Rittal, the specialist in enclosure technology and IT infrastructure, is launching the LCU CW cooler. The “CW” here stands for chilled water, an alternative to the direct expansion cooling method used in the previous model, the LCU DX. The LCU CW is ideally suited for cooling server cabinets with a heat dissipation of about 6 to 7 kW, as is common for most SMEs. Together with the Blue e+ IT Chiller, up to 90% of peak electricity demand can be saved at cold outdoor temperatures, compared to direct expansion cooling.
The LCU CW (chilled water) succeeds the LCU DX (direct expansion) and is in line with European directives to promote sustainable cooling solutions. This new chiller is specifically designed for cooling network and server cabinets in smaller spaces, such as in SMEs. This unit can be connected to an already existing chiller or combined with a Blue E+ IT Chiller with free-cooling module. The chiller provides chilled water transported through pipes to the heat exchanger.
“This system makes it possible to minimize up to 90% of peak electricity demand, especially when free cooling is used. This can be done when the outside temperature is low enough so that the chiller does not have to actively work to cool the water,” explains Koen Van Hende, Product Manager at Rittal.
Controlled air supply
The LCU CW consists of an air/water heat exchanger with EC fans, a water assembly group and an advanced controller. The system provides a cooling capacity of 7.9 kW at a temperature of 24°C in the server room and a water temperature of 15°C, with a flow rate of 13 liters of cooling water per minute. At a water temperature of 18°C and the same temperature in the server room, the cooling capacity is 6.8 kW, with a flow rate of 20 liters of cooling water per minute.
The system provides horizontal airflow and controlled temperature. The efficient EC fans guarantee optimal air circulation and energy savings. In addition, the LCU CW features advanced climate control that displays and processes actual values, with two network connections and a CAN bus for connection to up to 16 sensors, including temperature and humidity sensors. To prevent condensation, the air temperature in the server room is automatically raised when the dew point is approached.
Energy-saving extras
Rittal also offers optional extras, such as the Blue e+ IT Chiller, which can provide up to 70% energy savings thanks to DC inverter technology and advanced monitoring sensors. These options are also suitable for outdoor installations down to -20°C and offer the option of integrated free cooling.
The LCU CW is designed for seamless integration into existing racks or as an external unit. Inspection openings also include water and power connections, and the hood can be completely removed for easy maintenance. These solutions are available for both the new VX IT and older TS IT network/server racks, with heights of 2,000 mm or 2,200 mm and depths of 1,000 mm or 1,200 mm. Rittal continues to innovate to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions for the IT sector. The LCU CW chiller offers energy-efficient cooling technology tailored to small-scale server rooms.
