Five Acson Hydrotech Mini Chillers are playing an energy-efficient role in keeping a communications’ centre cool in Northampton. Supplied by J & E Hall of Derby, the water-based Acson A5ACV100CR units are employed to help ensure that temperatures are closely controlled in a room housing telecommunications’ and server equipment for the retail and hospitality industries.
The Acson chillers were installed by Wellingborough-based Owen Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. The equipment’s green credentials made them the number one choice for the customer, Retail Technology Services. RTS provides data for retail and hospitality customers.
Andy Davies, contracts’ manager for Owen Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, masterminded the project. He said: “We had worked with Retail Technology Services in the past and when they took over this building they approached us to complete a total fit-out – mechanical and electrical.
The Acson chillers deliver excellent room temperature control and because they are water-based and are stable. Modulating control valves regulate the water flow – maintaining the constant temperature needed in the server room.
The system runs on a secondary refrigerant – a mix of 20 per cent glycol to 80 per cent water. Andy Davies takes up the story again: “It’s an energy-efficient solution to the clients’ specifications. It saves on refrigerant and fits the application well. It’s the second time we have completed a project involving water based chillers. Previously, we had undertaken something similar at the Open University in Milton Keynes.”
Richard Hockley, a director of Retail Technology Services, based in Northampton, formerly worked for an air conditioning company and understands what’s needed from a cooling system for a communications’ centre.
He said: “What attracted us to the Acson system was the good energy efficiency, the cost and the suitability for our application. The glycol/water mix is ideal. If the chiller stops in the middle of the winter – it could be minus ten or so outside – this is a major problem. The glycol/water mix prevents the water from freezing. “
Andy Davies concluded: “We are happy with the job. Overall, the Acson system is a good one and works well. It is competitively priced and we also receive superb back-up from J & E Hall.”
Picture: Andy Davies, Owen Refrigeration
