Cooling Unit Mode Switching for Data Centre Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in data centers are inefficient in energy consumption due to the large proportion of power used for cooling, and the operation of multiple cooling units with redundancy and varying ambient temperatures leads to suboptimal energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method 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 the units to minimize energy usage while maintaining adequate cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more cooling units are operated to meet cooling demand, then cooling capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the configuration of cooling units based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously monitors ambient temperature and cooling demand, then optimizes which units operate and in what modes (compressor mode, pump mode, or mixed mode), transforming the static cooling system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions to minimize energy consumption while meeting cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different operating modes (compressor mode, pump mode, mixed mode) for each cooling unit. By varying these parameters based on ambient temperature and cooling demand, the system achieves optimal energy efficiency while maintaining adequate cooling capacity.
2Reliability
If cooling units operate in compressor mode to meet high ambient temperature demands, then cooling capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating mode parameter from compressor mode to pump mode when ambient temperature conditions permit. This parameter change allows the refrigerant circuit to operate more efficiently by using the pump instead of the compressor, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining cooling capacity when ambient temperatures are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between compressor mode and pump mode based on real-time ambient temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the cooling unit to exploit favorable ambient conditions for more efficient operation, reducing energy consumption when possible while maintaining cooling capacity when needed.
3Device complexity
If the cooling system operates with fixed configuration, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing ambient temperature and cooling demand decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring ambient temperature and cooling demand conditions. The controller receives this feedback information and automatically adjusts the cooling unit configuration and operating modes accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex manual intervention while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting its own configuration based on monitored conditions. The controller autonomously determines the optimal operating state and implements configuration changes without external intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing performance while adapting to changing ambient temperature and cooling demand.
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 a more dynamic and responsive cooling system that reduces energy consumption by identifying and reacting to changes in ambient temperature and cooling demands, providing a more efficient operation.
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
a cooling system can remove excess heat from the air in order to cool the air
Data Source
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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 comprises obtaining a current energy consumption of a first configuration of the plurality of cooling units in which a first number of the plurality of cooling units are active. The method further comprises determining a predicted energy consumption of a second configuration of the plurality of cooling units in which a second number of the plurality of cooling units are active, and in which 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 further comprises 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.