Transient numerical simulation for optimization of a water-cooled high-performance computing center with dynamic cooling circuit temperatures – Work-in-progress

Abstract

Due to the high consumption of electrical energy, data center operators are increasingly aiming for a data center that is as energy-optimized and efficient as possible. The cooling system has a crucial role here. In this context, an innovative control strategy with dynamic cooling circuit temperatures will be investigated. For this purpose, a detailed numerical simulation model of an existing water-cooled HPC data center cooling system was developed. The model was validated using real operating data. It includes the complete heat flow from the rack cooling distribution units to the cooling towers and the district cooling supply. The model can correctly simulate the thermal behavior in detail and is the basis for further investigations and optimization in terms of various criteria like energy or cost efficiency. The modeling and validation approach is presented in this paper.