DC Thermal Energy Flexibility Model for Waste Heat Reuse in Nearby Neighborhoods

In this paper we address the Data Centers (DCs) energy efficiency problem from a thermal perspective by considering them as large producers of waste heat integrated with smart energy infrastructures and utilities, through which they can effectively exploit their thermal flexibility for nearby neighborhoods heating. We provide a mathematical formalism for modeling the thermodynamics of the processes within DCs equipped with heat reuse technology and proactive DCs operation control mechanisms that allow them to adapt their thermal response profile to meet various levels of hot water demand. Numerical simulation-based experiments are shown considering the hardware systems characteristics and operation of one server room from Engineering Pont Saint Martin (PSM) DC. The results show the potential of using workload delay tolerant time shifting and server room pre-cooling as flexibility mechanisms for adapting the DC thermal energy profile to meet the demand.