CRAC Units
What is a CRAC Unit?
CRAC is short for Computer Room Air Condition and CRAC units are more and more often seen replacing standard air conditioners in data centers and other critical installations like for instance clean rooms requiring high precision air conditioning. A CRAC unit consists of a direct expansion refrigeration cycle, and air is blown over a cold coil in order to achieve cooling. The temperature of the coil is maintained with the help of a refrigerant and will monitor and maintain server room temperature and also secure proper air distribution and humidity.
A popular CRAC setup is to process cooling air and having it dispensed through an elevated floor. This way, the air rises through the perforated sections, forming cold aisles. The chilled air flows through the computer racks where it picks up heat before exiting from the rear of the racks. The now warmer exit air forms hot aisles behind the racks and is returned through the CRAC intakes, which are located above floor level.
How is a CRAC Unit Application Optimized?
With proper balance and accurate control, a CRAC unit will provide the essentially required high precision air conditioning. FlowCon recommends two different solutions to a CRAC unit installation:
1. CRAC Units with Pressure Independent Temperature Control (PITCV)
The PITCV will react only to change in ΔT, which can be either deliberately set to a new target or automatic due to occupancy change. The PICV actuator will only move if a ΔT change is sensed. By optimizing ΔT, flow may be reduced to a minimum resulting in significant energy savings and extended life of equipment, while providing pressure independent ΔT control and optimized comfort.
→ Download Application Drawing Example
FlowCon recommends the following PITCV:
2. CRAC Units with Pressure Independent Control (PICV)
The PICV will react to system pressure changes and regulate the flow of water to required flow by adjusting the actuator position. This helps the system to be accurately controlled even with pressure changes and reduced loads.
→ Download Application Drawing Example
FlowCon recommends the following PICVs:
Some FlowCon Projects with CRAC Units
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Still in Doubt?
Please Contact Us
If You are in doubt which Solution to choose to Your Application or how a specific product is working, please do not hesitate contacting FlowCon.
We will react as soon as possible, and written reply is normally within 8 hours if Your question is asked in English and during office hours. Other languages and requests asked during vacation time or weekends may experience longer response time. Likewise, for any special and out of standard requests, You may not see an immediate reply, but we are responsive.