Many IT people are surprised to learn their humidifiers can cost as much to run as a compressor operating in cooling. Units such as the popular Liebert CRAC units have a humidifier that uses 9.6 kW of power. That is the equivalent to (96) 100 watt light bulbs. A much more green solution is available by installing an ultra efficient ultrasonic humidifier. This equivalent capacity ultrasonic humidifier uses the power of less than (4) 100 watt light bulbs!!!
This is a Highly Green Solution
in that it reduces not only the power needed for the IT HVAC equipment
for humidifying but also reduces room cooling need as the ultrasonic method provides a small cooling effect, reducing the amount of cooling the compressors must provide..
A Mist Free version of an ultrasonic humidifier for IT rooms is shown here on the right. Below is a retrofit unit designed to replace the infrared humidifier inside a Liebert CRAC unit.
In choosing whether to retrofit or go Mist Free keep in mind putting the humidifer inside the air conditioner was always a poor choice from an engineering standpoint. It was a great marketing placement though. Inside an air conditioner the choices are to add the humidity prior to the cooling coil (which right away removes some mositure) or to add the humidity right after the cooling coil. The problem with there is, air coming of a cooling coil is nearly saturated at a cold temperature. It is very hard (inefficient) to actually add mositure to a nearly saturated airstream. If you have floorspace, go with a separate humidifier such as the Mist Free.
