Computer Room Air Conditioners
May 2024
Technical bulletin on developing the standards
Webinar – Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT
In April 2024, the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) updated its Forward Regulatory Plan which identifies its intention to amend Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations (The Regulations) to introduce computer room air conditioners (CRACs) as a new energy-using product, including energy efficiency and testing standards to harmonize with the United States.
This technical bulletin has been released to initiate the consultation process and to collect stakeholder views on the requirements being considered for CRACs.
Input received during this stage of the process will inform the development of the next amendments considered. In addition, NRCan will undertake a cost-benefit analysis using the best-available Canadian market data to assess the economic and environmental impacts of these new standards and to ensure Canadian consumers and businesses benefit from their implementation.
The Government of Canada intends to pre-publish a regulatory proposal in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2025.
Background
CRACs are not currently defined as an energy-using product in the Regulations.
CRACs are a category of commercial packaged or split system air-conditioners. This product is used in computer rooms or similar applications.
Energy efficiency standards for CRACs would save energy and reduce energy costs for Canadians. Efficiency standards also reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and help encourage manufacturers to adopt efficient product designs.
In 2021, NRCan and the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) signed the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Department of Natural Resources of Canada and the Department of Energy of the United States of America Concerning Cooperation on Energy, which acknowledges that both countries will collaborate on new and updated energy efficiency and testing standards where feasible and appropriate.
On June 02, 2023, the U.S. DOE published 2023-06-02 Energy Conservation Program: Standards for Computer Room Air Conditioners; Final rule, which strengthened the energy efficiency standards for floor mounted and ceiling mounted CRACs.
NRCan is considering amending the Regulations to harmonize with the energy efficiency and testing standards of the U.S. DOE.
Product description
The definition of a CRAC would be consistent with AHRI standards 1360-2022 and the U.S. DOE.
The following definitions are from AHRI 1360 & 1361-2022:
A computer room air conditioner (CRAC) would be defined as a computer and data processing room air conditioner that utilizes dedicated compressors and refrigerant cooling coils rather than chilled-water coils.
Where:
- An air-cooled CRAC is a CRAC refrigeration system that has an air-cooled condenser heat exchanger.
- A glycol-cooled CRAC is a CRAC refrigeration system that has a glycol-cooled condenser heat exchanger.
- A water-cooled CRAC is a CRAC refrigeration system that has a Water-cooled condenser heat exchanger.
- A computer and data processing room air conditioner (CDPR) is an air conditioning unit specifically marketed for cooling data centers and information technology equipment (ITE) that consist of one or more factory-made assemblies, that include a direct expansion evaporator or chilled water-cooling coil, an air-moving device(s) and air-filtering device(s). The air conditioner can include a compressor, condenser, humidifier, or reheating function. Functions alone or in combination with a cooling plant, can include providing air filtration, air circulation, cooling, and humidity control if the necessary options are included for humidity control.
- A ceiling-mounted CDPR is a type of CDPR with an indoor unit marketed to be installed above a dropped ceiling inside a building with one airflow direction through the unit (horizontal) and multiple airflow connections. Discharge from the unit consists of either ducted discharge or free air discharge. return to the unit consists of either ducted return or free air return.
- A floor-mounted CDPR is a type of CDPR with an indoor unit that is marketed to be installed on a raised floor, floor stand, or a solid floor inside the building. These have two airflow configuration options: direction and connection. Each unit can be a combination of one direction and two connections (one discharge from unit and one return to unit). Discharge from the unit consists of either ducted discharge, free air discharge, or raised floor plenum discharge. Return to the unit consists of either ducted return, free air return, or raised floor plenum return.
- A flow direction of the floor-mounted CDPR consists of either:
- Downflow: A floor-mounted CDPR where return air enters above the top of the cooling coil and discharge air leaves below the bottom of the cooling coil.
- Horizontal-flow: A floor-mounted CDPR that is neither a downflow nor an upflow unit.
- Upflow: A floor-mounted CDPR where return air enters below the bottom of the cooling coil and discharge air leaves above the top of the cooling coil.
- A flow direction of the floor-mounted CDPR consists of either:
NRCan is not considering regulating computer room air handlers, which are CDPR that utilize chilled-water coils for cooling rather than dedicated compressors.
