Feature the direct impact is static electricity that can result in electronic failure or data packet losses . Humidity and dewpoint controls are required to avoid moisture build-up on the IT appliances . Static transients with dust on IT electronics also creates a high fire risk . With static build-up and high humidity in equilibrium rust is also a reality , which combined with air quality can accelerant corrosion ,” adds Glaus .
“ Gases or fumes generally don ’ t affect the operation of the DC equipment , but some gases may be a hazard or cause the incorrect dumping of fire suppression gas within the DC . Also , DCs that use acid lead batteries need to carefully monitor hydrogen levels that are released when the batteries undergo charging mode . These hydrogen levels are often controlled by dilution through the fresh air units . Data centres that use lithium-ion batteries do not experience this problem and fresh air units are not required ,” says Young .
In some instances , leaked R410A refrigerant gas has caused some fire suppression systems to incorrectly release fire suppression gas into the data centre . Therefore , it is recommended that any R410A bleed-off valves be connected and piped to an area that is outside of the white space to prevent incorrect fire suppression operations .
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS “ A DC cooling system lifespan is dependent on certain servicing criteria and should last between 15-20 years – however our experience over the years has found that after about 10 years , technology has developed to the point where it becomes a ‘ no-brainer ’ to replace the system primarily due to efficiency improvements but also due to refrigerant changes , updated design methods , and also a need arises to remove uncertainty because the older equipment gets the higher the risk of failure ,” notes Koeslag .
Jooste adds , ” Other factors that drive change in technology particularly in this field are that companies realise that they can operate the DCs with slightly warmer conditions by simple layout changes of the DC to allow it to be cold only where the cooling should be , so it doesn ’ t matter where the hot air is in the space , and then computers themselves are now far more robust and efficient than what they have been in the past . These factors immediately change the way cooling works and the specifications to work towards in the designs of future .”
“ The use of various free cooling methods is another element incorporated into systems , as mentioned , and also allows the compressor and refrigerant system to either modulate or switch off according to the ambient air conditions in the DC . This automatically results in a substantial energy savings and reduces the total cost of ownership of the DC . Research is currently underway to implement a liquid-cooling type of system that submerges server components in a dielectric fluid . This concept may completely replace air-cooled systems in future ,” says Young .
Glaus adds , “ Another important advancement in technology , especially when working with dynamic environments is the control mechanisms that allow ramping up and down as cooling is required or not . IoT sensor-based cooling also continuously allows the correct airflows , volumes and humidity levels are provided rather than the traditional overcooling .”
STATEMENTS ON LOCALLY MANUFACTURED VS IMPORTED PRODUCTS “ Quite simply the primary benefit of local supply is that you are supporting the much-needed job opportunities for South Africans and there is investment within the country . From a client ’ s perspective , why some prefer local goods is due to the availability in parts and the instant technical support . At AIAC our unique policy is that if something fails on site for whatever reason , we get the person who worked on the unit to site to evaluate and correct any errors . Who built it , can fix it – and knowing each unit in the greatest detail , all of our technical staff have gone through all the different stations in the factory before they go out into the field . Understanding the units and process inside and out , is another major advantage for us ,” says Koeslag .
Poonsamy adds , “ We have the option of pulling equipment from Airedale UK in Leeds , UK , however our niche offering is to assemble here locally reducing logistics . Supplying into fast track projects , is a growing requirement taking into consideration the high growth we are seeing in the sector . Deploying equipment into these environments as quick as possible has a knock-on effect on achieving operational functionality hence meeting a business case with less delay . Fast tracking enables the DC to achieve a quicker path to market with its corresponding ROI / revenue . There ’ s a huge value proposition to engage with localised partners other than speed of response , namely flexibility .”
“ For Intramech , we supply imported equipment that is globally recognised because there is the advantage of scale of manufacture – where sheer volumes allow exceptional quality control and we can also take advantage of the continual research and development that the principles offer , as well as access to the best and latest technology available . We can also land any equipment from Italy at a competitive rates to any local manufacturer ,” notes Jooste .
CONCLUSION Although just a snapshot of the topic that could fill an entire publication , DCs are quite a complex beast to create , manage and ensure continual efficiency – but what could be expected when you take the time to consider the importance of data in our day to day lives – you just have to ask yourself – how much do we rely on DCs without even knowing it and how much does downtime cost any company ? RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I January 2021 37