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Influence of Non-Uniform Airflow on Two-Phase Parallel-Flow Heat Exchanger in Data Cabinet Cooling System

Author

Listed:
  • Hao Cheng

    (School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Tongzhi Yang

    (School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Quan Cheng

    (School of Aeronautical Engine, Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics, Zhengzhou 450015, China)

  • Yifan Zhao

    (School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Leixin Wang

    (School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Weixing Yuan

    (School of Aeronautical Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
    Aeronautic Institute of XiangYang, Xiangyang 441000, China)

Abstract

The energy consumption of data center cooling systems is rapidly increasing, necessitating urgent improvements in cooling system performance. This study investigates a pump-driven two-phase cooling system (PTCS) utilizing a parallel-flow heat exchanger (PFHE) as an evaporator, positioned at the rear of server cabinets. The findings indicate that enhancing the vapor quality at the PFHE outlet improves the overall cooling performance. However, airflow non-uniformity induces premature localized overheating, restricting further increases in vapor quality. For PFHEs operating with a two-phase outlet condition, inlet air temperature non-uniformity has a relatively minor impact on the cooling capacity but significantly affects the drop in pressure. Specifically, higher upstream air temperatures increase the pressure drop by 7%, whereas higher downstream air temperatures reduce it by 7.7%. The implementation of multi-pass configurations effectively mitigates localized overheating caused by airflow non-uniformity, suppresses the decline in cooling capacity, and enhances the operational vapor quality of the cooling system.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Cheng & Tongzhi Yang & Quan Cheng & Yifan Zhao & Leixin Wang & Weixing Yuan, 2025. "Influence of Non-Uniform Airflow on Two-Phase Parallel-Flow Heat Exchanger in Data Cabinet Cooling System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:923-:d:1591434
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chu, Wen-Xiao & Wang, Chi-Chuan, 2019. "A review on airflow management in data centers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C), pages 84-119.
    2. Yang, Ping & Ling, Weihao & Tian, Ke & Zeng, Min & Wang, Qiuwang, 2023. "Flow distribution and heat transfer performance of two-phase flow in parallel flow heat exchange system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    3. Tong, Zhen & Liu, Xiao-Hua & Jiang, Yi, 2017. "Experimental study of the self-regulating performance of an R744 two-phase thermosyphon loop," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(P1), pages 1-12.
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