1. 1 Optimizing the Efficiency of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center Ademola Olarinde Team Member: Theophile Nsengimana Mentor: Aaron Andersen August 1, 2014

2. 2 Background Project Goal: Optimize NWSC energy sequence on subcomponent system basis NWSC houses high performance supercomputers for atmospheric and geoscience modeling across the nation Opened: October 15, 2012

3. 3 Energy Subcomponents Total Facility Power Building Load Power Delivery Switchgear, Transformers UPS, generators, batteries Electrical Losses Mechanical Load Fans & Pumps Relief, Supply & Exhaust Fan Heat Pump** & Water Pump HVAC Equip Cooling Tower, Chiller, Heater AHU, Heat Exchanger & Compressor CRAC’s & Boilers* Misc. Equip Fan Coil, Dryer & Humidifier Softener & Coupon Rack Admin and office load IT Load Yellowstone Networking & System Monitoring IT UPS Telecom Data Storage

4. 4 NWSC Energy Usage Investigated systems include: Condenser Water System Side Stream Filter System Heating System Cooling Towers Air Handlers UPS firmware upgrade effect Performance Usage Effectiveness (PUE) = Total Facility Energy/IT Equipment Energy 1.0 ≤ PUE ≤ ∞ Remote Inspection Feature

5. 5 Hydronic Evaporative System 65 0 F Efficient Water Circulation Utilizes 45 0 bends; Oversized Piping Network; and Smaller Pumps Cooling Tower Highly efficient tower consuming less at 30 0 F wet-bulb temp Chiller Back-up cooling alternative at high relative humidity conditions Building Automation System Water System; Electrical Management; Air Management CWS CWR CWR – Chilled Water Return CWS – Chilled Water Supply

6. 6 Cooling Towers (CT) CT Units CT-1 Annual Performance Chart

7. 7 Preferred Cooling System CT Power Consumption against Wet Bulb Temperature Chart 96 kW max CT combined consumption Preferred alternative to Chillers which runs at 200 kW per unit Condensing Water & Side Stream Filter System air infiltration

8. 8 Condensing Water (CW) System Serves 65 o F Chilled Water HX, 65 o F & 45 o F Chillers Comprises of 2 pumps Pump sequence Dec 28 air infiltration June air infiltration Condenser Water Pump (CWP) power consumption chart

9. 9 Side Stream Filter System Function: Removes dirt from Cooling Tower units Differential Pressure Transmitter False Signal: Reading: 10 Psi to 1.5 Psi Trigger Point Design Control charts alarm system

10. 10 Air Infiltration Problem & Solution Air-water solution & air vaporization along flow channel Inadequate net positive suction pressure Water vaporizes in pump impeller & at low pressure points Water Pressure dropping below vapor pressure at 65 o F water temperature Current air removal approach: Flushing, Filling & Venting Backward built-pressure air removal Increase CT basin height Recommendation Install automatic air vent on identified traps upstream Increase suction head by reducing pump height

11. 11 Conclusion NWSC PUE L3,YC 4% improvement Evaporative cooling system and air infiltration solution challenge Future Work: Predictive maintenance improvement

12. 12 Thank You ademola.olarinde@students.tamuk.edu