Title 24 impacts Data Center and Computer Room/IDF Cooling Requirements

Measures likely to spread across the country

New California Energy Codes will have broad impacts on Computer Room cooling design and retrofitting that requires permitting. The definition of “Computer Room” may surprise you because it is not just the large Data Centers that will be affected. 

Adaptations of the California codes are likely to spread across the country so you should become familiar with the requirements and how they may affect and/or improve your operation efficiency.  At a minimum, these could be viewed as “Best Practices” for efficient Data Center and Computer Room Operation.

At the highest level the new codes include:

•       Prescriptive requirements for data room cooling

•       Requirement of economizers

•       Prevention of reheating

•       Prohibition of non-adiabatic dehumidification

•       Requirements for fan power & control (VFD’s)

•       Requirements containment

According to California Operators – SCE, California’s Title 24 changes are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2014, however there have been rumors it could be delayed again due to software issues (they were originally slated for enactment on January 1, 2013). The new requirements are not retroactive, but any plans that seek incentives/rebates for VFDs, containment projects, and/or other cooling optimization need to be submitted and pre-approved by the end of June. We encourage you to talk directly with your Power/Utility account representative and/or Wildan Energy (option for SCE clients) to ensure you understand how these changes may affect your organization.

Express Incentives, Calculated Incentives, and Savings By Design  Incentives/Rebates (New Build only) still exist from SCE and most utilities. NER can help you qualify for these funds to improve and upgrade your Data Center cooling infrastructure.

To receive a copy of the SCE presentation, the complete California Building Energy Efficiency Standards document, and/or an overview page of the Title 24 Data Center/Computer Room Impacts contact Greg Stover at gstover@nerdata.com / 949-360-1509.

Since this is a Cooling/Thermal Management focused initiative it is a good time to remember that you can’t manage what you can’t see. NER’s new Aurora Thermal Management Technology provides the visibility, data, and management capabilities you require. Learn more at www.nerdata.com/aurora

NER and our partners (Emerson/Liebert, Polargy, Geist/Opengate) provide the most comprehensive cooling offering for optimizing your Data Center/Computer Room. In addition, our advanced Thermal Management and Assessment Services will identify the root cause of your cooling challenges and map out the best path forward.