Data Center Energy Optimization: Evaluating the Benefits of Sensible Thermal Energy Storage in Diverse Climates

Over the past decade, global trends have indicated an expected substantial increase in electricity consumption and a growing presence of data centers. Considering that data center cooling accounts for a significant proportion of overall energy use, there is a notable emphasis on implementing energy efficiency measures and solutions to reduce energy requirements. This study investigates the integration of sensible Thermal Energy Storage (TES) as a promising solution, offering not only energy savings but also enhanced operational flexibility. A thermodynamic model was developed, and simulations were conducted for a year at two distinct locations, taking into account varying climate conditions and electricity prices.

Compared to the baseline scenario, the adoption resulted in a significant annual reduction in electricity consumption for both Denmark and California. The findings highlight the impact of geographical location on the potential benefits of both free-cooling and TES. Colder climates, like Denmark, favor greater utilization of free-cooling, resulting in a more substantial cost and energy reduction. Conversely, regions with high temperature fluctuations, such as California, can benefit more from the implementation of TES. Furthermore, mathematical optimization revealed that TES integration led to a 14.2 % annual cost reduction for Denmark and 38.3 % for California, highlighting the importance of robust control strategies and geographical considerations in achieving significant operational cost savings