3.

CENTRALIZED AIR HANDLING

FIGURE 1
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
AIR HANDLING UNITS

Better performance has been observed in data center air systems that utilize
specifically-designed central air handler systems. A centralized system offers many advantages
over the traditional multiple distributed unit system that evolved as an easy, drop-in computer
room cooling appliance. Centralized systems use larger motors and fans, and can be more
efficient. They are also well suited for variable volume operation through the use of Variable
Speed Drives (VSDs, also referred to as Variable Frequency Drives or VFDs). Most data center
loads do not vary appreciably over the course of the day, and the cooling system is typically
oversized with significant reserve capacity. A centralized air handling system can improve
efficiency by taking advantage of surplus and redundant capacity to actually improve
efficiency. The maintenance benefits of a central system are well known, and the reduced
footprint and maintenance traffic in the data center are additional benefits.
PRINCIPLES
• A central system allows redundancy to be implemented in a manner that provides
maximum reliability (a spinning reserve) and increases normal operating system
efficiency. System maintenance is also simplified through centralization.
• In most California climates, air handlers can be located on the roof (ideally in a central
location not directly over the data center the space), allowing significant cost savings
compared to Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRACs) by reducing the data center
floorspace required by the air conditioning.
• Fans and motors tend to be more efficient in larger systems.
• Large air handlers equipped with variable air volume fans tend to have better efficiency
when underloaded, as opposed to Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) units where
efficiency suffers at part loads. Data center systems are typically operated at part-load to
ensure maximum temperature and humidity control stability, reliability, and margin for
future increases in load.
17