Hello,
Today, I want to talk about ASHRAE and why it is important for data center design. First of all, ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), as you can understand from the name, is an essential authority on cooling analysis for data centers. This standard (ASHRAE TC 9.9) defines the ideal cooling conditions for IT equipment. ASHRAE includes the A1, A2, A3, and A4 classifications, which specify recommended operating temperature and humidity ranges. Another important aspect covered by ASHRAE is dew point management.
ASHRAE is not widely known by the general public when it comes to data center design and operation. However, ASHRAE directly affects your PUE and overall efficiency. According to ASHRAE, your IT equipment’s inlet air temperature should be maintained between 18 and 27 °C. This is a wide range, and system efficiency is directly related to discharge air temperatures.
If I design based on 18 °C, it keeps the system safe, but it is not efficient. However, if I design for 27 °C, it means achieving the best cooling efficiency and lower energy consumption. Depending on your choice, your system could be up to 35% more efficient.
What is the impact on the cooling system? Actually, higher discharge air temperatures mean:
- Lower chiller compressor consumption
- Lower in-room unit fan speeds
- Reduced dehumidification requirements
- Longer free cooling periods
These features directly improve the overall system efficiency. And efficiency also means sustainability. With this approach, you are essentially determining the system efficiency during the design phase. This is only one of many design considerations for data centers, but it is one of the most important ones.
I will reach out to another design points in my upcoming blog posts. Wishing you a smooth path ahead—may everything in your life run as smoothly and beautifully as a well-designed data center. Here’s to success and happiness!
Muhammed Baki SUMER 
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