SUMMARY

The purpose of this thesis is to examine possible waste heat recovery methods in data centers. Predictions indicate that in the next decade data center racks may dissipate 70kW of heat, up from the current levels of 10-15kW. Due to this increase, solutions must be found to increase the efficiency of data center cooling. This thesis will examine possible waste heat recovery technologies which will improve energy efficiency. Possible approaches include phase change materials, thermoelectrics, thermomagnetics, vapor compression cycles, absorbtion and adsorbtion systems. After a thorough evaluation of the possible waste heat engines, the use of an ejector heat pump was evaluated in detail. The principle behind an ejector heat pump is very similar to a vapor compression cycle. However, the compressor is replaced with a pump, boiler and an ejector. These three components require less moving parts and are more cost effective then a comparable compressor, despite a lower efficiency. This system will be examined under general operating conditions in a data center. The heat load is around 15-20kW and air temperatures near 85°C. A parametric study is conducted to determine the viability and cost effectiveness of this system in the data center. Included will be various environmentally friendly working fluids that satisfy the low temperature ranges found in a data center. It is determined that Ammonia presents the best option as a working fluid for this application. The COP and cost savings are reported. Finally, recommendations for implementation are considered to allow for future design and testing of this viable waste heat recovery device.