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In a data center, the HVAC system energy consumption is dependent on three main factors:
outdoor conditions (temperature and humidity), the use of economization strategies, and the
primary type of cooling consider the following:
The HVAC energy consumption is closely related to the outdoor temperature and humidity
levels. In simple terms, the HVAC equipment takes the heat from the data center and
transfers it outdoors. The higher the outdoor air temperature (and the higher the humidity
level is for water-cooled systems), more work is required of the compressors to lower the air
temperature back down to the required levels in the data center.
Economization for HVAC systems is a process in which the outdoor conditions allow for
reduced compressor power (or even allowing for complete shutdown of the compressors).
This is achieved by supplying outdoor air directly to the data center (direct air economizer)
or, as in water-cooled systems, cooling the water and then using the cool water in place of
chilled water that would normally be created using compressors.
Different HVAC system types have different levels of energy consumption. And the
different types of systems will perform differently in different climates. As an example, in
hot and dry climates water-cooled equipment generally consumes less energy than air-cooled
systems. Conversely, in cooler climates that have higher moisture levels, air-cooled
equipment will use less energy. The maintenance and operation of the systems will also
impact energy (possibly the greatest impact). Related to the cooling system type, the supply
air temperature and allowable humidity levels in the data center will have an influence on
the annual energy consumption.
Broadly speaking, cooling systems will connect to a central cooling plant that generates chilled
water or condenser water for use in the remote air-handling units or CRAHs. The decision to use
a central plant can be made for many different reasons: facility size, growth plans, efficiency
reliability, and redundancy, among others. Generally, a central plant consists of primary
equipment such as chillers and cooling towers, piping, pumps, heat exchangers, and water
treatment systems. Typically, central plants are used for large data centers and have the
capability for future expansion.
Indirect Economization
Indirect economization is used when it is not advantageous to use air directly from the outdoors
for economization. Indirect economization uses the same control principles as the direct outdoor
air systems. In direct systems, the outdoor air is used to cool the return air by physically mixing
the two airstreams. When indirect economization is used, the outdoor air is used to cool down a
heat exchanger on one side that indirectly cools the return air on the other side with no contact
of the two airstreams. In indirect evaporative systems, water is sprayed on a portion of the heat
exchanger where the outdoor air runs through. The evaporative effect lowers the temperature of
the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the temperature of the outdoor air. These systems are very
effective in a number of climates, even humid climates. Since an indirect heat exchanger is used,
a fan is required to draw the outside air across the heat exchanger, sometimes known as a
scavenger fan. This fan motor power is not trivial and needs to be accounted for in estimating
energy use.
Economization Options
There are several different approaches and technology available when designing an
economization system. For indirect economizer designs, heat exchanger technology varies
widely.
1. It can consist of a rotary heat exchanger, also known as a heat wheel, which
uses thermal mass to cool down the return air by using outdoor air.
2. Another approach is to use a crossflow heat exchanger.
3. Heat pipe technology can also be incorporated in an indirect economization
strategy.
Within these options, there are several sub-options driven by the specific application that
ultimately will inform the design strategy for the entire cooling system.