Multiphysics modeling of Data Centre

Dr Raj C Thiagarajan
ATOA Scientific Technologies

Data center thermal modeling for energy efficiency is critical for low cost and
reliable data center services. Accurate models to predict the thermal and air
flow is critical for sizing and optimization. Thermal engineered data centers
are known to save as much as 30% of energy costs.

A coupled thermal and fluid flow models are critical for accurate prediction of
performance. Available software tools for datacenter model is summarized. A
simple data center components and thermal modeling simulation results are
reported. Advanced simulations and selection of advanced material can
further help to optimize data centers for energy efficiency and savings.

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Engineering Simulation For Innovation
Data center modeling tools
Thermal environment modeling of data center using Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) software.

General purpose Multiphyiscs Thermal/CFD Software

• COMSOL, ANSYS, ABAQUS

Custom Data center modeling software

• Coolsim, Flowvent, 6igma, TileFlow

Design and Simulation for

• Efficient cooling for Reliability
• High Density vs low density for optimization .
• Efficient Thermal management energy and cost savings.

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Components of a Data center

• Computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units

• Computer room air handling (CRAH) units
• Racks,
• Power supplies,
• Perforated tiles,
• Walls,
• Grills
• Under-floor obstructions,
• Cable cutouts,
• Baffle walls

Picture From: J Bemis, D Etherington and M Osienski, Analysis of the UNH Data Center Using
CFD Modeling, Applied Math Modeling White Paper,WP101, January, 2009.

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A comparative Study
Demonstration of simulation capability of a virtual Data center

CONFIGURATION A CONFIGURATION B

4
CRACs
RACKS
Room Dimensions 15.0 X 20.0 X 10.0
Number of CRAC Units: 2
Total Flow Through CRAC Units: 6,400 CFM
Supply Air Cooling Capacity: 37.73 kW
Number of Rack Rows: 2
Total Number of Racks: 10
Total Rack Heat Load: 40 kW
Total Flow Through Racks: 6,240 CFM
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CRAC Performance Report
CONFIGURATION A CONFIGURATION B

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Typical Results: Flow Pattern
CONFIGURATION A CONFIGURATION B

CONFIGURATION B
Shows lower Temperature and
better air flow pattern

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Typical Results: Thermal
CONFIGURATION A CONFIGURATION B

CONFIGURATION B
Shows lower Temperature and better
temperature distribution

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++ Advanced Thermal Management

• Engineering surfaces / coating for higher

convective heat transfer

• Materials with high thermal conductivity

for faster and anisotropic heat transfer

• Super insulation for thermal isolation and

heat transfer loss

ATOA Scientific Technologies Engineering Simulation For Innovation 8