Digital Twin Technology in Data Center Simulations: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Former Mine Site

Hajime Ikeda (), Nur Ellisha Binti Mokhtar, Brian Bino Sinaice, Muhammad Ahsan Mahboob, Hisatoshi Toriya, Tsuyoshi Adachi and Youhei Kawamura
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Hajime Ikeda: Graduate School of International Resources, Akita University, 1-1, Tegatagakuen machi, Akita-City 0108502, Akita, Japan
Nur Ellisha Binti Mokhtar: Graduate School of International Resources, Akita University, 1-1, Tegatagakuen machi, Akita-City 0108502, Akita, Japan
Brian Bino Sinaice: Graduate School of International Resources, Akita University, 1-1, Tegatagakuen machi, Akita-City 0108502, Akita, Japan
Muhammad Ahsan Mahboob: Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 1864, South Africa
Hisatoshi Toriya: Graduate School of International Resources, Akita University, 1-1, Tegatagakuen machi, Akita-City 0108502, Akita, Japan
Tsuyoshi Adachi: Graduate School of International Resources, Akita University, 1-1, Tegatagakuen machi, Akita-City 0108502, Akita, Japan
Youhei Kawamura: Faculty of Engineering, Division of Sustainable Resources, Hokkaido University, 13 jyounishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo-City 0608628, Hokkaido, Japan

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-37

Abstract: Mining activities often deem mine sites as temporary, leading to their eventual reclamation, rehabilitation, or abandonment. This study innovates by proposing the re-purposing of the disused Osarizawa mine in Akita, Japan, leveraging its consistently low tunnel temperatures to establish a data center, thereby offering a sustainable economic avenue to offset reclamation costs. We assessed the feasibility of this transformation by gathering comprehensive environmental data from the site and conducting meticulous ventilation simulations. These simulations explored various scenarios encompassing diverse ventilation configurations, data server room dimensions, thermal outputs, and the inherent cooling capabilities of the proposed humid rooms. By juxtaposing the simulation outcomes with the criteria set forth in the ASHRAE 2011 Thermal Guidelines, we pinpointed the optimal parameters that satisfy the stringent temperature and relative humidity prerequisites essential for a data center’s operation. This research underscores the potential of reimagining abandoned mine sites as strategic assets, providing economic benefits while adhering to critical data center infrastructure standards.

Keywords: data center transformation; mine site re-purposing; environmental simulation; sustainable reclamation; ventilation optimization; smart mining (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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