A method for predicting key data center temperatures by known airflow streams

We present a simplified model for predicting key data-center temperatures, such as those of rack inlets and cooler returns. If the primary airflow streams into and out of all racks and coolers are known, these airflow values can be combined with the assumption of a well-mixed room ambient volume to create a simplified, but energy-balanced, set of temperature equations. Since the temperature estimates are restricted to only a small number of data center objects, solutions can be found quickly. This temperature model can be adapted to quickly address data center design or management issues without multiple Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Optimized cooler set points can be quickly found with only slight adjustments to the model. In another application, the effects of cooler capacity models are easily understood when incorporated within the temperature model. The object-averaged inlet temperature estimates generated by this temperature model compare favorably to those found by CFD.