Testing standard
NRCan is considering incorporating by reference an NRCan technical standards document (as amended from time to time) that would reproduce the following testing standard:
- Appendix E to Subpart F of Part 431 to the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, entitled Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Computer Room Air Conditioners
Energy efficiency standard
NRCan is considering incorporating by reference an NRCan technical standards document (as amended from time to time) that would reproduce the energy efficiency standards summarized in Tables 1 to 3 below.
| Equipment Type | Net sensible cooling capacity | Minimum NSenCOP efficiency | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downflow | Upflow ducted | |||
| Air-Cooled | 80,000 Btu/h(<23 kW) | 2.70 | 2.67 | |
| ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW) | 2.58 | 2.55 | ||
| ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW) | 2.36 | 2.33 | ||
| Air-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | < 80,000 Btu/h (<23 kW) | 2.70 | 2.67 | |
| ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW) | 2.58 | 2.55 | ||
| ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW) | 2.36 | 2.33 | ||
| Water-Cooled | < 80,000 Btu/h (<23 kW) | 2.82 | 2.79 | |
| ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW) | 2.73 | 2.70 | ||
| ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW) | 2.67 | 2.64 | ||
| Water-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | < 80,000 Btu/h (<23 kW) | 2.77 | 2.74 | |
| ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW) | 2.68 | 2.65 | ||
| ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW) | 2.61 | 2.58 | ||
| Glycol-Cooled | < 80,000 Btu/h (<23 kW) | 2.56 | 2.53 | |
| ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW) | 2.24 | 2.21 | ||
| ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW) | 2.21 | 2.18 | ||
| Glycol-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | < 80,000 Btu/h (<23 kW) | 2.51 | 2.48 | |
| ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW) | 2.19 | 2.16 | ||
| ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW) | 2.15 | 2.12 | ||
Descriptive Text for Table 1
Table 1 – Energy efficiency standards being considered for floor-mounted CRACs – downflow and upflow ducted
There are four columns in this table. They are: Equipment Type, net sensible cooling capacity, Minimum Net Sensible Coefficient of Performance (NSenCOP) efficiency Downflow and Minimum NSenCOP efficiency for Upflow.
The rows of the table are as follows:
Equipment Type: Air-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <80,000 Btu/h (<23kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.70
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.67
Equipment Type: Air-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.58
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.55
Equipment Type: Air-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.36
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.33
Equipment Type: Air-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <80,000 Btu/h (<23kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.70
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.67
Equipment Type: Air-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.58
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.55
Equipment Type: Air-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.36
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.33
Equipment Type: Water-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <80,000 Btu/h (<23kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.82
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.79
Equipment Type: Water-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.73
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.70
Equipment Type: Water-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.67
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.64
Equipment Type: Water-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <80,000 Btu/h (<23kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.77
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.74
Equipment Type: Water-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.68
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.65
Equipment Type: Water-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.61
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.58
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <80,000 Btu/h (<23kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.56
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.53
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.24
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.21
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.21
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.18
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Cooling Capacity: <80,000 Btu/h (<23kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.51
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.48
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥ 80,000 Btu/h and <295,000 Btu/h (≥ 23 kW Btu/h and < 86 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.19
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.16
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥295,000 Btu/h and <930,000 Btu/h (≥ 86 kW and < 273 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Downflow: 2.15
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow: 2.12
| Equipment Type | Net sensible cooling capacity | Minimum NSenCOP efficiency | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upflow Non-ducted | Horizontal Flow | |||
| Air-Cooled | < 65,000 Btu/h (< 19 kW) | 2.16 | 2.65 | |
| ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW) | 2.04 | 2.55 | ||
| ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW) | 1.89 | 2.47 | ||
| Air-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | < 65,000 Btu/h (< 19 kW) | 2.09 | 2.65 | |
| ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW) | 1.99 | 2.55 | ||
| ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW) | 1.81 | 2.47 | ||
| Water-Cooled | < 65,000 Btu/h (< 19 kW) | 2.43 | 2.79 | |
| ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW) | 2.32 | 2.68 | ||
| ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW) | 2.20 | 2.60 | ||
| Water-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | < 65,000 Btu/h (< 19 kW) | 2.35 | 2.71 | |
| ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW) | 2.24 | 2.60 | ||
| ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW) | 2.12 | 2.54 | ||
| Glycol-Cooled | < 65,000 Btu/h (< 19 kW) | 2.08 | 2.48 | |
| ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW) | 1.90 | 2.18 | ||
| ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW) | 1.81 | 2.18 | ||
| Glycol-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | < 65,000 Btu/h (< 19 kW) | 2.00 | 2.44 | |
| ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW) | 1.82 | 2.10 | ||
| ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW) | 1.73 | 2.10 | ||
Descriptive Text for Table 2
Table 2 – Energy efficiency standards being considered for floor-mounted CRACs –upflow non-ducted and horizontal flow
There are four columns in this table. They are: Equipment Type, Net Sensible cooling capacity, Minimum Net Sensible Coefficient of Performance (NSenCOP) efficiency Upflow Non-duted and Minimum NSenCOP efficiency horizonal flow.
