Data Center Cooling Layout Using Selective CFD Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face inefficiencies in cooling systems due to non-intuitive airflow patterns and complex cooling unit designs, leading to over- or under-cooling, resulting in high energy costs and wastage, and existing analysis methods capture unnecessary data, increasing computational and storage overheads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor and memory with modules for geometry processing, data processing, and data interfacing, which computes equipment coordinates, segregates the data center layout into cells, captures thermal and CFD data selectively based on a state value, and transmits relevant data to an external analysis tool for optimization, reducing redundant data capture and enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data center management systems capture data from large number of equipments, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but storage and computation overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data center layout into multiple cells, each containing specific equipments. This segmentation allows the system to process and analyze data at the cell level rather than treating the entire data center as a single unit, reducing the computational complexity and storage requirements while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and identifies only the relevant equipments within each cell that contribute to thermal and airflow characteristics. By taking out only the necessary data from the large number of captured equipments, the system eliminates redundant data processing while preserving the essential information needed for cooling optimization.
2Reliability
If cooling units are deployed without clear understanding of flow phenomenon, then cooling coverage is achieved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary thermal assessment and CFD analysis to understand the airflow patterns and thermal characteristics of each cell before deploying cooling units. This preliminary action provides clear understanding of the flow phenomenon, enabling optimal placement and configuration of cooling units to achieve both comprehensive coverage and high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where thermal assessment data and CFD analysis results are continuously used to adjust and optimize cooling unit operations. This feedback loop ensures that cooling units operate based on actual flow conditions, maintaining both reliable cooling coverage and high cooling efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If data center is over-cooled or under-cooled, then cooling operation is simplified, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cooling control where cooling unit operations are continuously adjusted based on real-time thermal assessment data and CFD analysis of each cell. This dynamic approach replaces static over-cooling or under-cooling strategies with adaptive control that matches actual thermal conditions, maintaining operational simplicity through automation while eliminating energy wastage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for facilitating optimizing cooling efficiency of a data center. The method may comprise receiving a layout of the data center. The method may comprise computing co-ordinates of each equipment of a plurality of equipments associated with the data center. Further, the method may comprise segregating the layout into a plurality of cells. The method may comprise capturing preliminary data associated with the data center. Further, the method may comprise determining a state value of the data center based upon the preliminary data. The method may comprise capturing CFD data and, selectively, thermal assessment data. Further, the method may comprise facilitating the optimization of the cooling efficiency of the data center by using an external analysis tool capable of performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis or thermal assessment followed by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis using the CFD data and the thermal assessment data.