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As a service organization we're focused on our client's performance regardless of the HVAC systems they own. Outdated HVAC equipment may be in need of an upgrade or replacement. Learn what can be done to improve your server room cooling or data center cooling efficiency and how EEC can help. Here are some general notes we'd like to share:
Nothing Lasts Forever
Data Center CRAC / HVAC units operate at an average of 8,760 run hours per year. Most manufacturers no longer support the control systems for equipment made prior to 1995.
Components Can Compromise Reliability
Even with a good maintenance plan, units that are 10 to 15+ years have critical parts such as blower bearings, blower components, and compressors that are reaching maximum service life. As these components start fail, your equipment reliability and redundancy are jeopardized. Depending on the environment and location, we've witnessed a shorter life span on the heat rejection components. Contributing factors could be cleaning methods, air pollution, chemicals etc. (DX Condensers, Dry-Coolers and Cooling Towers). These older units tend to develop refrigerant leaks in key components of the evaporator section, condenser coil section and pressure regulating controls. These issues are caused by the continuous vibration over the years, electrolysis between dissimilar metals, moisture etc.
Refrigerant May Be a Chilling Proposition
Prior to 2005, the most commonly used refrigerant used in HVAC equipment was R22 (AC Freon). The U.S. government has enacted a policy requiring all air conditioners and heat pumps no longer use this ozone-depleting refrigerant. Equipment that requires extensive repairs may be subject to substantial costs because this refrigerant is being phased out. This may be another reason to choose an upgrade rather than repair.
Single Stage May Be the Final Stage
Units with single-stage compressors are less efficient. These units are recommended for replacement to increase efficiency. Newer units are available with multi-step compressors and variable speed drives on motors.
Units with infrared humidifiers have components that deteriorate and require extensive repairs as the equipment ages. Newer equipment has better controls to monitor and control humidification. There are also more types of high efficiency humidification systems now available. Computer room humidification standards have changed over the years, so has the equipment to support these new standards.
Specific Issues To Consider
Liebert 8-30 ton 1995 or earlier Liebert is no longer supporting the control boards for equipment with the Model numbers ending in 00 or 10. These units feature earlier versions of the DS and VS ICOM. Liebert has improved and enhanced their software /firmware for this equipment. Upgrades are available and we have factory-trained service technicians to implement software upgrades and networking.
Marvair/Bard 2005 or earlier Wall mount units should be considered for upgrades. Newer systems have more advanced controls and alarm capabilities. New units also have better economization and more efficient compressors. We’re currently seeing our cell site customers upgrade to the newer models. This HVAC equipment is designed to cool telecommunications shelters where the high internal heat load requires year round cooling. The ASDCA units are standard efficiency models and the HSDCA units are high efficiency models. The air conditioners are designed to operate with the Marvair CoolLinks PLC-based controller and provide the industry's most advanced cooling and monitoring solution for telecommunications shelters.
Sanyo/Mitsubishi 2005 or earlier Mini splits have become more efficient. Most manufacturers stop supporting hardware and control boards after 8 years of service. Because of their small size and low cost of installation, these units are ideal for cooling small spaces such as IDF closets, telephone, router, rack-mounted UPS’s and rooms with PC’s.
Stulz 5-30ton 2005 or earlier We've experienced long term reliability issues, parts are difficult to source and units older than 10 years are recommended for upgrades
Airedale 5-20ton 2005 or earlier We've experienced long term reliability issues, parts are difficult to source and units older than 10 years are recommended for upgrades.
Neglecting to maintain data center power & cooling equipment or implementing improper maintenance procedures are two of the biggest reasons why mission critical equipment fails.Learn why it's important to address this sooner rather than later.
