What are Close Control Air Conditioning Systems?
Nowadays, there are many kinds of air conditioners being introduced in the global market. One is what we call the close control air conditioning. As the name implies, the characteristics of the air (temperature, humidity and air cleanliness) are virtually controlled closely with tolerance.
Close control air conditioning systems are very essential in heavy duty areas (like hospitals, fast foods, hotels, telecoms, switching stations, laboratories) because these units operate 24/7 (even in a precise year round duty) with accurate control of temperature and humidity. Aside from its control accuracy, the system’s engineering is excellent. Server racks are arranged into hot and cold isles so that the air conditioning system efficiency and the server cooling effects are maximized. The units have intelligent cooling systems that can be adapted and adjusted.
The unit has a low energy fan motor with high sensible cooling ratios, large heat exchanger (making it possible to reach and maintain required temperature and efficiently manage sensible heat loads). This then saves energy in low ambient temperatures, especially if installed with an electronic expansion valve. Other close control AC units feature centrifugal fan chillers, air cooled chillers, and water cooled chillers. Some also require the use of a modular designed floor stand especially for stand-alone close control air conditioners.
Since close control air conditioners are mostly used in heavy duty businesses such as telecommunication or data centres and business centres, the units are crafted in varied configurations to suit the place. The state-of-the-art configurations offer protection of both sensitive equipment (like information and communication devices) and the unit. Close control air conditioners do not consume so much energy that they affect the power needs of sensitive equipment.
Constructed in small, slim-line designs, the units can be placed or mounted underneath trading floors, under office desk, overhead on ceilings or walls, on doors, behind or adjacent to other equipment or against a wall or partition. Its modular frame can be separated into three sections that permit the unit to fit through tight spaces such as small elevators. So aside from its energy saving properties, it is also space-saving. The maintenance of close control air conditioners is easy. Their small sizes are visible and accessible. Furthermore, the repair or replacement of the components can be executed well because the parts are removable at the front of the unit (except for replacement of heat exchange coils). This means then that there is more available side space that permits installation of several units close to each other.
Moreover, close control systems are known for their silent functioning, ecological impact, and energy efficiency. The systems are provided with a scroll-like compressor having a direct expansion coil, which makes them quieter than the alternative ones. The scroll compressor also helps in ecology, because it consumes much lower energy than the others. And since the unit uses ozone-friendly refrigerant (usually HFC R407), it greatly contributes to environment conservation. Thus, the lower energy consumption results in much reduced Total Equivalent Warming Impact as compared to other air conditioners at the same efficiency.
Close control air conditioning is also termed precision air conditioning because it highlights required technical specifications, such as monitoring and maintaining temperature and humidity within narrow limits to achieve a precise air conditioned space.