Guidance for data-center CFD (RP-1675)

This article reviews and summarizes research conducted during and related to ASHRAE RP-1675, Guidance for Data Center CFD. The ultimate objective is to provide users and vendors of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools with best-practice modeling advice to support greater adoption of the technology to design and operate reliable and sustainable facilities. RP-1675 identified and developed good CFD modeling practices by benchmarking CFD simulations against experimental measurements for a “laboratory data center,” considering past and concurrent research, and performing additional sensitivity studies in CFD. This article provides a detailed review of the experimental and CFD work conducted during RP-1675, which focused on the modeling of computer room air handler units (CRAHs) with vertical-axis blowers located in the raised-floor plenum, and modeling perforated floor tiles, and raised-floor stanchions. This article ultimately summarizes current guidance for data-center CFD.