External CFD simulation for data center

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External CFD simulation for data centers

EOLIOS is an expert in heat dissipation for data centers

EOLIOS is a leader in external CFD simulation for Data Centers. Our studies are based on feedback from measurement campaigns in real-life conditions and a hundred or so simulated sites around the world.

Why run an external CFD simulation of a data center?

A detailed model that adapts to different scenarios

We create a detailed computer model including surrounding buildings, all cooling devices on data center roofs, all exhausts, fresh air intakes and details such as windscreens, louvers and roofs…

We then use this model to study airflow, temperature distribution and water vapor (relative humidity) in several scenarios. These scenarios vary depending on the operational mode (normal, maintenance, emergency) and the weather conditions (high or low temperature, wind speed and direction).

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Study heat dissipation on data center roofs

Whether in the courtyard or on the roof, mechanical heat rejection systems such as cooling towers and DRYs share space with emergency generators. A compact, high-density layout of server racks inside the building translates into a compact layout of outdoor equipment. This poses major challenges in terms of managing air flows outside the building.

External CFD studies are used to complete the risk assessment, optimize the design and reduce the energy consumption of the data center.

Schematic diagram of an adiabatic air cooler.

Example of identification of hot spots linked to thermal recirculation between air coolers

The influence of wind and weather on data center performance

The impact of thermal plumes outside the building is difficult to predict due to the various variables that design engineers and architects are unable to control. These variables include wind speed, air temperature and humidity, wind direction and other activities surrounding the building. However, these phenomena have an impact on the performance of equipment positioned outdoors.

EOLIOS can help you study the impact of these issues to ensure optimal operation in all circumstances, even the most extreme.

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Studying data centers in extreme conditions

Design validation under extreme conditions

These simulations provide results that aid data center owners and designers in the decision-making process by determining cost-effective layouts and performance. CFD analysis, when carried out before the design is finalized and implemented, helps tomitigate the risks associated with design errors, which can lead to the need for major and costly modifications, construction delays or even loss of computing capacity in the event of a critical failure during a heatwave.

"Is your data center protected against the failure of its climate systems during a heatwave? "

Defining power losses under extreme conditions

The pooling of systems, the superimposition of server halls, and the continuous increase in power of server racks all lead to extremely high dissipation of heat from the roof. As the dissipation surface is constrained by the size of the building, the result is a very high concentration of air-conditioning systems on the roof, leading to a high risk of power loss, and even cascading system failures during extreme climatic events.

Etude des recirculaiton d'air chaud
Identification of looping phenomena between air coolers - Temperature scale

In very hot weather, or in the event of a power cut at the site, plumes of overheated air generated by the cooling systems can lead to a sharp drop in cooling power, or even a cascading shutdown of the roof systems, resulting in a site-wide fault.

Outdoor CFD studies for data centers enable us tostudy the risks of power loss andoptimize the layout of rooftop cooling systems.

Systems suitable up to a certain temperature level

Most manufacturer’s equipment documents provide minimum clearance requirements for air-conditioning equipment typically positioned on the roof. Although this information is provided for guidance only, designers are expected to take these parameters into account when laying out machines.

The manufacturer’s recommendations on equipment installation are generally included: minimum distance between systems, maximum operating temperature…

Identification of an air recirculation phenomenon for a rooftop
Identification of an air recirculation phenomenon for a rooftop

However, these guidelines do not take into account ambient air conditions, wind speed or the nearby built environment.

The figure below shows how adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended minimum distances can still result in undesirable performance.

CFD applications in the data center

Study of the interaction of rooftop air-conditioning systems in relation to wind conditions

The hot air exhausted through the chimney flues is composed of the generator fumes and the air superheated by the heat exchange batteries. These air flows are blown back into the building by the wind, causing heat to be recirculated via the roof systems.

As a result of these conditions, the ambient air temperature range at the inlet to the mechanical air-conditioning equipment may fall outside the manufacturer’s recommended operating range. These phenomena can lead to a loss of power or even the shutdown of certain equipment.

Identification of looping phenomena between air coolers

CFD analysis allows us to understand how several systems will interact with each other. The video below shows the impact of exhaust air (thermal plume) from generators in relation to rooftop air-conditioning equipment.

Study of pollutant emissions - Nox from generators

At the same time, it is possible to check that smoke emissions (Nox) from generators are not taken up by roof-mounted AHUs, which would pollute the air in the offices.

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CFD simulation for the interior of your data centers

Indoor CFD modeling is generally used at the design stage for plant sizing analysis. Computer simulation provides information on the relationship between the operation of air conditioning systems and changes in the thermal load of computer equipment. With this information, IT and site personnel can optimize airflow efficiency, remove hot spots and maximize cooling capacity.

Are you designing or operating a data center?

Controlling air and heat flows is essential to guarantee the reliability of your infrastructures, avoid power losses and secure your investments in the face of extreme climatic conditions.

Thanks to CFD simulation, our engineers can help you anticipate thermal risks, optimize the layout of your equipment and ensure uncompromising service continuity.

> Contact our engineers today and let’s discuss your project together to define the solution best suited to your needs.

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Our specific solutions for data centers :

CFD engineering for data centers

CFD simulation of data centers, study of critical failure scenarios, validation of maximum inlet air temperature.

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Thermal storage study

We’ll help you design your reservoir, avoid temperature loss and optimize inlet-outlet connections.

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External CFD simulation for data center

Heat rejection systems share space with generators, and EOLIOS illustrates how to ensure their proper operation.

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Data Center Fire Simulation

Comprehensive analyses, risk identification and solutions to protect data centers

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Thermal study of technical premises

EOLIOS offers thermal optimization solutions specially designed for data center technical rooms.

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Urban heat island impact study for data centers

Find out more about our data center urban heat island impact studies and their effects on the environment.

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Audit, diagnosis and 3D modeling of existing data centers

Auditing and diagnosing data centers is essential to guarantee performance and reliability. Find out more here.

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Designing your data center’s digital twin

Explore how designing your data center’s digital twin can improve the efficiency of your operations.

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Energy optimization and PUE calculation for data centers

Master energy optimization and PUE calculations for data centers to improve energy performance.

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Commissioning: study and CFD modeling of load benches

Validation of commissioning tests: discover our CFD studies and modeling of load benches to prepare your tests.

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Data center engineering

Initially created in France, EOLIOS Ingénierie is the benchmark thermal and aeraulic simulation consultancy for data centers in Europe and worldwide. The company supports operators, designers and project owners at every stage in the life of a data center: design, optimization, renovation or extension.

By combining cutting-edge scientific expertise, state-of-the-art simulation tools and in-depth knowledge of the data center ecosystem, EOLIOS Ingénierie is a trusted partner for ensuring the availability, security and energy performance of IT infrastructures, while anticipating sustainability issues.

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