Airside Economization Retrofit for NTT America, San Jose, CA

Category: Data Center

Square Footage: 56,000 sq ft

Services Provided: HVAC

Completion Date: 2009

Owner: NTT America

This two-story data center was built before airside economization was understood by the industry as an acceptable method of energy savings. Using ASHRAE TC9.9 to convince the data center operators that outdoor air is acceptable to deliver into the data center, Pragmatic PE analyzed the as-built drawings and visited the site to develop an airside economization strategy for the second floor white spaces. Upon receiving operator/owner buy-in, Pragmatic PE developed schematic drawings and bridge documents for mechanical contractors to bid from.

The challenge on this project was the limited area on the roof for outdoor air intakes and the prohibition of drawing in air from the exterior walls. Pragmatic PE used the vertical walls of the mansards to overcome this challenge and economize fifty-one 30-ton CRAC units.