Data Center Cooling Loops for Free Cooling and Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in achieving energy efficiency due to increasing electricity consumption and unpredictable cooling requirements, despite relaxed environmental standards, as traditional cooling methods do not fully maximize varying environmental conditions for energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A data center cooling system with multiple cooling loops, including a first chilled liquid loop with a higher temperature set point and a second loop for humidity control, utilizing a free cooling heat exchanger and flow control devices to optimize energy usage by activating chillers and heat exchangers based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cooling methods are used to maintain data center temperatures, then equipment reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling loops, each capable of operating autonomously. The first cooling loop handles sensible cooling while the second loop manages latent cooling and humidity control. This segmentation allows each loop to be optimized independently, enabling the first loop to operate at higher temperatures for improved energy efficiency while the second loop maintains necessary humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the first cooling loop from traditional low temperatures to higher temperatures, allowing free cooling to operate more frequently and extending the range of conditions under which energy-efficient cooling can be provided while maintaining equipment reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If cooled liquid temperature is increased to improve energy efficiency, then energy savings are achieved, but cooling capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling capacity is segmented across two separate loops with different temperature levels. The first loop operates at higher temperatures for energy efficiency, while the second loop provides additional cooling capacity when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adequate total cooling capacity while operating the primary loop at more efficient higher temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cooling loop serves multiple functions: it provides supplemental cooling capacity when the first loop cannot meet the load, and it handles latent cooling and humidity control. This multi-functionality ensures adequate cooling capacity is available while allowing the first loop to operate at energy-efficient higher temperatures for sensible cooling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If free cooling is used to maximize energy savings, then energy consumption is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Control functions are segmented between two independent cooling loops. The first loop handles free cooling and sensible cooling control, while the second loop manages latent cooling and humidity control. This segmentation allows each loop to be controlled independently with appropriate precision for its specific function, maintaining overall control precision while enabling energy-efficient free cooling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor temperature and humidity conditions and adjust the operation of both cooling loops accordingly. This feedback ensures that free cooling is used when appropriate while maintaining precise control over data center environmental conditions.
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 maximizes energy savings by allowing higher chilled liquid temperatures and better control of IT loads, increasing free cooling hours and reducing chiller operation, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency during both normal and free cooling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger coupled to the first liquid loop for use when a wet-bulb temperature surrounding the data center is below a pre-defined set point
Implementation Method 2
when a wet-bulb temperature surrounding the data center is capable of producing a condenser water that is at a differential temperature below a return temperature of the first chilled liquid loop
Implementation Method 3
a first cooling system operable to maintain a predetermined set point of a first liquid loop to address a cooling demand within the data center, the first cooling system comprising a chiller
Implementation Method 4
a flow control device coupling the first cooling system with the second cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide high-efficiency cooling in a data center in response to a cooling and/or humidity demand using a system having multiple cooling loops to allow for a higher chilled liquid temperature of a first chilled liquid loop, while maintaining data center room temperature and humidity control. Specifically, the system includes a plurality of integrated cooling systems each comprising one or more specifically sized chillers and a liquid loop to address the cooling demand. A free cooling heat exchanger is coupled to the first liquid loop for use when a wet-bulb temperature surrounding the data center is at or below a free cooling set point of the first chilled liquid loop. The system isolates humidity control components to a second chilled liquid loop, and enables greater control of the first chilled liquid loop of the data center to meet specific IT loads.