Data centres and facilities are rooms or spaces that house the computer systems, components, and equipment of a business. They are crucial for maintaining IT operations and other similar purposes. You can think of them as the “brain” or nervous system of a business-- doing everything from storing, recording, and processing data and more.
Due to its functions, the average data centre produces a lot of electric power. Generating that much electricity to perform business operations is not without its drawbacks-- in exchange, a data centre also produces a lot of heat from its equipment. This is an issue because your computer systems and components are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Overheating can cause a lot of damage.
Therefore, regulating the temperature through the use of computer room air conditioning is highly advisable.
How does one cool data centres?
Data centres and computer rooms are cooled through many methods. Techniques such as raised floors and designing a layout to ventilate properly is key, but special air conditioning units such as Computer Room Air Conditioning (or CRAC) and Computer Room Air Handler (or CRAH) infrastructure is key. Let’s learn more about their differences.
Differences between CRAH and CRAC
1. The CRAC. A computer room air conditioner behaves like a conventional A/C unit. They blow hot air over a cooling coil that is kept cold with a refrigerant and air compressor. They’re less efficient but are good for rooms that don’t need sophisticated precision cooling controls.
2. The CRAH. A computer room air handler uses chilled water for the cooling coil. It doesn’t need a compressor and is more efficient. It’s perfect for server rooms that need more precise cooling.
Canatec is a leading provider of data centre solutions in Singapore. Contact us for more information about our precision cooling solutions, water detection systems, and other products.
