CFD modeling of an existing raised-floor data center

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling is being increasingly used for designing new and analyzing existing data centers. The application of CFD technique for designing new data centers is fairly straightforward since all of the design specifications are available. However, creating an accurate CFD model of an existing data center is often a challenge because some of the required input data is usually not available. The collection of missing details requires survey of the data center and even measurements. In this paper, we present several measurement and modeling techniques that can help the users of CFD technology to create an accurate model of an existing raised-floor data center. These techniques have been implemented in modeling a data center at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. To verify the accuracy of the model, calculated values of airflow rates through perforated tiles, rack inlet and exhaust temperatures, and supply and return temperatures for the AC units were compared with the measured values. The agreement is good.