INTRODUCTION
A well-known data and records storage company, offering its services to store secure physical documents and electronic data at over 100 sites across the UK, needed to refurbish the controlled cooling system for one of its facilities, by delivering conditioned air through an existing ducted area.

THE CASE STUDY
The challenge:
The data storage company needed a system that allowed the main storage area to operate within stringent tolerances – with temperature maintained between 16 degrees C and 19 degrees C, and between 45 and 60% relative humidity. These standards were important, because their clients’ stored data and files needed to be kept in a guaranteed secure, conditioned environment, with no risk of degeneration or destruction of data, in accordance with PD5454 – a guide which specifies recommendations for the storage and exhibition of documents.

Solutions offered:
Engineers from DencoHappel designed a cooling solution for the main storage area, which used products specifically designed for data centre applications, ensuring that the desired temperature and humidity tolerances would be maintained.

Products used:
A Multi-DENCO DX inverter-driven upflow air-handling unit delivered closed climate control, specifically designed for archive stores and other locations, where precise climate control is critical. Since the unit was situated outside the served space, the conditioned air was distributed throughout the area by a series of grilles, with the return air exiting the room at

The client needed a system which allowed the main storage area to operate within stringent tolerances – with temperature maintained between 16 degrees C and 19 degrees C, and between 45 and 60% relative humidity

Since the unit was situated outside the served space, the conditioned air was distributed throughout the area by a series of grilles, with the return air exiting the room at low level through a grille at one end of the hall. The air returned to the bottom of the unit.

The Multi-DENCO specified included an inverter-driven full speed controllable compressor. Using the product meant the variable cooling loads within the main storage hall could be precisely matched, avoiding any large peaks and troughs around the set points, and ensuring a stable environment.

The company’s air-cooled condenser was also incorporated into the system to reject the room heat load outside.

The company’s twin electronically commutated (EC) fans from the Multi-DENCO range were specified for indoor and outdoor use. These were used to supply and extract air. An intelligent electronic system was put in place to control the units to ensure the required tolerances to temperature and humidity.

Conclusion
The systems installed deliver conditioned air to the storage area through the existing ducting system, while ensuring consistent temperature and humidity throughout the entire storage area, with no peaks and troughs. The main storage hall now has an even distribution of conditioned air throughout, with all tolerances and industry specifications met.

Other positive outcomes
The systems offer a comfortable working environment for the staff. Using an EC fan implies that power is pulsed on and off electronically, allowing energy saving when compared to ordinary cooling units.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the claims expressed in this article, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.