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The Challenge

Data centers are major consumers of global energy, using 220-230TWh in 2021, about 0.9-1.3% of global electricity demand, excluding cryptocurrency mining which used 100-140TWh in 2021. The most common air cooling method is not the most efficient one, resulting in significant waste heat release. Even a small improvement in data center energy efficiency could notably impact global energy consumption, especially given their increasing share in energy usage. The solution to enhance data center energy efficiency through waste heat recovery (WHR) and reuse on air cooled data centers faces two main challenges:

  • The low quality of heat generated in air-cooled data centers often makes exploitation economically unfeasible.
  • Waste heat production peaks in summer, while it's most needed and could be better utilized in winter, particularly for heating purposes.

MODERATOR’s Solution

Immersion cooling offers a solution to address the challenges of waste heat utilization, surpassing the limitations of air cooling by enabling space and energy-efficient data centers. In immersion-cooled facilities, components are fully submerged in a dielectric fluid, which conducts heat while acting as an electrical insulator. The Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), a measure of energy efficiency in data centers, indicates how effectively energy is utilized. While typical air-cooled data centers have PUE values around 1.6, immersion cooling systems can achieve values lower than 1.1.

Common dielectric fluids, such as low viscosity paraffinic oils, possess a heat capacity per volume approximately 1,300 times higher than air, significantly enhancing cooling efficiency. Heat from all components is entirely absorbed by the liquid, circulated by a dedicated pump, eliminating the need for air cooling. The heated fluid can then transfer its energy directly for immediate use or to a heat storage system capable of storing heat for up to 6 months.

MODERATOR will efficiently address both main obstacles hindering the reuse and further exploitation of waste heat from data centers by showcasing an integrated prototype, incorporating an immersion cooling system alongside advanced, long-term heat storage materials and systems.

Components of the MODERATOR Prototype

  • An immersion cooling system utilizing dielectric coolants
  • An innovative phase-change material (PCM) for heat storage
  • A highly efficient multilayered insulation, complemented by an electricity conversion system based on the Rankine cycle.
MODERATOR prototype
MODERATOR schematic (AI generated imagery)

MODERATOR Prototype Characteristics

  • MODULARITY ― Utilizing a modular design approach facilitates straightforward scale-up, making it suitable for applications ranging from small (few kW) to large (several MW) data centers, adaptable on a site-specific basis.
  • SIMPLICITY ― The direct installation capability allows for placement in any location, whether indoors or outdoors, without extensive facility requirements.
  • SUSTAINABILITY ― Prioritizing safety and environmental cleanliness, the prototype utilizes recycled materials and adheres to a zero-effluent concept by design, promoting human health and environmental well-being.
MODERATOR prototype
The MODERATOR prototype

Objectives

  • Development of a pioneering custom-designed immersion cooling system aimed at unlocking the potential for heat recovery and efficient utilization in data centers.
  • Creation of an innovative heat recovery system utilizing Phase Change Materials (PCMs), enabling efficient extraction of low-temperature heat within the range of 50°C–65°C. This system will incorporate novel materials and system design approaches.
  • Innovation in the development of a highly efficient multilayer insulation system for Thermal Energy Storage (TES), leveraging patented technology utilizing expanded recycled glass granules and highly reflective microparticles to minimize heat loss during seasonal storage. This system's novelty lies in its multilayer structure combining insulation materials to achieve maximum heat conservation, along with a multifunctional topcoat for complete insulation protection and overall heat loss reduction.
  • Integration of both subcomponents into an automated prototype capable of direct heat utilization and/or long-term storage for subsequent on-demand use.

Funding

This project has received funding from European Union’s Horizon Europe’s Research and Innovation Program under grant agreement No. 101136156. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Relevant projects
HEATWISE

The HEATWISE project tackles the integration of waste heat and thermal energy management in tertiary buildings with significant IT loads for the minimization of waste heat, maximization of energy efficiency, and generation of additional value. Through pilots in Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey, HEATWISE aims to pioneer innovative solutions, encompassing hybrid (liquid and air) cooling technology, digital twin-supported holistic data management system, integrated multi-objective building energy management system, and a self-assessment and optimization tool, complemented by a knowledge-sharing platform. 


Visit HEATWISE
HYCOOL

The goal of HYCOOL-IT project is to develop a set of processes supported by both digital and technical equipment innovative solutions for an efficient and reliable development of IT Server Rooms for advanced tertiary buildings, with a special focus on its replicability through standardization. In parallel, a highly innovative Rack-integrated adsorption chiller for waste-heat powered server cooling is developed and optimized to carry out efficient liquid cooling of IT servers and, simultaneously, provide cooling to the server room itself in a compact, self-contained, and cost-effective way.


Visit HYCOOL
THUNDER

The THUNDER project aims to overcome existing barriers hampering a wide adoption of data centers waste heat recovery strategies, providing an innovative, efficient and cost-effective Seasonal Thermal storage based on Thermochemical Materials. THUNDER solutions stretch across the value chain (data center innovative storage providers, heat pump manufacturers and district energy company operators). The THUNDER solutions will be validated in field conditions at the Demosite in Bulgaria where the practice of waste heat recovery from data centers is not widely diffused thus boosting the market also in those areas. A deepened replicability assessment will be done and prefeasibility analysis developed in 10 further Demosites across all over Europe.


Visit THUNDER

Results & Publications

During the following months we will present the results of our research in a variety of deliverables. Stay tuned and visit back to read publications, presentations and other relevant material.


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