Last update:

09/03/2003

Computer Air Conditioning

The Seven Elements Every Manager Should Know About

Much has been written over the past several years dealing with the environmental control of computer rooms. The unique nature of the load demands special equipment, highly reliable... capable of maintaining precise levels of temperature and humidity. Air cleanliness and proper air distribution are also vitally important.

Computers, like giant electric furnaces, generate vast amounts of heat and their components are very sensitive to extremes of temperature, humidity, and the presence of dust.

Today, it is estimated that from 65% to 75% if the environmental control systems being designed for new or remodeled computer rooms employ unitary systems.

Why this significant trend away from central systems? Three principal benefits which accrue to owner-user are: simplicity, flexibility, and economy. In conjunction, system security is becoming more of a factor in the application of unitary systems. If the security of the computers and their peripheral equipment is important -- and it is -- then why not make every effort to maintain the same degree of security over the environmental control systems? Physically locating the air conditioning system within the computer room itself, with simple connections to indoor or outdoor heat rejection system -- which can be located in any secured area of the building system, virtually assures total system security.

See the Air-conditioning types on the next page.