Investigation of flow in data rack

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper was to set up a functioning numerical model of data rack verified by an experimental measurement. The verification of the numerical model was carried out by means of the PIV method (Particle Image Velocimetry). The numerical model was "found" while using the assumed and preset values from the experimental measurement which represent boundary conditions. The server model was conceived as a four-channel with a controlled flow rate without simulation of heat transfer. The flow rate in each channel was implemented by means of pressure loss. The numerical model was further used for simulation of several phases and configurations of data rack (21U rack space) fitted with two server workstations Dell Precision R5400. The flow field in the inlet of data rack in the front of the workstations were observed and evaluated in such a way that a 2U-dimensional free space between the workstations was being left and the remaining inlet space was blanked-off/fully opened. The results of this paper will serve for designing optimization treatment of data rack from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency both within the data rack and within the data center design.