<p>The rapid expansion of data centers has significantly increased energy consumption, with cooling systems accounting for about 40% of total use. Utilizing natural ambient cooling sources provides a simple and effective approach to enhancing energy efficiency. Radiative cooling (RC), though an emerging solution that can considerably reduce energy use, faces challenges in data centers due to the complex, multi-level nature of cooling systems, requiring careful adaptation across different scales, which hinders its widespread adoption in data centers. In this study, we designed radiative coolers for data center cooling systems to enhance efficiency, and then proposed an RC system integrating these structures and analyzed its energy-saving performance. The cooling properties of a real radiative cooling film applied to the cooler surface were experimentally tested, and the data were used for the simulation analysis of the proposed coolers. Five different radiative cooler structures were designed and optimized, and we conducted a comprehensive multi-level performance analysis of the optimized structures, including operational parameters such as flow rate and temperature, as well as the impact of location, climate, and regional adaptability. Subsequently, a novel hybrid cooling system incorporating radiative coolers for data centers was proposed. Comparative studies across different climate zones in China demonstrated that this hybrid system delivers substantial energy savings compared to traditional vapor-compression systems. Results showed that in Beijing, Urumqi, and Guangzhou, the annual temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the radiative cooler ranges from 2.40°C to 3.28°C, making it feasible for radiative cooling throughout the year in most parts of China. The annual Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) in Beijing using the novel RC system is 1.19, with an increase in Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 60.74%. This study may contribute to the development of green, energy-efficient cooling technologies for future data centers.</p>

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Activate Radiative Cooling Technology for Data Center Cooling and Energy Efficiency Analysis

  • Lu Wang,
  • Haibin Li,
  • Hong Liu,
  • Xiaoxuan Chen,
  • Liang Chen,
  • Zhen Li

摘要

The rapid expansion of data centers has significantly increased energy consumption, with cooling systems accounting for about 40% of total use. Utilizing natural ambient cooling sources provides a simple and effective approach to enhancing energy efficiency. Radiative cooling (RC), though an emerging solution that can considerably reduce energy use, faces challenges in data centers due to the complex, multi-level nature of cooling systems, requiring careful adaptation across different scales, which hinders its widespread adoption in data centers. In this study, we designed radiative coolers for data center cooling systems to enhance efficiency, and then proposed an RC system integrating these structures and analyzed its energy-saving performance. The cooling properties of a real radiative cooling film applied to the cooler surface were experimentally tested, and the data were used for the simulation analysis of the proposed coolers. Five different radiative cooler structures were designed and optimized, and we conducted a comprehensive multi-level performance analysis of the optimized structures, including operational parameters such as flow rate and temperature, as well as the impact of location, climate, and regional adaptability. Subsequently, a novel hybrid cooling system incorporating radiative coolers for data centers was proposed. Comparative studies across different climate zones in China demonstrated that this hybrid system delivers substantial energy savings compared to traditional vapor-compression systems. Results showed that in Beijing, Urumqi, and Guangzhou, the annual temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the radiative cooler ranges from 2.40°C to 3.28°C, making it feasible for radiative cooling throughout the year in most parts of China. The annual Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) in Beijing using the novel RC system is 1.19, with an increase in Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 60.74%. This study may contribute to the development of green, energy-efficient cooling technologies for future data centers.