Description:
Data center cooling performance depends on more than available cooling capacity. This presentation will introduce typical data center components and cooling strategies, then use a data center model in TileFlow® to illustrate how CFD can help evaluate airflow behavior, rack-level thermal performance, and design decisions. The discussion will also introduce ASHRAE 90.4, explain how it differs from PUE, and connect airflow-informed design choices to energy compliance considerations.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Identify key data center room components, cooling strategies, and airflow paths
- Explain how airflow distribution and containment strategy affect server rack thermal performance
- Interpret CFD outputs used to evaluate airflow behavior, thermal risk, and cooling performance
- Describe ASHRAE 90.4 as a system-level energy compliance framework and explain how airflow design choices can affect compliance considerations
Ryan is a building performance analyst with a focus on sustainable design solutions. Ryan provides energy modeling and analysis at all stages of design to inform the data-driven decisions necessary to achieve aggressive energy reduction goals. He supports projects and teams across market sectors, as well as the firm’s Sustainability service sector, and works to advance energy solutions and benchmarking. His knowledge covers a variety of tools and analyses, including energy, life-cycle cost, daylighting, views, data center CFD (computational fluid dynamics), and scripting to enhance workflow efficiency. Additionally, Ryan supports Cushing Terrell’s technology group with automation workflow development.