Optimization of modular data center air conditioning system

In high-density data center, energy consumption is increasing dramatically. For reducing the energy consumption, CFD software, Fluent 15.0, is used to simulate the flow and temperature field distribution with $k-𝜀$ turbulence model and fluid–solid coupling method. Fans on the back of racks are simplified as walls with a certain pressure jump. Severs are treated as solid heat sources and porous media. Simulation results reveal that the temperature distribution on the back of racks is not uniform when air conditioners are arranged face-to-face, and local high temperature points emerge near the side wall of air conditioners. Factors affecting cooling efficiency, such as location of air conditioners, speed of inlets, distance of racks, etc., need to be improved. Geometric model is optimized by using a diagonal rack arrangement and drilling holes on the side wall. Based on this, four different cases with various hot aisle distance are proposed. Single and double modular data center are both simulated. Results of new model are better than those of baseline model.