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A data center's backbone and the critical component of a CRAC(Computer Room Air Conditioning) system is the CRAC air conditioner. The primary goal of a CRAC air conditioner is to guarantee the equipment's ongoing, dependable operation by sustaining a stable room temperature and humidity level. There are two primary categories of CRAC Air conditioners:
The Direct Control CRAC system is a conventional method of regulating temperature and humidity. It employs a direct controller to oversee the air conditioning unit's activities, thereby controlling the room's temperature and humidity levels. The unit can be made to maintain parameters that are important to the functioning of the equipment room or data center with the help of a straightforward user interface.
A CRAC air conditioner with network capability goes beyond standard direct management. Web-based control allows users to supervise and regulate the air conditioning system remotely via the Internet. This kind of management provides users with more convenience and flexibility. For instance, users can check the environmental status of the equipment room anytime and from anywhere, making it easier to respond to potential problems quickly. Additionally, web-based controls typically have more features, including logging historical data, establishing alerts, and automated scheduling. These features can help users analyze and optimize the system's performance more effectively.
The functioning of data centers heavily depends on CRAC air conditioners. With the quick growth of digital technology and data generation, the need for efficient, stable, and dependable air conditioning solutions for equipment rooms will continue to rise, thereby safeguarding the seamless operation of crucial equipment and the security of data centers.
Cooling Capacity
CRAC units are typically available in a range of cooling capacities. Some CRAC air conditioners may have smaller capacities, such as 5 kW (about 17000 BTU per hour). Compare this to larger units, which can have enormous capacities - up to 2000 kW or more, like 6800000 BTU per hour.
Temperature Control
The main job of a CRAC air conditioner is to maintain a certain temperature. Most CRAC units have a digital control system that can set temperatures within the server room from around 60°F to 80°F (about 15°C to 27°C). The precise temperature range can differ depending on the specific model and manufacturer.
Humidity Control
In addition to controlling the temperature, CRAC air conditioners also control humidity. The humidity inside a server room needs to stay within 20% to 80% - but ideally, it should be 45% to 55% - to prevent static electricity issues. A typical CRAC unit can remove 5 liters to 30 liters of water from the air each hour. The exact rate will depend on the specific model of the machine.
Energy Efficiency
CRAC air conditioners use power measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Some larger CRAC units can use up to 20 kW of electricity per hour to operate. The energy efficiency is shown with a number called the EER (energy efficiency ratio). The EER of most CRAC units is between 10.0 and 12.0. A higher EER means the unit is more energy efficient.
Fan and Airflow
A CRAC air conditioner usually has a fan that moves air measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Typical models move air at 2000 to 4000 CFM. The unit's efficient filtering system also ensures that only clean air goes inside the unit.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of a CRAC air conditioner are critical to its long-term, reliable performance. Attention to the following parts will help ensure the unit continues to work well.
Cabin Filter Cleaning
The cabin air conditioner has filters, including a pre-filter, that remove impurities and particulate matter from the air. The AC's overall health and the integrity of its key performance parts depend on these filters being free of dust and dirt. Regularly cleaning or replacing these filters will improve the air quality within the cabin considerably.
EVAP Fan Maintenance
The evaporator fan in the indoor CRAC unit plays a crucial role in expelling condensed water back to the condensate drain. This process is essential to prevent water from accumulating and potential blockages in the drainage system. Therefore, it is critical to ensure the evaporator fan operates correctly. Regular inspection should make sure it is working well and that there are no signs of wear, damage to the blades, or unusual noise levels that could suggest a problem. Keeping the evaporator fan up and running helps ensure the condensate is properly removed.
Outdoor Unit Condenser
For split CRAC units, the outdoor condenser is critical in getting heat energy out of the room into the external environment. Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity and proper functioning of the outdoor condenser unit. The unit should be kept free of uncontrolled weed growth around it. Regularly checking the unit to remove any plants that grow is an important part of keeping the condenser operational.
