ASHRAE 기후 존별 축열조 결합형 WSE 시스템의 에너지 성능 검토

초록

Increased data center energy demand has raised interest in free-cooling strategies. This study evaluates a data-center cooling system that combines a thermal energy storage (TES) tank with a water-side economizer (WSE) across ASHRAE climate zones 0A–8. Using EnergyPlus annual simulations for 19 representative locations, a data-center HVAC model with the proposed TES combined WSE (TS-WSE) strategy was tested. Key results show climate-dependent performance: in cool, dry climates (e.g. ASHRAE Zone 8) the TS-WSE achieved ~83% full free cooling operation and only ~2% of full-load cooling via chillers, whereas in hot, humid climates (0A) free cooling was negligible (~0%), requiring 100% chiller cooling. Intermediate zones showed significant partial free cooling (e.g. 3B: ~56% full, ~40% partial free-cooling hours). Annual cooling demand under TS-WSE ranged from ~4,334 MWh (0A) to 653 MWh (8). These findings indicate that TS-WSE energy savings vary strongly with climate, with maximum benefit in cold, dry regions. The results underscore the importance of climate-tailored design for data-center cooling systems.

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