CFD BASED DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF LOUVER BLADE ANGLES TO ENHANCE BETTER AIR FLOW DISTRIBUTION AND IMPROVE THERMAL EFFICIENCY OF IT EQUIPMENT IN DATA CENTERS

Abstract

A data center is a depository which stores, processes and distribute large amounts of data and information using computer systems and associated components for power supplies, cooling systems. Modular data center is a portable method of deploying traditional large data center capacity into a small portable unit. According to the Uptime Institute, the amount of heat generated inside IT equipment has been increasing significantly. Data centers are using nearly 60% of their power in employing expensive cooling techniques. In addition, the cost of cooling has necessitated a need to reduce or eliminate mechanical cooling. As such, Air Economization, Direct and Indirect evaporative cooling techniques are effective methods for extending free cooling. These cooling techniques can only be efficient when coupled with proper air flow management inside the data center. The air handling unit is responsible to distribute the conditioned air inside the data center. The air from cooling unit is passed into the IT Pod through a set of angled slats or fixed strips hung at regular intervals called Louvers. Louvers are very essential and basic components of any HVAC systems. It is often overlooked or not given due importance while designing. Poor air flow management can cause air recirculation in the cold aisle creating a low pressure region. The fans inside the servers have to draw air and cool the IT after overcoming this negative pressure differential which in turn makes the fan to draw less amount of air than specified. This causes insufficient cooling of the IT equipment and thereby increasing the amount of heat generated inside the servers. These Louver blades are adjustable, placed inside duct entries to regulate the flow of air. The air flow distribution inside the data center should be optimum with minimum air recirculation. The amount of air flow inside the data center is regulated by the free area of a Louver. The orientation of Louver blades gives the air flow pattern in the data center. These two factors are very crucial while designing and selecting a Louver as they have a significant impact on its performance. The focus of this study is to characterize the air flow pattern with the appropriate Louver orientation and thus provide sufficient amount of air passed into the IT pod with minimum air recirculation. The air from the cooling unit can only be fully utilized when it is followed by proper air flow management inside the data center. This reduces the heat generated in the IT equipment and thereby increases its efficiency and reliability which saves significant amount of energy and cost involved in the cooling applications. The study was done in collaboration with industrial partner and results have been verified and adopted.