Skip to main content

Precision Air Conditioners: A Reliable Cooling Solution for IT Equipment

Precision Air Conditioners (PAC) are specialized air conditioning systems designed to monitor and control temperature and humidity within a narrow range. Unlike regular air conditioners that primarily cool people, PACs are specifically built to manage the heat generated by electronic equipment, such as servers. These devices require stable humidity levels for efficient operation, as both high and low humidity can negatively impact their performance over time.

How Precision Air Conditioners Work

PACs operate continuously, 24 hours a day, ensuring the optimal climate for IT equipment. They have higher airflow rates (CFM) and can be remotely monitored and troubleshot for better efficiency.

IT equipment is equipped with cooling fans that draw in cold air from the front and expel hot air through the rear. The primary function of PACs is to supply cold air to the inlet of the IT equipment while removing the hot air from the outlet. This is achieved through a structured airflow system:

  • Cold air is delivered to the server room through perforated tiles.
  • The cold air passes through the server racks, absorbing heat.
  • The heated air exits the rack and is drawn out through vents in the false ceiling.
  • PACs intake this hot air, regulate its temperature and humidity, and then send it back as cooled air through the cold air outlet chamber.
  • This process continues in a cycle, maintaining optimal environmental conditions.

Classification of Precision Air Conditioners

PACs are classified based on their cooling mechanism:

1. Direct Expansion (DX) Systems

Direct Expansion systems work like split air conditioners, where refrigerant transfers heat directly from the indoor air to the outside. These systems offer precise and accurate relative humidity (RH) control.

2. Indirect Expansion (IDX) Systems

In Indirect Expansion systems, chilled water from a common chiller is used instead of refrigerant to cool the technology room. These systems do not have a dedicated compressor, and their RH control is less accurate compared to DX systems.

Types of Precision Air Conditioners Based on Condenser Cooling Method

PACs are also categorized based on the fluid used to cool the condenser. The two main types are:

1. Air Cooled Precision Air Conditioners

Air cooled PACs use air to cool the refrigerant. The indoor unit (IDU) contains all air conditioning components except the condenser and its fan, which are housed separately in the outdoor unit (ODU).

2. Water Cooled Precision Air Conditioners

Water cooled PACs are compact, floor standing units that contain all components, including the condenser. Water is pumped into the unit to cool the refrigerant, and the heated water is then sent to external cooling towers, where it is cooled and recirculated back into the system.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Fire Extinguishers: Types, Operation & Best Uses for Fire Classes

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. There are two operation types of fire extinguishers:  i. Stored pressure  ii. Cartridge operated  Stored Pressure  In stored pressure units, the expellant is stored in the same chamber as the fire fighting agent itself. Depending on the agent used, different propellants are used. With dry chemical extinguishers, nitrogen is typically used; water and foam extinguishers typically use air.  Cartridge Operated  Cartridge-operated extinguishers contain the expellant gas in a separate cartridge that is punctured prior to discharge, exposing the propellant to the extinguishing agent. This type is not as common, used primarily in areas such as industrial ...

Important components of a Diesel Engine - Turbocharger

Important components of a Diesel Engine Turbocharger A turbocharger can significantly increase an engine’s horsepower without adding significant weight. It enhances engine performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel combustion. A turbocharger is made up of two main sections: The turbine and the compressor.  The turbine consists of the turbine wheel and the turbine housing.  It is the job of the turbine housing to guide the exhaust gas into the turbine wheel. The energy from the exhaust gas turns the turbine wheel, and the gas then exits the turbine housing through an exhaust outlet area. The compressor also consists of two parts: the compressor wheel and the compressor housing.  The compressor’s mode of action is opposite that of the turbine. The compressor wheel is attached to the turbine by a forged steel shaft, and as the turbine turns the compressor wheel, the high-velocity spinning draws in air and c...

Sewage Treatment Plant - Filter Feed Pumps Types and Operation And Maintenance Considerations

FILTER FEED PUMPS Filter Feed Pumps are used to draw water from the clarified water sump and pass it through the Pressure Sand Filter (PSF) and Activated Carbon Filter (ACF), which are installed in series to improve water quality. PRESSURE SAND FILTER (PSF) Working Principle: The upper layers of sand perform the actual filtration function, while gravel layers provide physical support. Specialized sand with a specific particle size is used to trap solid impurities present in water. The particles get entrapped in the spaces between sand grains, eventually blocking water flow. When the pressure drops beyond a set limit, the sand is cleaned by backwashing with water. Backwashing reverses the flow, fluidizing the sand bed and removing lighter solid particles as waste. Operation And Maintenance Considerations Filtration is followed by a short backwash sequence. The filter requires backwashing when the pressure drop across the filter reaches 0.5 kg/cm². Best practice: Backwash once per shift,...