Data Center Thermal Modeling

The primary objective of Data Center Cooling Systems is maintaining the air temperature at rack inlets within standard operating guidelines. This requires an adequate supply of cooling air as well as effective distribution of the airflow to the inlets of all the racks. This helps to reduce downtime, extend equipment life and optimize energy costs associated with the air conditioning system. However recent studies have shown that although most Data Centers have over twice the cooling capacity required, they still experience "hot spots" throughout the Data Center. This is a result of poor airflow management, and because airflow and pressure are invisible, it is difficult to develop a strategy for improving airflow management without the use of an airflow management modeling tool.

CoolSim Thermal Modeling

To help meet this objective we developed a specialized CFD modeling tool for Data Centers called CoolSim. CoolSim was designed specifically for modeling the thermal environment of Data Centers by using proven CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) methods used by Fortune 100 companies to design products ranging from automobiles to hypersonic spacecraft. By taking into account the Data Center floor plan, the thermal loads (computational and power) and the sources (CRAC Units), CoolSim is able to analytically calculate the pressure, temperature and velocity of air throughout the entire Data Center with a high degree of accuracy.

CoolSim is Different

Unlike traditional modeling tools, CoolSim is delivered using in a "client-server" model. The client portion of the software consists of a lightweight model building user environment for the rapid creation of the Data Center input model. The heavier server portion of the simulation software resides on a remote HPC Cluster eliminating the need for expensive and complicated local parallel servers. This is a perfect match for using mobile laptop computers with LAN or wireless internet connections. Likewise, CoolSim subscriptions are priced in accordance with the the expected software use, allow for a much more cost effective overall solution. Client server communication is performed using asyhcrnonous data transfer using secure HTTPS protocols allowing for "offline" model building and subsequent submission to the host server when internet connectivity is re-established.

Highly Detailed Output Reporting Capabilities

CoolSim simulation results are presented in the form of extensive HTML graphical output reports that pinpoint problems such as hot spots and air recirculation or short-circuiting withing a facility. These reports can be shared throughout the organization to help communicate the effect of IT purchase plans and decisions. This information is invaluable when attempting to consider alternative designs in a new Data Center, or when attempting to maximize the thermal load in an existing Data Center.

By developing a thermal model of the room with CoolSim, users and quickly and effectively analyze the effect of adding additional equipment, and the effect of equipment placement in the room.  CoolSim makes an excellent planning tool for understanding the effect of adding additional computing capacity to any company experiencing growth and change.