HVAC Case Study
HVAC Case Study NSIDC

Challenge

Like most data centers, the NSIDC used a significant amount of energy to run and cool its IT equipment. Of its 77,000 sq foot building, the data center accounts for just 2% of that space, yet used over a half of the power. What’s more, over half of the 100 kilowatts used to run the data center went to cooling. So, when the center needed to upgrade its cooling system, it looked for a more energy-efficient option.

Solution

That option involved installing eight Coolerado M50 evaporative coolers inside the data center. An air-handling unit positioned on the roof brings in outside air, which is then cooled by the Coolerado air conditioners. Unlike most air conditioners that only cool recycled indoor air, the Coolerado units run fresh outdoor air through air filters and then a heat and mass exchanger (HMX). This process delivers cool air using one-tenth of the energy of traditional air conditioners.

In months when outside air is cooler than inside air, the units are able to take advantage of “free cooling” by simply filtering the cold outside air and pumping it directly into the space. In this case, the Coolerado units’ unique design provide yet another benefit. The system regulates the air and adds humidity when the data center gets too dry.

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