How to ensure safe and stable conditions in data centres? Managing temperature, humidity and water quality is a key challenge for air handling unit (AHU) manufacturers serving the data centre industry. In our case study, we will show why precise measurement of these parameters is so important and how properly selected sensors and transducers can increase the reliability of the entire system. You will learn how to effectively minimise the risk of server overheating, electrostatic discharge or scale build-up - and thus offer customers safer, more cost-effective solutions. Want to learn proven ways to better monitor climate conditions in your data centre? Read on and discover how we achieved this with our customer, an air handling unit manufacturer!
In modern data centres, stable temperature and humidity are the foundation for the safe operation of IT equipment. If the ventilation and air-conditioning system does not maintain ideal conditions, overheating, electrostatic discharge or accelerated corrosion of components are threatened. For this reason, manufacturers of air-conditioning units (AHUs) install temperature and humidity sensors in their units in order to precisely regulate the degree of cooling, heating and humidifying of the air at all times. At the same time, monitoring the conductivity of the water used in the humidification process makes it possible to detect excessive salt and mineral content, which can lead to scaling and failure of key plant components. As a result, the data centre receives a stable and reliable operating environment, which translates into less downtime and higher server performance - and this is most important for server room operators.
Our client is a leading manufacturer of customised air handling units (AHUs), serving the medical, industrial and - of particular importance - data centre sectors, among others. In its projects, it relies on matching stringent environmental requirements, where maintaining stable air parameters is crucial for process continuity and safety. This time, he was faced with the challenge of finding reliable sensors for measuring water conductivity (used in air handling unit humidification systems) and controlling temperature and humidity. Precise monitoring of these values proved essential to ensure optimum operating conditions, minimise the risk of scale and corrosion, and maximise the energy efficiency of the entire ventilation system - of paramount importance in data centres.
In order to meet the high demands of the data centre market, the manufacturer of air handling units (AHUs) needed a reliable measurement system that could meet the stringent air and water quality standards. The JUMO BlackLine CR-EC and JUMO tecLine CR conductivity sensors, which combine a compact design with resistance to chemical agents and fluctuating temperatures, proved crucial. They make it possible to maintain the correct parameters of the water used for humidifying the air handling units, while preventing scale formation and corrosion. The JUMO AQUIS 500 CR conductivity controller, which monitors and regulates conductivity values in real time, responding to any fluctuations, provides complete process control. This is complemented by the JUMO hydroTRANS S30 humidity and temperature transmitter, which precisely measures the humidity and temperature in the ventilation duct, which is of great importance for the safety of the servers in operation. With such a set-up, the manufacturer of air handling units can offer its customers (e.g. data centres) the certainty that climatic conditions are stable and energy consumption optimised - without the risk of uncontrolled increases in temperature, humidity or unwanted water contamination.
From left: JUMO BlackLine conductivity sensor (202922), JUMO tecLine CR two-electrode conductivity sensor (202924), JUMO AQUIS 500 CR conductivity regilator (202565), JUMO hydroTRANS S30 humidity and temperature transmitter (907043).
By choosing a complete set of equipment from a single supplier, the AHU manufacturer first and foremost benefits from a consistent and proven solution based on compatible components. In practice, this means fewer installation problems and faster integration into the control system. What's more, the favourable price/quality ratio has meant that final costs, both for equipment and service, have been significantly reduced. At the same time, the high reliability of the sensors and transducers has translated into longer system life and more precise monitoring of key parameters. For a manufacturer of air handling units, this is an important competitive advantage, as it can offer solutions tailored to the requirements of data centre customers, guaranteeing safety and energy savings.
My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.
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