Data centers have very specific HVAC needs that are different from most other industrial settings. When selecting HVAC equipment and designing a system specifically for a data center, the following three considerations must be top of mind:
Indirect + Direct evaporative cooling (IDEC) is a viable method to keep temperature and humidity within the ASHRAE comfort zone throughout most of the Rocky Mountain region. Air2O, the next generation of air conditioning systems, recommends designing for 100% outside air when applying an IDEC system in most applications.
In 2014, US data centers constituted 1.8% of total US power consumption, and this number is only expected to rise in the coming years. Now, for many, 1.8% may seem low, but building designers know power consumption can easily skyrocket as more and more data centers are built, so they continue to look for ways to optimize data center energy use.
Commercial kitchens are the nerve center of a food-based business. Any problems in the kitchen can quickly spin out of control and harm the staff, customers, and even the business. A well-run kitchen not only requires a dedicated staff, it also takes a well-designed HVAC system.
Marijuana is one of the most valuable crops in the United States. The legal cannabis market grossed almost $9 billion in 2017. Analysts estimate that this industry will be worth as much as $21 billion in 2021. Like all other high-growth industries, the legal cannabis industry also presents opportunities for other businesses outside of the core cannabis growers and sellers.
The HVAC industry is bracing for the planned phase out of Freon (R22) for commercial HVAC units. Many customers are still unaware of the phase out or are unclear about how it will affect them. The more you know about what is going to happen with R22, the better you will be able to prepare your customers for what needs to happen with their aging R22-dependent systems.
In the current competitive HVAC market, simply designing, building, and installing more efficient systems and equipment is no longer enough. Builders and building owners alike are increasingly worried about indoor air quality and how it affects the health of workers and the environment.
Water vapor or humidity is usually not considered an air contaminant or cause of health problems. Yet, studies show that when indoor humidity levels are out of range, it can have a detrimental impact on building occupants. Many experience adverse reactions and, long term can lead to illness.
Recent advances in technology have helped evaporative cooling become a hot choice for many builders and HVAC technicians. But, many people still have some basic questions about everything from how evaporative cooling works to if it really can deliver on all of the hype.
Air conditioning has been credited with changing the way people live and work. However, industrial and residential air conditioning units continue to operate much the same way they have for decades.
