Computer room air conditioners
Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for computer room or close control air conditioners are planned for introduction no earlier than mid 2010.
From the date of implementation, only computer room air conditioners that are tested and comply with the standards cited in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 may be offered for sale.
However, computer room air conditioners that were imported into or manufactured in New Zealand prior to the MEPS coming into force may be sold.
Computer room air conditioners used an estimated 138 GWh/yr in electricity in 2006, and energy consumption is expected to increase. The MEPS is estimated to reduce energy costs to business a total of $24.8 million by 2020.
The MEPS for computer room air conditioners takes into consideration public comment received following the release of a regulatory impact statement in 2008.
The MEPS level for all units is an energy effciency ratio (EER) of 2.62. The MEPS covers both water and air cooled units, and are based on testing the indoor unit alone.
Regulatory requirements
There are steps you must take to meet the requirements of the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002.
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Standards
The relevant Standard cited in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations states the minimum energy performance quirements for close control air conditioners. Standards are available from the Standards New Zealand.
The energy performance standards for computer room air conditioners are:
- AS/NZS 4965.1 includes the scope and test method.
- AS/NZS 4965.2 covers MEPS requirements.
Scope of the Standard
The scope of the Standard covers factory-made close control air conditioners utilising a single or multiple refrigerated direct expansion (DX) system, designed to control and monitor temperature and humidity, and may include supplementary conditioning equipment.
Close control air conditioners are used for applications where temperature and humidity are required to be monitored and maintained within narrow limits - for example, computer rooms, data processing units, telecommunication facilities and other industrial process areas.
Exemptions
Close-coupled row-based cooling units are exempt from the MEPS. These are cooling devices designed to be mounted in the row containing the rack enclosures, and is placed in such a way that it takes air from a hot isle, cools it and discharges it to a cold aisle. To qualify for an exemption the particular unit must be designed for, and the manufacturer shall have published operating data up to a minimum of 35C DB entering air temperature.
More information
- Energy Rating website
- Standards New Zealand
- Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement for MEPS on close control air conditioners
