Data Center Air Quality
Data Center Air Quality
(OP)
A lot of concern these days with energy usage in Data Centers. More and more people are looking at rooftop units instead of the CRAC units because of the economizer function. There is also the concern about bringing in outside particles and dirt that can damage the server equipment. What do you guys recommend to bring in the cleanest air yet save energy? I know that we could put in high MERV filters >15 which would help, but a lot of stuff could get through the cracks of the filters. Every couple of years we have forest fires in the area, and I am worried that smoke will infiltrate the server area as it did our office. Is there a air monitoring device for dirt particles in the air? Would would you recommend doing/installing?





RE: Data Center Air Quality
Air filtering is a lot tougher than it sounds, and very easy to mess up.
Zuccus
RE: Data Center Air Quality
Where I am, at least 50% of the year the spaces could be cooled without mechanical refrigeration. There are no ventilating requirements so a typical return air unit with economizer could reduce to ~0% outdoor air when max summer cooling is needed.
Stick with the CRACs, by Liebert or other, if you have a free cooling method (keep in mind 'free' is a relative term)...
RE: Data Center Air Quality
Best way to save energy? Let the DC be 85 degrees. The servers don't mind a bit. It's just the IT folks don't have the huevos to do it. IBM servers are OK with 95! With those kinds of temperatures, all kinds of free cooling become practical.
RE: Data Center Air Quality
Nice thing about using a separate AHU with economizer is the humidity can be more easily controlled than multiple CRAC units. Both air side for the AHU and waterside for the CRAC's can use economizers.
Using hot/cold aisle, with the higher supply temp recommended by ASHRAE (and Ross, as above) will save lots of cash. Putting barriers to direct flow from the CRAC will also save energy and reduce particulate entrainment.
If air quality is a concern, I'd recommend starting with EPA air quality readings.
RE: Data Center Air Quality
RE: Data Center Air Quality