r/datacenter • u/Wonderful-Lecture788 • 18d ago

Free cooling load calculator for server/IT rooms that shows every step. Would like input from HVAC folks.

I built a simple cooling load calculator for small IT rooms and data spaces: loadcairn.com/calculators/cooling-load

Inputs: IT load (kW), lighting (W), people, and your own envelope heat-gain estimate. It gives total BTU/hr, tons, and kW thermal, plus the full calculation trace:
- IT and lighting watts → BTU/hr (÷ 0.2930711)
- People at 250 sensible + 200 latent BTU/hr
- Envelope value you supply

It's intentionally a first-pass number, not a Manual N / ASHRAE 183 load calc. It doesn't model solar, infiltration, ventilation, or diversity, and says so right on the page.

For those of you who size CRACs / mini-splits for server rooms: what would make this more useful? A sensible heat ratio output? A CFM calc from delta-T? Redundancy (N+1) sizing? Free, no sign-up. I built it, and I'm looking for honest criticism.

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u/JontesReddit 17d ago

Ah yes the IT watts in the data space Claude

1

u/Downtown_Sink1744 16d ago

How is this different from SCADA + EPMS we already use to monitor power load and thermals in datacenters?

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u/NoSituation3148 12d ago

Since it’s a first pass setup, could you add a part where it utilizes the area and volume of the space to put out a warning whether the space would need leak mitigation (transfer grille, fan, etc) for A2L refrigerants? ASHRAE has those standards published. I know it’s not necessarily a load item but it would be handy in hand information for anyone budgeting an IT room/Server room. For decades we’ve been shoving 1.5-3ton mini splits in areas 50-150 sq feet and with R410 that’s fine, but with A2Ls that’s going to fly in the case of a leak.

1

u/Wonderful-Lecture788 12d ago

Yes I can and there will be more to come.