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

Author

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Jin Kim & Kwang-Hee Kim & Ju-Wan Ha & Young-Hak Song, 2024. "Research on a Plan of Free Cooling Operation Control for the Efficiency Improvement of a Water-Side Economizer," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:12:p:2804-:d:1410697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Durand-Estebe, Baptiste & Le Bot, Cédric & Mancos, Jean Nicolas & Arquis, Eric, 2014. "Simulation of a temperature adaptive control strategy for an IWSE economizer in a data center," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 45-56.
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