High efficiency cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center cooling systems are inefficient, consuming at least half of the power used in a typical data center, with existing technologies failing to optimize energy usage effectively, particularly in maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels.
Innovation Solution
A high efficiency cooling system is introduced, utilizing staged cooling with two or more DX cooling circuits arranged serially, each equipped with tandem digital scroll compressors and a pumped refrigerant economizer mode that bypasses the compressor when outdoor temperatures are low, reducing energy consumption by optimizing compressor power usage and dehumidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional cooling systems are used to maintain optimal temperature and humidity in data centers, then cooling function is provided, but energy consumption increases significantly (at least half of total data center power)
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the cooling equipment by using variable speed drives on fans and pumps, and by implementing staged cooling with multiple circuits that can be independently controlled. This allows the system to adjust cooling capacity to match actual heat loads, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable temperature and humidity control in the data center.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling circuits with separate evaporators, compressors, and control systems. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized and controlled independently based on specific cooling demands, improving overall energy efficiency while ensuring reliable cooling coverage across different zones of the data center.
2Power
If compressor power usage is increased to enhance cooling capacity, then cooling performance improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of compressor operation through variable speed drives and staged cooling circuits. Compressors can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on cooling demand, and their speed can be adjusted to match the required cooling capacity. This dynamic operation reduces compressor power usage while maintaining adequate cooling performance across varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system uses periodic cycling of multiple compressors in staged circuits rather than continuous operation of a single high-capacity compressor. This allows the system to meet cooling demands through intermittent operation of appropriate circuit combinations, reducing overall compressor power consumption while maintaining necessary cooling capacity.
3Reliability
If dehumidification efficiency is enhanced to maintain optimal humidity levels, then humidity control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dehumidification selectively in specific zones and at specific times based on actual humidity demands. Different cooling circuits can be configured with different dehumidification capacities, and they are activated only when and where humidity control is needed. This localized approach maintains optimal humidity levels in the data center while minimizing the energy consumption associated with dehumidification.
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 solution significantly reduces energy consumption by minimizing compressor power usage and enhancing dehumidification efficiency, achieving a higher sensible heat ratio and increased energy efficiency in data center cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant is condensed in an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant is condensed in an evaporator and the condensed refrigerant is pumped from the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
the condensed refrigerant is pumped from the evaporator with a pump having an inlet coupled to the evaporator outlet and a discharge outlet coupled to the condenser inlet
Implementation Method 4
heat rejection device 124 that provides cooled liquid to CRACs 116. Heat rejection device 124 is a device that transfers heat from the return fluid from CRACs 116 to a cooler medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooling system has a cabinet and a plurality of separate cooling stages including an upstream cooling stage and a downstream cooling stage. At least the upstream cooling state is a variable capacity cooling stage. Each cooling stage has a cooling circuit. Evaporators of the cooling circuits are arranged in the cabinet so that air passes over them in serial fashion. A controller when a Call for Cooling first reaches a point where cooling is needed, operating the upstream cooling circuit to provide cooling and not the downstream cooling circuit. When the Call for Cooling has increased to a second point, the controller additionally operates the downstream cooling circuit to provide cooling. The cooling capacity at which the upstream cooling circuit is being operated is less than its full capacity when the Call for Cooling reaches the second point.