Energy-saving optimization of refrigeration system in a data centre based on Nelder-Mead method

Abstract

In order to improve the cooling efficiency of the data centre HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system and save costs, this paper proposes a control strategy that combines traditional control method with Nelder and Mead method, in order to optimize equipment operating parameters. Firstly, this paper selected a data centre in Northeast China as the research object. Moreover, the central air-conditioning system, as the control object, was simulated on TRNSYS, whose result was compared with the actual operating parameters to verify the reliability of the simulation model. Finally, the optimal control strategy was applied to the simulation model to analyze the changes of energy consumption of the system before and after optimization. The results showed that in August, the optimal control strategy is able to meet the extremity of cooling load demand, and the total energy consumption of the system is 269,612kwh, which is 10% less than the energy consumption before optimization. The overall energy consumption of the system is significantly reduced, and the proportion of energy consumption of each part tends to be reasonable, which will effectively improve the cooling efficiency of HVAC.