Data Center Cooling & HVAC Calculator

Cooling Methods Guide

100% Recirculated Air

This method recirculates all the air inside the data center without bringing in outdoor air. It's simple and effective when outdoor conditions are not favorable. Pros: Energy efficient when outside air is hot/humid, simple control.
Cons: Requires powerful cooling equipment.

Mixed Air

This method mixes outdoor air with return air to save energy when outdoor air is cool enough. Pros: Can reduce cooling energy consumption.
Cons: Outdoor air must be properly conditioned.

Air-Cooled Chillers

Uses refrigeration cycles with outdoor air cooled condensers. Pros: Independent of outdoor air temperature.
Cons: High energy consumption.

Evaporative Cooling

Uses water evaporation to cool air. Pros: Energy efficient in dry climates.
Cons: Not suitable in humid climates.

Direct Economizers

Uses outdoor air directly when conditions are suitable. Pros: Saves energy.
Cons: Requires good air filtration.

Indirect Economizers

Uses a heat exchanger to cool return air with outdoor air without mixing them. Pros: Improved air quality.
Cons: Higher capital cost.

Liquid Cooling

Uses chilled liquid coolant directly to racks. Pros: High efficiency, good for high density.
Cons: More complex infrastructure.

Cooling Method Calculator Inputs

Available Utility (kW) (optional):

Size of Data Hall (ft²) (optional):

Number of Desired Racks:

Hot Air Return Temp (°F):

Cold Air Supply Temp (°F):

Desired kW per Rack:

Load Factor (%):

Select Air Method: 100% Recirculated Air Mixed Air (includes outdoor air temp)

Maximum Outdoor Air Temperature (°F):

Calculate & Show Details

This calculator estimates cooling loads based on the number of racks, power per rack, and temperature differences.

Formulas used:
- Total Load (kW) = Number of Racks × kW per Rack × Load Factor (%)
- BTU/hr = kW × 3412.14
- Delta T (ΔT) = Hot Air Temp - Cold Air Temp (or Max Outdoor Air Temp - Cold Air Temp for Mixed Air)
- CFM = BTU/hr / (1.08 × ΔT)
- Chilled Water Flow (GPM) = BTU/hr / (500 × ΔT)

Sources:
- ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals
- Industry standard HVAC formulas
    

Calculation Details

Download Excel Report

Calculation History

Pump Head Calculator

Add Pipe/Fitting Section Calculate Pump Head

Download Pump Report

This calculator estimates the pump head loss based on pipe length, diameter, material, and fittings.

Methods:
- Darcy-Weisbach equation for pipe friction losses.
- Crane Technical Paper No. 410 for fittings and valves loss coefficients.

Sources:
- ASME B36.10M
- Hydraulic Institute Standards
- ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and Equipment
    

Duct Pressure Drop Calculator

Add Duct/Fitting Section Calculate Pressure Drop

Download Duct Report

This calculator estimates duct pressure drops based on airflow, duct dimensions, material, and fittings.

Methods:
- Darcy-Weisbach friction factor with Colebrook-White approximation.
- SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards for fittings.

Sources:
- ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Systems and Equipment
- SMACNA Duct Construction Standards
- Crane Technical Paper No. 410
    

Room Heat Gain Calculator

Room Area (ft²):

Number of Occupants:

Windows Heat Gain

Window Area (ft²):

Window U-Value (BTU/hr·ft²·°F):

Temperature Difference (Indoor - Outdoor) °F:

Walls Heat Gain

Wall Area (ft²):

Wall U-Value (BTU/hr·ft²·°F):

Temperature Difference (Indoor - Outdoor) °F:

Lighting Heat Gain

Lighting Power (Watts):

Mechanical Equipment

Select Mechanical Equipment: -- Select Equipment -- Compressor (5000 BTU/hr) Pump (2500 BTU/hr) Fan (1500 BTU/hr) Custom...

Custom Mechanical Equipment Name: Sensible Heat (BTU/hr):

Add Mechanical Equipment

Electrical Equipment

Select Electrical Equipment: -- Select Equipment -- Server (1200 BTU/hr) Network Switch (800 BTU/hr) Storage Unit (1000 BTU/hr) Custom...

Custom Electrical Equipment Name: Sensible Heat (BTU/hr):

Add Electrical Equipment

Calculate Total Heat Gain

Results:

Mathway Calculator

Click the button below to open the powerful Mathway online calculator in a new tab.

Open Mathway Calculator