Modeling Cooling System Alternative for LANL’s Data Center

Los Alamos National Laboratory Engineering/Mathematics, 2011-12

Liaison(s): Josip Loncaric, Farhad Banisadr, Carolyn Connor, Park Fields, Richard Rivera
Advisor(s): Patrick Little, Lisette dePillis
Students(s): Roxie Bartholomew (TL-F), Daniel Furlong, Mary Sullivan (TL-S), Michelle DeRienzo (S), Abby Korth (S), Jaclyn Olmos-Silverman (F)

Managing energy consumption is a critical problem in maintaining large data centers. The team developed a mathematical model to quantify the energy consumption for alternative cooling systems, specifically for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) facilities. This model was created by developing a comprehensive engineering analysis which minimizes the power consumption of the cooling system based on changing heat loads and weather given some set temperature inputs. Model outcomes have been validated against efficiency data provide by LANL and a sensitivity analysis. The model will aid LANL in renovating their cooling system to be more energy efficient.