Thermal performance modelling of data centre– a case study

Abstract

Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Malta, 16-18 July, 2012.

This paper presents a computational study of thermal modelling of the data centre located at CQUniversity, Rockhampton Campus, Australia. The data centre was modeled and analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to study the effectiveness of cooling within the racks and aisles of the centre. CoolSim- software was used for designing a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows data centre components to be positioned, sized and characterized in a plan view. Modelling of airflow and temperature distribution in the data centre was performed using the CFD code Fluent. The CFD model based on thermal mass and energy balance principles was calibrated with the actual measurements of energy consumption, pressure and temperature from a standard rack filled with a set of rack mounted processor and storage units. The simulation results identified the potential high temperature zone within the computer rack in the data centre, and provide a detailed 3D analysis of how cold air is moving through the data centre. The results also provide the performance analysis of computer room air conditionings (CRACs), detailed rack-by-rack inlet and exit temperatures and 3D thermal mapping of the data centre and racks highlighting trouble areas. The model developed was capable of evaluating the airflow rates and thermal loads for optimizing and designing a new or existing data centre.