The headquarters of the Belgian steel giant, Sidmar, in Gent, house the main computer installation of the company. The precautions taken to assure the reliable operation of the computer are typified by the strict security around the machine room where the air-conditioning equipment is located.
In the summer of 1986, Sidmar suffered a general electrical power failure. The available diesel generators can provide enough power for the computer and cooling water pumps, but not for the existing chiller installation. The temperatures in the computer room nearly reached critical level. A BAC ICE CHILLER? Thermal Storage Unit was installed to provide one hour of emergency cooling. |