Dynamic Analysis of Cross Flow Heat Exchangers in Data Centers Using Transient Effectiveness Method

Abstract

Heat exchangers are important facilities used in data center cooling systems. The effectiveness of heat exchangers strongly influences the thermal performance of cooling systems. Rear door heat exchangers, in-row, overhead coolers, and fully contained cabinets are some examples of executing liquid and hybrid cooling systems used in data centers. A liquid to liquid heat exchanger is an important component of the coolant distribution unit, which supplies chilled water to the aforementioned heat exchangers. Computer room air handler units are also typically liquid to air cross flow heat exchangers. It is important to characterize the dynamic behavior of these heat exchangers for the thermal management of data centers, to improve the design of control strategies, and energy efficiency. The transient response of a 2-D unmixed-unmixed cross flow heat exchanger, with a finite wall capacitance, is investigated. The transient effectiveness concept is used to build the mathematical models that will be used to solve and analyze the transient problems involving cross flow heat exchangers. Several transient cases are investigated numerically for step, ramp, and exponential variations in the inlet temperature of the minimum capacity rate fluid, as well as step and ramp changes in the flow rate of hot and cold fluids. The transient effectiveness characteristics are tested in parametric studies. The results obtained show that transient effectiveness is a useful method of analyzing and predicting the dynamic performance of cross flow heat exchangers.