploying hot and cold aisle rack arrangements, ensuring that floor grille tiles are positioned in the cold aisle and eliminating cold air loss through floor penetrations by the deployment of brush sealing systems.

Eliminate Air Recirculation. Very often the hot exhaust air re-circulates back to the equipment inlets. By doing so this simply reduces the effectiveness of the AC systems. Often AC AHU temperatures are reduced to compensate. The installation of suitable aisle containment and airflow technology will ensure that hot exhaust air has a clear return path back to the AHU. Examples include Blanking Panels, Cold Aisle Corridor & Hot Aisle Return Plenum aisle containment systems.

Dynamic Cooling Control. Traditional AHU’s regulate their operation by monitoring the return air path. By relocating the temperature and humidity sensor to the “equipment inlet” position this means that the AHU controller has accurate information on the key temperature condition. Dynamic cooling Control prevents “conservative” AC settings which often result with increased energy consumption.

Workspace Technology provides expert energy efficient data centre, server and communications room solutions and services for corporate and public sector clients across the UK. For further information please contact the Sales and Technical Manager Roy Griffiths at roy.griffiths@workspace-technology.com 0121 354 4894.