Cooling Technologies for Internet Data Center in China: Principle, Energy Efficiency, and Applications

Xiaofei Huang, Junwei Yan (), Xuan Zhou, Yixin Wu and Shichen Hu
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Xiaofei Huang: School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, China
Junwei Yan: School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, China
Xuan Zhou: School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, China
Yixin Wu: School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, China
Shichen Hu: School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, No. 381, Wushan Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-31

Abstract: The highlighted energy consumption of Internet data center (IDC) in China has become a pressing issue with the implementation of the Chinese dual carbon strategic goal. This paper provides a comprehensive review of cooling technologies for IDC, including air cooling, free cooling, liquid cooling, thermal energy storage cooling and building envelope. Firstly, the environmental requirements for the computer room and the main energy consumption items for IDC are analyzed. The evaluation indicators and government policies for promoting green IDC are also summarized. Next, the traditional cooling technology is compared to four new cooling technologies to find effective methods to maximize energy efficiency in IDC. The results show that traditional cooling consumes a significant amount of energy and has low energy efficiency. The application of free cooling can greatly improve the energy efficiency of IDC, but its actual implementation is highly dependent on geographical and climatic conditions. Liquid cooling, on the other hand, has higher energy efficiency and lower PUE compared to other cooling technologies, especially for high heat density servers. However, it is not yet mature and its engineering application is not widespread. In addition, thermal energy storage (TES) based cooling offers higher energy efficiency but must be coupled with other cooling technologies. Energy savings can also be achieved through building envelope improvements. Considering the investment and recovery period for IDC, it is essential to seek efficient cooling solutions that are suitable for IDC and take into account factors such as IDC scale, climate conditions, maintenance requirements, etc. This paper serves as a reference for the construction and development of green IDC in China.

Keywords: internet data center; PUE; energy efficiency; cooling technologies; energy saving rate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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