Data Center Cooling Water Control for Low-PUE Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face high electrical power consumption and cooling costs due to heat generation from thousands of microprocessors, with existing cooling systems relying heavily on energy-intensive chillers and cooling towers, which increase operational expenses and can shorten the lifespan of electronic equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for cooling data centers that involve monitoring outside and inside temperatures, using on-floor cooling units with proportioning control valves to manage water flow, allowing the temperature inside the data center to rise above a setpoint during high outdoor temperatures by circulating warmer water, and limiting the duration of warmer water use to minimize equipment stress and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chiller-based cooling systems are used to maintain data center temperature, then temperature control reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and equipment lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of cooling by allowing temperature setpoints to vary dynamically based on outdoor conditions. When outdoor temperature is favorable, the system accepts higher indoor temperatures (up to 95°F) rather than maintaining traditional lower setpoints, thereby reducing chiller runtime and energy consumption while still keeping equipment within safe operating ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system operates dynamically by continuously monitoring outdoor temperature and adjusting indoor temperature setpoints accordingly. The system transitions between different operating modes (permissive high temperature when outdoor conditions are favorable, traditional cooling when outdoor conditions are unfavorable) based on real-time conditions, optimizing energy usage while maintaining reliability
2Temperature
If chiller-based cooling systems operate continuously to maintain low temperatures, then temperature control is improved, but equipment lifespan decreases due to excessive heat stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter thresholds for equipment operation. By accepting higher temperature setpoints (up to 95°F) under favorable outdoor conditions and reducing the temperature differential stress on equipment, the system reduces thermal cycling and heat stress, thereby extending equipment lifespan while maintaining adequate temperature control
3Temperature
If cooling systems use extensive water circulation to maintain low temperatures, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water circulation rates based on outdoor temperature conditions and cooling load requirements. By using variable speed pumps and modulating water flow through cooling towers and heat exchangers, the system optimizes water circulation to match actual cooling needs, reducing unnecessary water consumption while maintaining cooling effectiveness when required
4Reliability
If traditional cooling systems maintain constant low temperatures, then equipment protection is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature setpoints and cooling system operation based on real-time outdoor conditions and equipment thermal tolerances. By allowing temperatures to rise to acceptable limits (95°F) when outdoor conditions permit and only activating full cooling when necessary, the system reduces chiller runtime and energy consumption, lowering operational costs while still protecting equipment from excessive heat
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from outdoor temperature sensors and indoor temperature monitoring to continuously adjust cooling system operation. By monitoring equipment temperature, outdoor conditions, and cooling system performance, the system optimizes operational parameters to maintain equipment protection while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs
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 reduces the need for expensive chillers, minimizes water usage, and lowers operational costs by leveraging evaporative cooling and hybrid cooling towers, while maintaining efficient temperature control and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
leverages evaporative cooling and hybrid cooling towers
Implementation Method 2
using on-floor cooling units with proportioning control valves to manage water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing cooled air to electronic equipment includes a data center having electronic equipment in operation, a plurality of on-floor cooling units, and a cooling water source. The on-floor cooling units cool air warmed by the electronic equipment. The cooling water source is configured to supply cooling water that reduces a temperature of the on-floor cooling units. The power usage effectiveness (“PUE”) of the system is less than 1.3, wherein the PUE is defined by energy used to operate the data center divided by energy used to run the electronic equipment.