The rows of the table are as follows:
Equipment Type: Air-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <65,000 Btu/h (<19kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.16
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.65
Equipment Type: Air-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.04
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.55
Equipment Type: Air-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.89
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.47
Equipment Type: Air-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <65,000 Btu/h (<19kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.09
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.65
Equipment Type: Air-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.99
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.55
Equipment Type: Air-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.81
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.47
Equipment Type: Water-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <65,000 Btu/h (<19kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.43
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.79
Equipment Type: Water-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.32
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.68
Equipment Type: Water-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.20
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.60
Equipment Type: Water-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Cooling Capacity: <65,000 Btu/h (<19kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.35
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.71
Equipment Type: Water-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.24
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.60
Equipment Type: Water-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.12
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.54
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <65,000 Btu/h (<19kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.08
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.48
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.90
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.18
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.81
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.18
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <65,000 Btu/h (<19kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 2.00
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.44
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h (≥ 19 kW and < 70 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.82
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.10
Equipment Type: Glycol-cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥240,000 Btu/h and <760,000 Btu/h (≥ 70 kW and < 233 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Upflow Non-ducted: 1.73
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Horizontal Flow: 2.10
| Equipment Type | Net sensible cooling capacity | Minimum NSenCOP efficiency | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted | Non-ducted | |||
| Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 2.05 | 2.08 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 2.02 | 2.05 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 1.92 | 1.94 | ||
| Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser and Fluid Economizer | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 2.01 | 2.04 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 1.97 | 2.00 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 1.87 | 1.89 | ||
| Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 1.86 | 1.86 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 1.83 | 1.86 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 1.73 | 1.75 | ||
| Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser and Fluid Economizer | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 1.82 | 1.85 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 1.78 | 1.81 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 1.68 | 1.70 | ||
| Water-Cooled | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 2.38 | 2.41 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 2.28 | 2.31 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 2.18 | 2.20 | ||
| Water-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 2.33 | 2.36 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 2.23 | 2.26 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 2.13 | 2.16 | ||
| Glycol-Cooled | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 1.97 | 2.00 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 1.93 | 1.98 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 1.78 | 1.81 | ||
| Glycol-Cooled with Fluid Economizer | <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5 kW) | 1.92 | 1.95 | |
| ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW) | 1.88 | 1.93 | ||
| ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW) | 1.73 | 1.76 | ||
Descriptive Text for Table 3
Table 3 – Energy efficiency standards being considered for ceiling-mounted CRACs – ducted and non-ducted
There are four columns in this table. They are: Equipment Type, Net Sensible cooling capacity, Minimum Net Sensible Coefficient of Performance (NSenCOP) Efficiency Ducted and Minimum NSenCOP Non-ducted.
