DC HVAC case studies
DC HVAC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The DC HVAC exam is a professional credential for people who design, operate, and maintain cooling systems in data centres. It is aimed at data centre facilities engineers, HVAC technicians, mechanical designers, commissioning agents, and operations managers who need to show competence in precision cooling rather than comfort air conditioning. Candidates typically already understand basic refrigeration and air distribution and want a structured way to demonstrate that knowledge to employers. The exam covers five areas: data centre cooling fundamentals, HVAC system components and configurations, airflow management and containment, cooling capacity, loads and efficiency metrics, and HVAC operations, maintenance and energy efficiency. The DC HVAC case studies are 5 cases and about 2,252 words.
1High-Density Racks After a Supply-Air Temperature Reset
A 200 kW IT hall has 22 racks on a raised floor: 18 racks average 8 kW and four racks at 14 kW. Cooling is provided by four perimeter CRAH units with constant-speed fans and no containment.
419 words, about 2 min2Low Delta-T in a Primary-Secondary Chilled Water Plant
Three 600 kW water-cooled chillers serve a 1,200 kW IT load through a primary-secondary pumping arrangement. Design secondary supply/return is 10/18°C (ΔT 8 K).
488 words, about 2 min3Containment Retrofit on a 12 kW/Rack Row
Two rows of 15 racks each (30 racks, 12 kW average, 360 kW total) use hot-aisle containment. Seven of eight CRAH units run; each delivers 10,000 m³/h at 100% fan speed.
472 words, about 2 min4PUE Improvement Claim for a 1.2 MW Hall
A 1.2 MW average IT load consumes 10.5 GWh per year. The facility total is 16.8 GWh per year, with cooling 4.2 GWh, UPS losses 0.8 GWh, lighting 0.3 GWh, and other infrastructure 1.0 GWh.
411 words, about 2 min5Condenser Approach Drift on a Water-Cooled Chiller
Two 800 kW water-cooled centrifugal chillers serve a 600 kW IT load. Design condenser-water supply/return is 29/35°C with a chiller condenser approach of 1.5 K.
462 words, about 2 min