6 Reasons Why Your Data Center May Need a CFD Model

Swanson Rink uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to simulate how air behaves in the built environment. With a particular focus on data centers, and how air behaves both inside the data center and around the exterior of the building. CFD modeling is utilized to simulate airflow conditions that otherwise could not be accurately predicted with conventional engineering means.

Not all data centers will require CFD analysis. In this post we will look at 6 reasons why a CFD model may be valuable for your data center:

  1. Data Center Hot Spots
  2. Failure Scenarios
  3. Air Static Pressure Calculations
  4. Building Effects on Natural Wind Patterns
  5. Tracking the Dispersion of Heat and Humidity
  6. Tracking the Dispersion of Exhaust Fumes

Read more about how CFD modeling can help identify potential problem areas before design. 

San Luis Valley Regional Fuel Farm

Swanson Rink completed another successful fueling project, this time for the San Luis Valley Regional Airport. The fueling design for the installation of two new aviation fuel tanks (one for Jet A and one for AVGAS) helped the airport to comply with State codes and current industry standards. The airport’s transformation makes it a crucial tool for the region, giving the airport the resources to meet the standards of a Class 1 Commercial Service Airport, bringing both improved access and the potential for economic growth.

With more than 50 years of airport fueling system expertise, we engineer for JETA, MOGAS, AVGAS and CNG used for ramp vehicles; and our work has included design for tank farms and hydrant distribution systems as well as truck loading.

Click here to read more about the San Luis Valley Regional Fuel Farm.

Trends to Follow: Achieving Colorado’s Climate Goals

Trends to Follow: Colorado's Climate Goals

The 7×24 Winter Program presented new EUI (Energy Use Intensity, kBTU/Ft2) requirements for existing buildings in Denver, which will help to meet Colorado’s Climate goals. The requirements state that buildings are considered existing 12 months after receiving a certificate of occupancy. All “office” buildings require an EUI of 48.3 or lower by 2030 and Data Center’s have to reduce their EUI 30% by 2030. Admittedly, officials indicated this is not practical for Data Centers, and that the regulations will be revised in the future. Most likely, Data Centers in the City of Denver will have to meet a certain PUE by 2030.

Currently, these new requirements are for buildings within the city of Denver, and excludes federal government and state buildings. However, the State of Colorado has a task force working on how State legislation will be defined and enforced, and representatives indicated that the state requirements will be similar to the city’s. Expect to hear more about how these regulations directly affect Data Centers and the creative solutions needed to comply with upcoming milestones.

EXAMPLE INTERIM TARGETS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

City of Denver
EUI regulations Current EUI information for all existing buildings within Denver
Electrification of Denver State of Colorado
State of Colorado Building Performance Standards
Colorado Energy Office Standards

Click here to read more about Colorado’s Climate Goals