A Compact Rack Model for Data Center CFD Modeling

Abstract

We propose a compact rack model which provides the capabilities of an explicitly-detailed model and the computational efficiency of a black-box model. The proposed model idealizes internal-rack airflows as conforming to a well-defined flow network topology. It predicts IT-equipment inlet temperatures (which depend on internal-rack recirculations) and pressure-driven leakage airflows. Consequently, it can model, for example, contained and uncontained architectures, the effects of under-rack cable cutouts, and ceiling-ducted racks (with a sealed rear door).The model is efficient and robust because it eliminates the need to explicitly model small-scale features in large-scale data-center CFD simulations while not appreciably increasing computational cost relative to the simplest black-box models. It has the potential for high accuracy as internal-rack flow resistances are taken directly from experimental measurements and inputs may be tailored to any rack population or application.