gForce Ultra Offers Big Savings Potential

In this month’s technology blog, we showcase a product designed to enhance efficiency and reliability in CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) units. The ability to cool effectively is a trademark of Data Aire’s gForce series, but the Ultra edition brings an industry-first feature to the line. The gForce Ultra incorporates variable speed compressors to offer a level of accurate climate control unlike any other product on the market. Let’s get into the specifications of how this product is able to distance itself from others in the field.

The savings begin with the type of fans installed on the gForce Ultra. Backward curved plenum fans with EC (electronically commutated) motors are designed to be more energy efficient due to the differences between DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). AC motors typically reach maximum efficiency around 75%, while EC motors operate in the low 90% efficiencies over a wider range of RPMs. This, in turn, keeps motor heat and, therefore, energy cost low. Couple this with elimination of  belt dust contamination caused by belt drive fans and you have the beginnings of an excellent model.

There are a few other attributes which make this product stand out. In total, there are 4 new features including, Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), Variable Speed Compressor (VSC), Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) and Venturi-Flo Refrigerant Distributor (VRD).

These features help achieve lower energy costs by:

Eliminating the start / stop cycle because the variable capacity of the system allows the compressor to speed up to match the heat load of the room and maintain a constant temperature. Once the equipment is putting out less heat, the compressor slows again. The Ultra only ramps to the necessary load instead of running at full-speed constantly.

The other high-efficiency pieces to the puzzle include:

The Data Aire dap4 Controller constantly monitors measurements from each of the components it controls. The Variable Speed Compressor can modulate between 20 and 100 hertz, allowing for the elimination of the aforementioned stop and start cycles. The Energy Efficient Condenser Fans feature the same EC motors used on the supply fans allowing efficient variable speed operation. The aerodynamic fan blade design further increases efficiency and decreases noise. An Electronic Thermal Expansion Valve creates the precise level of control needed to keep this marvel operating at peak levels. This combination translates into big savings.

Anyone looking for an energy-efficient way to keep cooling costs down should definitely give this a look.