Fluid-Side vs. Airside Economizers

Re-Publish this Article

<h1>Fluid-Side vs. Airside Economizers</h1><strong> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Lawrence S.Ross.aspx'>Lawrence S.Ross</a></strong><br /><p>A Houston data center offers customized and configurable options in cooling systems. All designs seek to minimize power usage, while efficiently cooling sensitive equipment. Properly cooled equipment extends the life of the servers so that businesses experience minimal downtime. A Houston data center’s cooling efforts consist of handling the hot air emanating from servers. This byproductevacuates the room or uptakes back into the cooling unit for reprocessing. The data center industry uses air or fluid economizers in order to provide efficient cooling and reduce power consumption. An economizer is a heat exchange device.Using economizers at a Houston data center saves millions of dollars in power costs each year.In traditional air-conditioned rooms, the hot air enters an HVAC unit. The unit cools the air and recirculates it.In an air economizer system, the hot air is sent outside and replaced with cool air. Airside economizers and fluidside economizers are used in every climate; however, air side economizers are best suited to moderate climates. The colder climates of Northern regions can fully or partially use economizers for a good part of the year with up to 50 percent cooling savings. However, even in warmer southern states, economizers save energy, too. Air Side Airside economizers use dampers, ducts, and sensors to import outside air, but that air needs to have the correct humidity. Humidity at 40-50 percent provides the best environment at a Houston data center. Incorrect humidity can cause electrostatic discharge and equipment damage. Using a humidifier increases energy usage, which negates part of the reason for an economizer in the first place. Air economizer efficiency is limited, as cool outside air is needed.Even colder climates may have cool air available only half of the time. The outside humidity can vary widely and change rapidly. Outside air brings with it particulates that can damage systems.This air needs must be filteredfor gases, pollen, and dust. Fitting or retrofitting airside economizers can be complex and difficult in high-density situations. Servers in the airside design can experience variations in temperature and humidity;however, server failure is not a frequent problem. Fluid Side Fluid-side economizers are more often in use at Houston data centers, as they do not need humidifiers. This design imports the outside air into the facility to the water/glycol loop that treats the cooling coils. The air is contained, which eliminates the need for a humidifier. Fluid side economizers can be difficult to install and maintain, as the piping is more complex and standing water can damage coils.However, these systems provide a significant cooling advantage for Houston colocation customers, which justifies the investment. </p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />Jesse Lee Hall discusses colocation opportunities in the Texas Area. He believes <a rel="nofollow" href=http://www.datafoundry.com/data-centers/houston-data-center>Houston Data Center</a> should be considered by any company that wants to keep data safe. He helps educate readers about the benefits of colocation and data centers for companies of all sizes. The data center he admires most is discussed in greater detail at http://www.datafoundry.com/data-centers/houston-data-center <p> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Fluid-Side-vs-Airside-Economizers_189623.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Fluid-Side vs. Airside Economizers_189623.aspx</a></p>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Fluid-Side vs. Airside Economizers_189623.aspx

Keywords : Houston Data Center,

Category : Business : Business