Cooling Unit Configuration Switching for Lower Data Center Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in data centers face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to varying ambient temperatures and cooling demands, leading to suboptimal operation and high energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for optimizing the operation of multiple cooling units by determining a more energy-efficient configuration based on current and predicted energy consumption, adjusting the number and mode of operation of cooling units, including compressor, pump, and mixed modes, using a control device and computer-executable instructions to switch to a more efficient configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more cooling units are operated to meet cooling demand, then cooling reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the configuration of cooling units based on real-time ambient temperature and cooling demand conditions. The controller continuously monitors environmental parameters and automatically switches between different operating configurations (full compressor mode, mixed mode, full pump mode) to optimize the balance between cooling reliability and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of cooling units by transitioning between different modes (compressor mode, pump mode, mixed mode) based on ambient temperature thresholds and cooling requirements. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain adequate cooling capacity while minimizing energy consumption in varying environmental conditions.
2Temperature
If cooling units operate in compressor mode to meet high ambient temperature requirements, then cooling capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between compressor mode and pump mode based on ambient temperature conditions. At high ambient temperatures, the system uses compressor mode to ensure adequate cooling capability. As ambient temperature decreases, the system transitions to mixed mode or full pump mode to reduce energy consumption while maintaining required cooling levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state of cooling units from high-energy compressor mode to lower-energy pump mode based on ambient temperature parameters. This parameter transition allows the system to adapt cooling capability to environmental conditions while optimizing energy consumption.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cooling system operates statically without reconfiguration, then system stability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors ambient temperature and cooling demand, using this feedback to determine when to switch between different cooling unit configurations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain stability through controlled transitions rather than random changes, optimizing energy efficiency while preserving system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic evaluation of operating conditions and makes configuration changes at appropriate intervals. Rather than continuous switching, the controller assesses whether reconfiguration is beneficial based on sustained changes in ambient temperature and cooling demand, maintaining stability while improving energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables dynamic and responsive energy-efficient operation of cooling systems, reducing energy consumption by identifying and utilizing optimal configurations in response to changes in ambient temperature and cooling requirements, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to increase the pressure of refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to move the refrigerant around the refrigerant circuit
Implementation Method 3
cooling units configured to cool the air of the data centre through removing heat from this air and transferring the heat out of the data centre
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimising operation of a plurality of cooling units, a control device, a cooling system, and a computer-readable medium are provided. The method includes obtaining a current energy consumption of a first configuration of the plurality of cooling units where a first number of the plurality of cooling units are active. The method includes determining a predicted energy consumption of a second configuration of the plurality of cooling units where a second number of the plurality of cooling units are active, and where one or more of the second number of the plurality of cooling units operates in an altered mode of operation relative to the first configuration. The method includes generating, in response to determining that the predicted energy consumption is lower than the current energy consumption, a computer-executable instruction configured to cause the plurality of cooling units to operate according to the second configuration.