UNC-CH Information Technology Services

New equipment increases campus machine room cooling capacity

All enterprise level computer systems are monitored continuously by the ITS Enterprise Management Center (EMC), a part of ITS Infrastructure and Operations. Each computer system requires a carefully controlled environment with specific humidity and temperature levels; each enterprise level system also emits large amounts of heat which must be controlled at all times.

In early Fall 2004, ITS Infrastructure and Operations and UNC-Chapel Hill Facilities Maintenance worked closely to evaluate existing EMC environmental equipment (which had been in use over twenty years), current customer demands, expected future needs, and available budgets.

By repurposing an existing and unused State funded renovations grant, the UNC-Chapel Hill teams were able to secure budget for the purchase and installation of newer, scalable, and more flexible “Computer Room Air Conditioners” (or CRACs) to benefit the entire campus.

Following a needs assessment process, ITS Infrastructure and Operations and UNC-Chapel Hill Facilities Maintenance selected EDI for the design and specification of the replacement units, and Liebert CRAC units in consideration of delivery times, quality of product and local expertise

To prepare for the removal of outdated CRACs and installation of new units, multiple campus departments and customers coordinated building power upgrades, building renovation work, and equipment relocation logistics.

The final installation of three new CRACs in the ITS Enterprise Management Center was possible due to the many contributions by talented UNC-Chapel Hill staff including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, insulators, asbestos removal technicians, machine shop craftsmen, and computer system operators.

The recent selection and installation of the new CRACs represents many things for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s campus: collaboration among departments, shared visions of high quality and robust technology equipment supporting academic endeavors, and ongoing review of customer needs and feedback.