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Server and Home Electronics Cooling.


This How-To focuses on applications in which servers (or home electronics) require ventilation for temperature control. Electronics placed in confined areas may overheat if measures are not taken to remove the heat. One of the simplest methods to prevent this overheating is to provide additional ventilation to the space holding the electronics.

Sizing:
To calculate the required ventilation rate you need the following information:
1. Power consumed by the electronics (amps or watts). Note: This number may be much higher than the typical power consumption, since the nameplate data is based on the maximum input.
2. Worst case allowable temperature for the electronics.
3. Temperature of cooling air. Note: This temperature will really affect how much air we design for. For example, if we use outdoor air for cooling, the "design" temperature we use might be as high as 100 deg.F.

Calculate the airflow (CFM) required:
CFM REQUIRED = (watts x 3.41)/(allowable_temperature - cooling_temperature)/1.08
If only amps are known, substitute amps x 120 for watts in the calculation above.

Construction details:
We can help you select the correct fan, based on the duct length and fittings, but for "guesstimating" purposes, look at a a fan with the correct CFM at 0.25 to 0.5 inches water column (pressure measurement). The Fanech FR series and S&P TD series fans are very commonly used for this type of cooling.
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Fan performance is not affected whether the fan is exhausting or supplying (sucking or blowing) air to the electronics. The fan location should be selected for convenience and the ability of the air to provide even cooling to your system.

Please consult some of our other howto's for additional construction details and tips to make a very quiet installation.



As always, if you would like to ask more questions about this or other technical topics give us a call at 877-711-4822 - 8-5 PST. Live people for technical and sales support - an Internet first!



Disclaimer:
Advice and information given through our representatives is checked for usability and conformance with most codes. You as the user, however, have the responsibility for verifying conformance with local codes and standards and ensuring a safe installation. Although HVACQuick.com may employ and use professionals, their advice is not meant as substitute for professional engineering services. It is the customer's responsibility to hire and retain suitable engineering and architectural professionals as required.