In the quest to make data centers more sustainable, researchers have developed a novel approach to evaluate the energy efficiency and carbon reduction potential of integrated systems that couple cooling with waste-heat recovery. This breakthrough, published in *Zhileng xuebao* (translated as *Journal of Building Mechanics*), offers a promising path forward for the energy sector, particularly as data centers continue to expand globally.
The study, led by Zhou Feng, introduces two key evaluation indicators: general exergy efficiency (η_GEX) and general carbon efficiency (η_GOC). These metrics provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the performance of data center integrated systems, which combine cooling technologies with waste-heat recovery to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions.
“Our research demonstrates that the general exergy efficiency metric effectively evaluates the overall performance of data center integrated systems,” Zhou Feng explained. “For instance, we found that the system in Lhasa achieves the highest general exergy efficiency of 29.27%, while the lowest, 23.65%, is observed in Harbin.”
The findings highlight significant regional variations in efficiency, underscoring the importance of tailored solutions for different climatic conditions. The general carbon efficiency indicator, on the other hand, enables a quantitative assessment of the carbon-reduction potential achieved by replacing conventional heating systems with data center integrated systems. Depending on the type of displaced traditional heating technology used, the general carbon efficiency in Lhasa ranges from 3.75 to 4.45.
“This research provides a robust and rational basis for assessing the operational efficiency and carbon-mitigation potential of data center integrated systems,” Zhou Feng added. “It offers valuable guidance for their practical deployment and retrofitting in modern data centers.”
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As data centers continue to grow in size and number, the demand for efficient cooling and waste-heat recovery solutions will only increase. The proposed evaluation framework could help energy providers and data center operators make informed decisions about system design and implementation, ultimately reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Moreover, the study’s focus on waste-heat recovery aligns with broader industry trends toward circular economy principles, where waste products from one process are used as inputs for another. This approach not only enhances resource efficiency but also contributes to sustainability goals.
As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, the insights from this research could shape the development of next-generation data center technologies. By providing a clear, quantitative method for evaluating system performance, the study paves the way for more sustainable and efficient data center operations.
In the words of Zhou Feng, “Our hope is that this research will inspire further innovation in the field and help drive the transition to more sustainable data center operations.” With the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, the findings published in *Zhileng xuebao* offer a timely and valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of data centers.