Thanks!!! Very good information here. We only have portable generators that we'd have to wheel outside and fire up, then run extension cords in through a window.
-----Original Message----- From: Ben Scott [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 4:27 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Re: Portable A/C for computer room? [general reply to discussion] If you can afford it, you're definitely better off getting a pro electrician to hardwire something to your existing equipment (computers and chiller). They can put in a transfer switch so all you have to do is pull the lever and you're back in business. For additional cost, an automatic transfer switch will do that automatically, so you don't even need to be there (if you have an auto-start generator). As has been pointed out, portable chillers which dump waste heat into an exhaust hose have their drawbacks. You need physical space to run the vent. There's a substantial air differential which will have to be made up some how. If you don't plan for it, it can cause things like doors being sucked open. (I was surprised, too.) Condensation water is a concern. Most models drain to a reservoir with optional drain pump/hose. I've seen some models which instead evaporate the water and send it out the exhaust vent. These avoid the need for plumping entirely. Worked very well. I think the one we used was a Maytag. I've seen portable chillers with a two-way hot side. You ran two vent hoses. One drew air in, the other returned hot exhaust. This eliminated the problems with pressure differentials. Be aware that not all generators are created equal. Some output fairly "dirty" power, which UPSes and/or chillers may not like. Be aware that the current draw (amps) when the chiller compressor starts can be substantially more than the running power. Make sure the generator can handle it. Also, your UPS will likely kick in again momentarily every time the compressor starts. -- Ben ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ . ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
