Innovative Approaches of Experimentally Guided CFD Modeling for Data Centers

This study illustrates basic guidelines for integrating empirical measurements to state of the art modeling approaches; that can be used to improve the accuracy of physics based data center CFD models. Experimental measurements gathered in a new research dedicated data center laboratory are used to guide an advanced approach to CFD modeling, the intent is to come up with a validated predictive model of the data center. One of the goals of this study is to provide scientists and engineers with a clear set of design guidelines; that allow for the introduction of important physical details into the model which have previously been largely overlooked. This approach will establish a valid baseline for future designs of data centers as well as future research projects in the data center laboratory. The current CFD model incorporates important physical parameters that affect the accuracy of the results. These include the plenum floor jacks' hydraulic resistance, the impact of cutouts, exact locations of supply vents, CRAH (computer room air handler) unit blower jet effects and momentum transfer through the perforated tiles. Other details of the CRAH unit such as the detailed supply vents, blower specifications, turning vent and angle of flow are included; also rack detailed structure including the mounting rails, cable penetration and PDUs (power distribution units). CFD modeling results are compared to the measured tiles flow rates from several different experimental conditions. The models were refined based on the experimental data and comparisons of the CFD versus experimental tiles flow data showed an overall average error of similar to 3%.