Overview
Efficient cooling is crucial for maintaining the reliability and performance of data centers. This report presents findings from a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation conducted for the Keppel Data Center. The analysis provides valuable insights into airflow and temperature distribution, highlighting areas of effective cooling as well as regions requiring improvement. These findings are intended to optimize the center’s cooling performance and reduce operational risks.
Key Project Details
The analysis was conducted with the following project specifications:
- Client: Keppel
Contractor: STULZ-CHSPL (India) Pvt. Ltd. - CFD Simulation Date: March 21, 2022
- Report Date: March 25, 2022
- Scope of the Study:
- Assess the effectiveness of the cooling system across the data center’s layout.
- Identify potential hot spots and analyze temperature distribution.
- Evaluate airflow patterns to ensure sufficient cooling reaches all areas.
Facility Specifications
The data center has the following structural and operational characteristics:
- Floor Dimensions:
- Length: 34.1 m
- Width: 39.0 m
- Ceiling Heights:
- Real Ceiling: 6.6 m
- Drop Ceiling: 4.0 m
- Racks:
- Total Server Racks: 464
- Network Racks: 48
The cooling infrastructure includes 18 Floor Water Units (FWUs) providing a total airflow of 1,119,600 CMH to meet the demand of 837,027 CMH. The center’s total heat load stands at 3,792 kW, with a heat load density of 2,875 W/m².
Cooling and Airflow Analysis
Cooling performance is one of the key indicators of data center efficiency. The simulation revealed:
- Cooling Supply:
- Total Airflow: 1,119,600 CMH
- Total Heat Load: 3,792 kW
- Airflow Demand: 837,027 CMH
The supplied airflow exceeds demand, ensuring adequate cooling for all operational loads. However, airflow distribution shows slight imbalances, particularly in specific rack regions. These areas may benefit from improved adjustments to the cooling setup.
Rack Temperature Distribution
Temperature consistency across server racks is critical for preventing overheating. The CFD simulation highlighted the following temperature ranges:
- Racks within Optimal Range (21°C to 24°C): 463 racks
- Racks with Higher Inlet Temperatures (24°C to 26°C): 1 rack
The distribution indicates a well-maintained cooling environment, with most racks performing within the desired temperature range. However, the single rack with higher temperatures suggests the need for localized adjustments. This could be due to airflow blockages or inefficient rack placement.
Recommendations for Optimization
To further enhance the cooling performance and prevent potential issues, the following steps are suggested:
Optimize Airflow Distribution:
- Adjust airflow paths to ensure uniform cooling, especially in areas with higher inlet temperatures.
Implement Advanced Monitoring:
- Deploy additional sensors for real-time tracking of temperature and airflow anomalies.
Evaluate and Upgrade FWU Capacity:
- Although FWU units are currently sufficient, upgrading their capacity can ensure readiness for increased loads in the future.
Revisit Rack Arrangements:
- Analyze and adjust rack placement to reduce airflow obstructions.
Regular Maintenance of Cooling Units:
- Periodic inspections and cleaning of FWU units and return grills will sustain optimal cooling performance.
Conclusion
The Keppel Data Center is currently operating with sufficient cooling capacity, as indicated by the simulation results. However, localized improvements in airflow distribution and system monitoring are recommended to address specific challenges. Implementing the suggested optimizations will help maintain long-term reliability and operational efficiency in the data center.
