Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
(OP)
I'm reviewing a design for the replacement of split system AC units in a server room (with outdoor condenser). The existing system is residential AC units, which are unable to meet demand during hot days. The proposed design is to replace the existing residential units with Data Aire mini-plus split system units of the same capacity.
I'm not sure how replacing a unit with one of similar capacity is going to fix the cooling issue. Could someone explain the difference between data aire or other server room specific units, and a typical residential split system unit? Are there features that will allow it to provide more cooling under certain conditions, even though the rated capacities are equal?
I'm not sure how replacing a unit with one of similar capacity is going to fix the cooling issue. Could someone explain the difference between data aire or other server room specific units, and a typical residential split system unit? Are there features that will allow it to provide more cooling under certain conditions, even though the rated capacities are equal?





RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
That said, having a system even 'just' an A/C system that's not optimized optimized can often get you considerably more capacity. A quality refrigeration guy and I do mean refrigeration and not 'air conditioning' could possibly look at what you have and with only minor modification solve your lack of capacity problem. A lot of A/C people are what are termed as "board changers", "part swappers", or "bottle jockies" as they don't have the training or knowledge to do anything other than to try things.
Don't call A/C companies to do commercial or industrial refrigeration.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
That being said, you should be specifying the ambient design temperature so double check what the ASHRAE/client requirements are for your location.
Also, you should also check with Data Aire what minimum temperature their units operate down to and compare this to your site design requirements. Some systems do not operate well in a cooling mode at low ambient conditions. in the smaller range, Mitsubishi have a 'low ambient kit' which they apply to their condensers which allows them to operate down to ~-20 degF. The kit is basically some dampers which close to stifle the fans, trapping the heat.
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
Commercial units are also built to run 24/7 and at low ambient temperature, which a residential isn't rated to.
It is possible the old unit wasn't charged properly. Often they only get set by measuring DAT. the actual line pressures and temperatures should be measured and charged to appropriate superheat or subcooling.
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
Thus, even if you're swapping to commercial equipment, it'd be a good idea to allow for extra capacity for further heat load increases if possible.
EDMS Australia
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?
If it is lack of maintenance / not cleaning filters etc then the commercial units will suffer the same fate, ditto if in fact something has changed in either the heat load or the air flow or whatever.
A deep clean / renewal of operating fluids would seem to be valid after a years probably continuous operation.
If on the other hand it is because some part has worn out, failed, started malfunctioning or tripping then the domestic units might just have failed prematurely.
Just replacing like with like I think you'll be buying another new one in a year or so's time. IMHO.
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RE: Difference between residential and data center split system AC units?