Retrofitting HVAC systems for enhanced energy performance and resilience in university data center room

Data centers have been extensively implemented globally to satisfy the increasing need for IT services. Small data centers with insufficient cooling require much power to keep IT equipment running reliably. As a result, retrofitting has become an efficient method to increase energy efficiency and save operating costs. This study examines the impact of retrofitting on energy efficiency in a data center room at a university. The data center under consideration underwent a comprehensive retrofitting process. Implementing a closed in-row type data center increases cooling capacity, resulting in more efficient cooling and improved temperature control. Measurement data were collected before and after retrofitting, including power usage effectiveness (PUE), energy consumption, temperature, and velocity distribution. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were also conducted to determine the characteristics of the data center's airflow distribution and temperature profile. Numerical simulations carried out for two operational situations have indicated that a slight modification has the potential to greatly enhance the efficiency of the cooling procedure. Numerical simulations have revealed that developing hotspots in the racks has resulted in air temperatures exceeding the allowable maximum temperature, which can be improved after retrofitting. The PUE of the data center before/after retrofitting was 2.17 and 1.52, respectively. Free cooling technology is also implemented, making the data center more efficient and reducing PUE to 1.32. The results showed a significant improvement in energy efficiency, with a PUE reduction of 0.85, which reveals that energy efficiency has been improved by 48.71 %. The retrofitting results in significant cost savings and environmental benefits.