Numerical Analysis of Airflow Distribution in Data Center with Server Baffles

Xiaolei Yuan, Xuetao Zhou, Yu Wang, Jinxiang Liu, Xinjie Xu, Yuzhen Tao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this study, servers are equipped with terminal baffles to optimize the thermal environment within data center and achieve energy conservation. The data center model is established by Airpak 3.0 packages based on an actual running data center. In the original model, the rack with the highest heat load (16.98 kW) is selected as the research object, while the exhaust airflow distribution of that rack is obtained. In order to optimize the exhaust airflow distribution, the optimization models with 8-cm baffles and six different baffle angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°) are established based on the original model. The results show that, although the use of 0° server baffles deteriorates the thermal environment, airflow distribution and cooling efficiency are improved to varying degrees when the inclination angle of the 8-cm baffles increases from 15 to 75°. The optimum thermal environment is achieved when the baffle angle is 45°. Under this circumstance, the maximum drop of rack hotspots reaches 2.5 °C.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, ISHVAC 2019 - Volume III
Subtitle of host publicationBuildings and Energy
EditorsZhaojun Wang, Fang Wang, Peng Wang, Chao Shen, Jing Liu, Yingxin Zhu
PublisherSpringer
Pages29-36
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9789811395277
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
Event11th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, ISHVAC 2019 - Harbin, China
Duration: 12 Jul 201915 Jul 2019

Publication series

NameEnvironmental Science and Engineering
ISSN (Print)1863-5520
ISSN (Electronic)1863-5539

Conference

Conference11th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, ISHVAC 2019
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHarbin
Period12/07/1915/07/19

Keywords

  • Airflow management
  • Data center
  • Energy conservation
  • Rack hotspot
  • Server baffles

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Numerical Analysis of Airflow Distribution in Data Center with Server Baffles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this