Research on a Plan of Free Cooling Operation Control for the Efficiency Improvement of a Water-Side Economizer

Yu-Jin Kim, Kwang-Hee Kim, Ju-Wan Ha and Young-Hak Song ()
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Yu-Jin Kim: Department of Architectural Engineering, Graduate School, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
Kwang-Hee Kim: Department of Architectural Engineering, Graduate School, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
Ju-Wan Ha: School of Architecture, College of Design, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
Young-Hak Song: Department of Architectural Engineering, Engineering Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: The energy reduction in chillers has been considered an important factor in the energy efficiency improvements of cooling systems, and water-side free cooling is regarded as the key of chiller free cooling technology. Therefore, this research aims to develop a control methodology for the extension of the free cooling operation time in order to improve the efficiency of water cooling-type chillers based on a WSE (water-side economizer) system for a data center and review the proper control conditions through an energy usage analysis of the entire system. The suggested methodology is an increase in the chilled water supply and return temperature according to the increase in the CARH (Computer Room Air Handler) fan air flow and a decrease in the chilled water flow. A case study was conducted according to the application of control through an EnergyPlus simulation. The results of the simulation show that energy usage was reduced by 8.1% under 120% CRAH fan capacity and 100% chilled water flow conditions. When applying the control plan, the free cooling period was extended according to the increased CRAH fan capacity and decreased chilled water flow. However, the increase in the CRAH fan energy must be considered. Also, in the case of a reduction in the chilled water flow, it is necessary to consider a point that can guarantee the cooling treatment heat rate in the heat exchanger.

Keywords: WSE system; cooling energy; free cooling; chilled water flow control; CRAH fan control (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: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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