1

Applied Math Modeling Inc

Data Center Airflow Modeling Tools

Applied Math Modeling Inc

• Founded in 2008 as a spin-out of the ANSYS Corporation.• Responsible for Development, Sales, & Support for the

CoolSim Data Center Modeling application through partnership with ANSYS Inc.

• Focused on delivering cost-effective engineering simulation tools using a SaaS model of delivery & support.

• Staffed by industry experts in the field of CFD sales, development, and support.

2

2

Data Center Market Overview

• EPA report issued in August of 2007:– 1.5% of total US electricity is consumed by data centers 61BkWh

• Cost of electricity $4.5b• Expected to grow to 100BkWh within 5 years ($7.4B)

• Among the key recommendations, improved airflow management is the most cost effective measure yielding up to 30% energy reduction in operational costs.– “Optimize data center airflow configuration using CFD modeling

and visualization tools”

2

Data Center Energy Consumption

• Dominant factors are IT Power and Cooling Power.– IT Load, CRAC/Chiller make up 75% of total • UPS, PDU, Switchgear are all 2nd order effects

Source: Uptime Institute

33%

9%

3%

30%

18%

5% 1% 1%

Data Center Power Utilization

ChillerCracHumidifierIT EquipmentUPSPDUSwitchgear/generatorLighting

2

Benefits of Data Center Airflow Modeling• The user creates a model of the data center using CoolSim for

performing “what if” scenarios of potential changes– What is the effect of adding servers to the data center?– What happens if a cooling unit(s) fails?– What is the effect of hot aisle/cold aisle containment?– What is the maximum IT load a given data center can handle?

• Allows users to predict the and temperature anywhere within the data center and make informed decisions on cooling or IT equipment placement.

• Provides the necessary information for significant cost savings in new data center designs and/or reduce operational costs of existing data centers.

2

How Does CoolSim Work?

• CoolSim incorporates ANSYS Fluent CFD technology– Same software used in Aerospace and Automotive

• All meshing, solving, and post processing are performed on a remote HPC cluster.

• CoolSim uses a subscription based SaaS (Software as a Service) model where price is correlated to anticipated annual use.

2

How Does CoolSim Work?• CoolSim is a highly automated tool– User builds a model of a data center using easy to use GUI

• Includes libraries of common cooling equipment and equipment racks, and IT equipment

– Model is automatically meshed, solved, and post processed • Embedded knowledge drawing upon 20 years of CFD modeling

experience from aerospace and automotive markets

– Results are presented in 3D HTML output reports• Eliminates costly “human time” in post processing• Eliminates “human error” in post processing output plots

– User learning curve measured in hours• Run times average less than an hour• Multiple jobs can be run concurrently

2

CoolSim Key Features

• Modeling Capability– Fully coupled CFD analysis powered by ANSYS CFD Solvers– Model raised and non-raised floor data centers– Models in-row and overhead supplemental cooling solutions– Server specific rack modeling with gaps and blanking– Ability to model supply ducts and diffusers– Ability to model under-floor and overhead cable trays,

under-floor pipes, baffles, blocks, PDU’s, etc– Ability to model ducted ceiling return data centers– Ability to model CRAC failure scenarios efficiently and

quickly.

2

CoolSim Key Features

• Output Capability– Thermal maps at rack inlets, outlets and throughout data center.– Detailed airflow patterns in the room showing return airflow path of hot air

revealing any mixing or short circuiting currents.– CRAC performance report with return and supply air temperature and

relative load balancing on various units.– Rack by rack cooling performance evaluation and compliance with the

ASHRAE recommended thermal guidelines.– Airflow patterns and static pressure distribution in supply plenum.– Airflow rate (CFM) prediction for each vent tile and cable cutout– 3D models of all visual output with high quality 2D image output.– Animations of supply and return air path lines, temperature planes in X, Y

and Z, and isothermal surfaces @ 2 degree intervals.

3D Rack Thermal Maps

Performing “What-if” Studies• Can we reduce inlet temperatures by simply adding

low cost baffles to reduce rack recirculation?

Results of Adding Baffles to Racks• By adding simple baffles to racks, recirculation is

reduced and server inlet temperatures drop.

CoolSim Automated Output Reports• Allows the easy comparison of multiple scenarios

Ave ExitTemperature

(oF)Minimum Maximum Average Recommended#1 Allowable#2

(oF) (oF) (oF) (64.4 oF - 80.6 oF) (59 oF - 90 oF)Scenario A

Original Designp690_3_5 (AE , 33)

82 92 88 105 Fail Fail

Scenario B with Baffles

p690_3_5 (AE , 33)

79 88 81 97 Fail Pass

Scenario C with Cold Aisle

Containmentp690_3_5 (AE , 33)

69 75 72 95 Pass Pass

Scenario A Original Design

p690_4b_6 (AE , 37)

82 94 88 104 Fail Fail

Scenario B with Baffles

p690_4b_6 (AE , 37)

77 87 81 97 Fail Pass

Scenario C with Cold Aisle

Containmentp690_4b_6

(AE , 37)67 74 71 95 Pass Pass

Rack Row Name

Inlet Temperature

ASHRAE RecommendedInlet Temperature Range

for Class I Servers

13

Summary• The density of computer equipment will continue to increase

compounding cooling problems.• Typical data centers draw 2X more power than required by the IT

equipment alone for cooling the computer equipment.• Increasing the thermal efficiency of the data center can create

savings from 30-70% per year in operational costs.• Using CoolSim CFD based modeling as a means to predict potential

improvements Data Center efficiency is very cost effective and necessary as part of the design or modification process.

• The potential electricity cost savings from a 1MW data center are in the range of $2-4M over a 10 year period.

14

For More Information or a

Product Demonstration

• For a quote or pricing information please contact:– Jennifer Beliveau• Jennifer.Beliveau@CoolSimSoftware.com• 603-632-3026

• For more product related information please visit:– www.CoolSimSoftware.com

15