Weatherite racks up a cooling success
Secured managed IT service provider InTechnology is so proud of its latest facility in Reading that it organises open days to show off its energy-efficient technology and equipment. That equipment includes cooling systems installed and commissioned by Weatherite Building Services (WBS) for the 1400 m2 of hosting space. Main contractor and project manager Galliford Try Communications had previously worked with WBS on other data-centre projects.
The equipment includes 20 fresh-air direct-free-cooling air-handling units made by sister company Weatherite Manufacturing. The units were designed to deliver 50 kW net cooling capacity (N+1) for IT-rack equipment loads of 2.9 to 3.2 kW and maintain a temperature of 24°C in enclosed cold aisles.
These units deliver air via the common floor void for controlled air distribution via floor grilles into each row of rack modules.
The project included replacing existing windows with weatherproof louvres with duct connections to the AHUs. These connections enable filtered cooling air to be introduced or, for the rare occasions when AHU internal refrigeration plant is needed, condenser air to be exhausted via control dampers.
Weatherite also installed condensate drains, complete with protective water-detection tape.
The self-contained modular AHUs did not need external plant space. Underfloor infrastructure services were limited to a power cable and condensate drain, leaving more space in the floor void for IT power-cable services and improving airflow to the cabinets.
WBS also supplied air conditioning for the separate battery room and supply/exhaust fan ventilation system in the switchgear room as a cost-effective solution for removing heat from the UPS plant.
