Data Center Humidity Control

[Weldinspect]

We need for a new project an advise for a technollogy for humidity control for a Data center with very low power consumption please?

 

[dbill74]

Need to rephrase your question to be more clear on what you are asking. If needed, visit Translation Assistance for Engineers for assistance.

 

[Weldinspect]

Done -)

 

[marcoh]

All depends on where in the world you are and ambient climate. Locate the data centre north of the arctic circle and you could have nil mechanical cooling or dehumidification requirements.

Assumption you cannot relocate, the next biggest question is the size of the data centre. Especially if it is largish, you could use smartly designed AHU's in lieu of traditional CRAC units.

 

[RossABQ]

@marcoh, typically DC's need humidification because the IT weenies insist on >35% RH, sometimes as much as 50%, for static control. Any attempt at free cooling/economizer cycle exacerbates the humidity requirements. (in many climates) I believe the OP's question is how to add humidity, not remove it.

 

[lukaiENG]

actually I believe the OPs issue probably is high humidity, he refers to a data center with very low power consumption (or perhaps a humidifier with very low power consumption?)

It is a common case for data centers be be designed, constructed and tested for very large loads, the building is then handed over and the IT guys take months if not years to load it up. During this time the load on the cooling systems can be so low that compressors are not bought on to provide cooling frequently, this can let humidity drift upwards.

There is no one size fits all solution as all systems are a different configuration with different components. These are the general remedies however:
[ol 1]
[li]control humidity sources[/li]
[li]false load system in order to engage cooling/dehumidification [/li]
[/ol]

Obviously option 1 is preferable as option 2 is wasteful from an energy perspective. Typically the humidity source is outdoor air, the humidity can be lowered by decreasing the outdoor air volume delivered, or lowering the temperature of the outdoor air supply to strip out humidity.

 

[Weldinspect]

Well we are in the tropic with high humidity and the room is about 20x20 m

 

[dbill74]

Ah, more information.
Having a datacenter in the tropics is different from other spaces and a few things to keep in mind when designing an HVAC system.
1) The occupancy is very low and there is very little latent load.
2) You can allow the space to get up to 60-65% RH without any real threat to the electronics.
3) A minimal amount of outside air (0.5 CFM/SF) can provide enough humidity to prevent dry static arcing. Keep RH 40%-60%. This outside air will help keep the air in the data center from becoming stale as well.
4) A 20m square space is pretty big which means ducting is going to be needed. Ideally supply located under the floor with return in ceiling. However, not needed with strategically placed diffusers and registers.

It's difficult to give advice and guidance if we don't know where you are having trouble or with what you have questions. If you have specific questions or concerns, please to feel free to ask. The better you ask your questions, the better the community can help.