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Experimental study on free cooling performance of an integrated cooling system based on loop thermosyphon for data centers

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  • Wang, Jing
  • Cao, Xiaoling
  • Yuan, Yanping
  • Yu, Nanyang
  • Zhou, Xu
  • Li, Jinwei
  • Wu, Lang

Abstract

This study designed an integrated cooling system based on loop thermosyphon for data centers. The system not only combined free cooling and mechanical refrigeration but also combined air-side and water-side cooling. The system increased the use time of natural cooling sources and improved the performance of the cooling system. A free cooling experiment of the system was carried out. The results showed that as the temperature of cold sources decreased, the cooling capacity of both air-cooled mode and water-cooled mode increased, while the total cooling capacity of both the series and parallel operation modes rose at first and then fell. The cooling capacity of the water-cooled condenser was also gradually decreasing in both the series and parallel operation modes; the proportion decreased from 87.95 % to 86.01 % to −6.36 % and 5.62 %, respectively. Neither of the two condensers can exert their maximum cooling capacity when used together. The cooling capacity of the water-cooled condenser was negative in the series operation mode in the severe cold season. Judging from the evaporator outlet air temperature, it may be necessary to turn on mechanical refrigeration when the outdoor air temperature exceeds 30 °C and the cold water temperature exceeds 25 °C.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Jing & Cao, Xiaoling & Yuan, Yanping & Yu, Nanyang & Zhou, Xu & Li, Jinwei & Wu, Lang, 2025. "Experimental study on free cooling performance of an integrated cooling system based on loop thermosyphon for data centers," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225013489
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135706
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    References listed on IDEAS

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