Hi All, I have read som many answers regarding the baseline system for Data centers, Some are saying use system 8 some are saying use system 3 and 4, which one is the right system? I am working on a data center with 200,000 sqft of space with 160,000 sqft is as server rooms, now the baseline system comes at System 8 but with exception G 3.1.1 DC is a space with more than 10 BTU/hrft2 and more than 40 hrs per week of EFLH, I think based on this exception we should use system 3 and 4 depending on the heat source. Can please someone shed light on that?
TIA
Rajat
Cory Duggin
Senior Energy WizardTLC Engineering Solutions
53 thumbs up
June 1, 2023 - 7:13 pm
Use system 3/4 for the data hall and any assocaited spaces like UPS rooms with a high load density and 24/7 schedule per G3.1.1 exception b like you mentioned. Use the system 8 for whatever else there is.
Rajat Wadhwa
June 1, 2023 - 8:33 pm
Thanks Cory, that is my understanding but I have seen some comments which mention otherwise, I have ran with both the scenarios but with VAV we get more savings, Can you tell me if you submiutted a Data center for LEED with system 3/4 for DC?
Thanks!
Rajat
Cory Duggin
Senior Energy WizardTLC Engineering Solutions
53 thumbs up
June 2, 2023 - 11:06 am
I have but not under the v4 DC. I'm working on one right now though. Are the reviewers saying exception b doesn't apply to the data hall?
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5906 thumbs up
June 2, 2023 - 11:27 am
I would tend to go the other way. It is a system 8. When applying Section G3.1.1 exception b it is for spaces that differer significantly from the predominant space type in the rest of the building, not for the predominant space type itself. It is intended to address smaller spaces where a unitary equipment approach makes more sense. It is not intended to apply to the majority of the building.
That said I think that the reviewers have been instructed to accept either approach. I'll double check to make sure that is still the case.
Rajat Wadhwa
June 15, 2023 - 12:30 pm
Hi Marcus and Cory we got a response from LEED and since the vault area is more than rest area we will go with system 8 for vault.
Based on the information provided, System 8 appears to be correct. If the area of the vault is greater than the other areas with lower loads, the the vault is the predominant condition and G3.1.1 exceptions get applied to the other areas.
Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5906 thumbs up
June 15, 2023 - 12:39 pm
As I said that seems to be the right way to go. I did double check and reviewers have been instructed to accept either approach.