computer cooling

[scuby]

I have a problem in the lab. I work on simulators and the major problem is the coputers cant work unless its 80 degrees or cooler. I need suggestions on how to take heat from the room or how to keep the room in a acceptable temp.
We have a big air conditoning unit and the room is 1,975 sq ft.

 

[DUMechEng]

are these simulators putting out a lot of heat? if so my guess is that the original unit is not properly sized to handle the load in the room. was the room originally designed for another function before these simulators were put in? you really need to do a load analysis and properly size a unit. this relies on many factors like the amount of exterior walls and the material they are made of, windows, the equipment within the room, the number of people and their activity level, etc. etc.

 

[jabonet]

maybe if you just increase the airflow around the computers, or maybe removing the cases or just puting some fans towards the computer, it will allow the hot air inside/close to the computer to disipate faster.

 

[EdStainless]

1. Take the computers apart and clean them. Dust kills.
2. Upgrade the fans on the CPU heatsink and the case (exhaust) fans.

If that isn't enough build youself a duct system and take cool air straight from the AC outlet to the computers. Some ducting, some tape and a Dremal tool and you will be all set.

A room that is 80F should not be any problem, if everything is working.

If you are interested there are large communities on the net that spend a lot of time coming up with better computer cooling.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[sailoday28]

To determine ventilation requirements, you should have the heat load generated by each section of computer-
In simpler terms, Q=wCp dt
Knowing Q, Tin and Cp w= Q/(80-Tin)/Cp ----This is the mean flow and will have to be properly distribute to all exterior parts of the computer. ie, crowded or conjested spots may still not ge appropriate flow.
How will the air distribution take place is therfore another question.

 

[sailoday28]

Also follow advice that others have input, ie heat generated by people, etc.

 

[hacksaw]

assuming that your ambient is stated in degrees F, what is your heat load, are these pc based systems or a proprietary designs. also what vintage processors are involved?

additionally, what part of your system is overheating?