The rows of the table are as follows:
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.05
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.08
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.02
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.05
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.92
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.94
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser and Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.01
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.04
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser and Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.97
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.00
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Free Air Discharge Condenser and Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.87
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.89
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.86
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.89
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.83
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.86
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.73
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.75
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser and Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.82
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.85
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser and Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.78
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.81
Equipment Type: Air-Cooled with Ducted Condenser and Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.68
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.7
Equipment Type: Water-Cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.38
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.41
Equipment Type: Water-Cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.28
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.31
Equipment Type: Water-Cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.18
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.20
Equipment Type: Water-Cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.33
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.36
Equipment Type: Water-Cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.33
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.26
Equipment Type: Water-Cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 2.13
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.16
Equipment Type: Glycol-Cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.97
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 2.00
Equipment Type: Glycol-Cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.93
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.98
Equipment Type: Glycol-Cooled
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.78
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.81
Equipment Type: Glycol-Cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: <29,000 Btu/h (<8.5kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.92
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.95
Equipment Type: Glycol-Cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥29,000 Btu/h and <65,000 Btu/h (≥8.5 kW and < 19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.88
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.93
Equipment Type: Glycol-Cooled with Fluid Economizer
Net Sensible Cooling Capacity: ≥65,000 Btu/h (≥19 kW)
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Ducted: 1.73
Minimum NSenCOP efficiency Non-ducted: 1.76
Important dates
These modifications to the Regulations would come into force six months after the date of publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
NRCan is considering applying the new standards to CRAC manufactured on or after May 28, 2024.
Regulatory pathway
NRCan is considering amending the Regulations through Governor in Council amendment.
The considered changes would be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, followed by a public comment period. The exact date for final publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II will depend on the number and nature of comments received during the public comment period. Final publications are typically within a year of their initial public comment period. These changes and the timing of publication are subject to decision-making authorities under the Energy Efficiency Act.
Labelling requirements
NRCan is not considering labelling requirements for CRACs.
Verification requirements
NRCan would require that the products carry a third-party verification mark indicating that the product meets the energy efficiency standards and that information to be reported has been verified.
The verification mark is the mark of a Standards Council of Canada accredited certification body that operates an energy efficiency certification program for the product.
Reporting requirements
Energy efficiency report
The energy efficiency report for CRACs would include the following information:
- Mount & flow: Floor mounted, or ceiling mounted:
- Floor-mounted downflow, floor-mounted upflow ducted, floor-mounted upflow non-ducted, floor-mounted horizontal flow
- Ceiling-mounted ducted, ceiling-mounted non-ducted
- Equipment type:
- Air-cooled, air-cooled with fluid economizer, air-cooled with free air discharge condenser, air-cooled with free air discharge condenser and fluid economizer, air-cooled with ducted condenser, air-cooled with ducted condenser and fluid economizer, water-cooled, water-cooled with fluid economizer, glycol-cooled, or glycol-cooled with fluid economizer
- Net sensible cooling capacity
- Flow: Downflow, upfow ducted, uplfow non-ducted, horizontal flow, ducted, non-ducted
- NSenCOP efficiency
- Brand name
- Model number
- Name of the manufacturer
- Name of the certification body whose verification mark would be affixed to the product
The Regulations apply to products imported or shipped inter-provincially for sale or lease in Canada. This report must be submitted, by the dealer, to NRCan before the product is imported into Canada or traded inter-provincially for the first time.
Import report
A dealer who imports these products into Canada would include the following information on the customs release document:
- Name of product
- Model number
- Brand name
- Address of the dealer importing the product
- Purpose for which the product is being imported (i.e., for sale or lease in Canada without modification; for sale or lease in Canada after modification to comply with energy efficiency standards; or for use as a component in a product being exported from Canada)
Comments invited
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide stakeholders with the technical detail required to comment on the requirements under consideration for CRACs.
It is important to NRCan that we engage the public and stakeholders on amendments to the Regulations. If you are aware of any manufacturer, importer, retailer, utility provider, small business, consumer group, organization, or representative of a specific group(s) of the population (including, but not limited to, women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, socio-economic status, residency, housing status, etc.), Indigenous peoples/communities, and/or other person or group that may be interested in participating in the amendment discussion and/or may be negatively impacted by this proposal, please forward them or their representative this bulletin. Please click here to register to our mailing list which is used to notify stakeholders of upcoming amendments, technical bulletins, webinar registrations, official publication in the Canada Gazette, etc.
Additional information on Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations including a current list of Standards Council of Canada accredited certification bodies can be found on the Department’s website.
We welcome your comments by September 13, 2024. All correspondence should be forwarded to:
Natural Resources Canada
Office of Energy Efficiency
580 Booth Street
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E4
E-mail: EEregulations-reglementEE@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Email subject heading to be:
- Bulletin – Computer room air conditioners – Climatiseurs pour salles d’ordinateurs – May 2024 mai
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