Data centers
A CRAC air conditioner is essential for data centers. Massive server farms are usually housed within small buildings or rooms, which could easily lead to the servers getting heavy. CRAC units are essential to ensure the air inside the room remains dry and cool enough to stop the functioning of servers and other hardware components.
Telecommunication facilities
Like server centers, telecommunication facilities require constant control of air and temperature to protect sensitive electronic equipment. CRAC air conditioners ensure that the equipment stays within the temperature and humidity range, thereby improving reliability and decreasing downtime.
Laboratories and clean rooms
In breathable rooms with limited particles and laboratories requiring minimal contamination, CRAC air conditioners play an important role in maintaining room integrity. Apart from temperature regulation, the precise humidity control of a CRAC unit is essential to avoid condensation on delicate instrumentation and to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Industrial facilities
By regulating temperature to prevent overheating of production lines, machinery, and electronic equipment, CRAC air conditioners assist in the smooth operation of industrial sites like factories. Moreover, humidity control is crucial for industrial processes to maintain product quality and ensure smooth operations.
When selecting the proper CRAC machine for a data center or server room, it is essential to look at several factors to ensure an ideal fit, including the air conditioner features.
Cooling Capacity:
According to the heat loads' calculations, buyers should select a CRAC unit that has a similar or slightly higher cooling capacity compared to the total heat load. It's important to note that units with insufficient capacity can lead to overall inefficiency and overheating, while those with excessive capacity can cause frequent cycling and noise.
Control System:
Consider the CRAC's precise temperature and humidity control systems. Advanced digital controls, remote monitoring capabilities, and fault diagnosis features can be a great advantage for those looking to manage their systems effectively and ensure the room's air conditioning system's optimal performance.
Refrigerant Type:
Select a CRAC unit with an environmentally friendly refrigerant, such as R-410A or R-134A. Such a choice can help avoid potential regulatory issues and ensure long-term sustainability.
Energy Efficiency:
Focus on the machine's energy-efficient features, such as high-efficiency compressors and EC fans. Additionally, considering the unit's EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings when applicable can help owners choose a unit that will provide substantial energy cost savings over the life cycle.
Redundancy and Reliability:
Consider models with redundant cooling paths or N+1 configurations to enhance the overall system's reliability. Such a feature ensures that there are additional units that can take over in the event of a failure, helping to reduce the risk of critical equipment downtime.
Sound Levels:
Pay attention to the noise levels generated by the chosen CRAC unit, especially for those considering close-placed equipment in commercial/office buildings. Select units with low sound ratings or the option to install sound-dampening features to minimize the potential for noise annoyance.
1-Static Pressures:
Consider the required air distribution design for the intended data center/server room design. Choose a CRAC machine that can provide the necessary static pressure to deliver the air volume and overcome the pressures created by diffusers, grilles, and the entire system.
Q1. What is the difference between CRAC and CAC?
A1. The concept of CRAC and CAC air conditioners is the same. They both aim to control the room temperature. However, the CRAC air conditioner is likely a more advanced, modern type with more intelligent features.
Q2. What does 1U, 2U, and 4U mean in a CRAC air conditioner?
A2. The term "U" stands for "rack units." 1U represents a height of 1.75 inches, and 2U means 3.5 inches. Therefore, a 4U CRAC air conditioner would be 7 inches high. A higher rack can hold more equipment. Similarly, a higher U number can provide more cooling for the room.
Q3. Which is better, a CRAC or a liquid cooling system?
A3. A CRAC air conditioner does not require any special arrangement of the floor or components inside the room. A liquid cooling system may offer better performance but will need to be more expensive to invest in a premium option.
Q4. How much airflow does a CRAC air conditioner need?
A4. Some general guidelines say a minimum airflow of 5,000 CFM is required for every one million BTU of IT load in a data center room. The figure is only for reference. A specific calculation should be made based on the actual data center.
