Computer Room Air Conditioning

What Does Computer Room Air Conditioning Mean?

Computer room air conditioning (CRAC) is a unit that is used to monitor and maintain the temperature of room in
which the computing equipment operates. They maintain the proper air distribution and humidity of the network room.

Advertisements

CRACs are most commonly used in data centers.

Techopedia Explains Computer Room Air Conditioning

Until recently, standard
air conditioners were normally used for maintaining temperatures in rooms in
which computing equipment operates. These are now
widely being replaced with CRACs. These
have a lot in common with residential air conditioners commonly used in homes. They consist of a direct
expansion refrigeration cycle, and air is
blown over a cold coil in order to achieve cooling. The temperature of the coil
is maintained with the help of a refrigerant.

However, unlike residential air conditioners, these units generally have
on and off controls only. Additionally, some CRAC units can help in managing the airflow within
the data center.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Hardware Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…