Ventilation and Cooling Computer Server & IT Rooms
Aug 14, 2007
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In many standard climate control applications, an off-the-shelf model of air conditioning unit can be installed with the proviso the different requirements for server rooms are taken into account. If however the project is for an IT centre or mission critical server room, then special cooling equipment designed specifically for server/technology rooms should be considered. A poorly maintained atmosphere in the technology area will have a negative impact on data processing and storage operations. The results can range from data corruption to complete system shutdowns and failures. A high or low ambient temperature or rapid temperature swings can corrupt data processing and shut down an entire system.

There is an important difference between the cooling specifications for a standard office based comfort-cooling system and that required for a computer or technology server room. Air Conditioning Solutions Managing Director, David Knibbs said, “We always stress the importance of choosing a system that is specified correctly for the environment.” He pointed out that, “In a server room the heat is coming almost entirely from IT hardware, lights, and support equipment, with few people working inside the room and a limited source of fresh-air. Using the cooling duty calculations for a typical office and applying these to a server room could result in removing too much moisture and damaging sensitive instruments.”

It is well known that rapid temperature variations can also alter the electrical and physical characteristics of electronic chips and other board components, causing faulty operation or failure. These problems may be transient or may last for days. Even transient problems can be very difficult to diagnose and repair. For more information about any air conditioning projects or to arrange a free survey, call Air Conditioning Solutions (UK) Ltd Tel 01327 810510. Or Email: sales@airconsolutions.co.uk

Cooling Large Open Spaces – how do we do that?
Aug 14, 2007
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By necessity in most industrial/production areas, doors and window are constantly opening and closing negating the benefits of a refrigerant based air conditioning system. These are more commonly used in shops, offices and the public sector where they work best in a closed environment.

Towcester based Air Conditioning Solutions (UK) Ltd, have designed their own solution to this complex problem using a mixture of quite simple cooling technology with their custom made air transfer and ducting systems. Working with evaporative cooling experts at Eco Cooling Ltd, they have recently installed systems in an engineering factory in Hayes Middlesex, a manufacturing company in Milton Keynes and print works in Uxbridge. Several new projects are in the pipeline using the same methods and providing a solution for difficult to cool areas.

Proven technology
According to Chris Raybould, a senior engineer at Air Conditioning Solutions who specialist area is evaporative cooling, “Evaporative cooling technology combines with principles used for centuries in areas of the world more used to higher temperatures. Water is piped to a unit that houses a large high-powered fan. The warm air passes through the unit and the temperature drops by between 8 and 10 degrees centigrade as a direct result of the evaporative cooling process. Using specially designed ducting the cool air is then channelled efficiently to the desired areas”.

The diversity of this system is the reason it was chosen by Wellington Engineering in Hayes Middlesex. Refrigerant-based air conditioning was installed for the general offices and evaporative cooling chosen for the large open factory area. Due to the construction of the roof a side unit was placed on an outside, wall and fresh cool air delivered to various points along the length of the factory through specially designed metal ducting. The improvements were carried out by Air Conditioning Solutions (UK) Ltd with the minimum of disruption to production in the plant and completed in three working days.

Compared to the amount of energy required to cool these large spaces using refrigerant techniques, the evaporative method is cheaper both in terms of electricity and after taking into account the water used. With millions of these systems installed worldwide, units provided by Air Conditioning Solutions, comply with all UK and European regulations. Installation is quick with the minimal disruption. The resulting fresh cool air naturally relieves tiredness leading to less risk of accidents and a more enthusiastic workforce. Telephone 01327 810510, Air Conditioning Solutions (UK) Ltd, for a free survey and written proposal for all climate management requirements.