Abstract
To fully utilize natural cold sources, a novel integrated unit is proposed and tested, which uses a mechanically-driven loop heat pipe (MLHP) system to assist the vapor compression refrigeration (VC) system for data centers (DCs) cooling. This integrated unit can operate four modes, namely, VC mode, booster-driven loop heat pipe with throttle valve (BLHP-T) mode, booster-driven loop heat pipe (BLHP) mode and liquid pump-driven loop heat pipe (PLHP) mode. The optimal switching temperatures of the integrated unit in different modes are obtained. When the outdoor temperature (OT) is above 23℃, the VC mode should be used, and the BLHP-T mode should be used when the OT is at 10℃–23 ℃. In addition, when the OT is at −4℃-10℃, the composite-driven loop heat pipe (CLHP) mode can be operated, and when the OT is below −4℃, the PLHP mode performs better. In addition, the optimal control strategy is designed and the energy-saving potential is evaluated. The integrated unit applied in cold regions has higher energy-saving potential than in warm or other regions, and the energy-saving rate is 24.73% in Harbin, 0.96% in Hainan, which indicates that the integrated unit is more suitable for northern regions rather than southern regions.
Published Version
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