Validation and Evaluation of Turbulence Models in Thermal Predictions of a Small Data Center Facility

Abstract

Thermal management in data centers has become more and more important due to the rapid growth in power density in modern data centers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is proved to be a very useful tool in data center design and analysis. However, the previous papers always utilize k-epsilon model, and has never studied on the effect of other turbulence models. This paper will demonstrate the difference between various turbulence models in terms of accuracy and computational time. The data center investigated in this paper has a floor area of 900 ft2 and comprises one rack, one CRAC unit, and several perforated tiles. This paper mainly investigates the effect of various turbulence models on CFD simulation in data center. The Turbulence model is believed to be a possible factor to improve the CFD results. The most suitable turbulence model will be identified based on a balance in both accuracy and computing resource requirements. Four turbulence models were investigated in this paper. The present investigation suggested that A&S 1-equation model yield the best accuracy and required the least computational time. Hence, 1-eqaution model should be the preferable turbulence model for CFD simulation in data center in the future.