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Optimizing the Efficiency of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center

Ademola Olarinde

Team Member: Theophile Nsengimana

Mentor: Aaron Andersen

August 1, 2014

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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

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Energy SubcomponentsTotal 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

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NWSC Energy UsageInvestigated systems include:• Condenser Water System• Side Stream Filter System• Heating System• Cooling Towers• Air Handlers• UPS firmware upgrade effect

June 2012 - May 2013

June 2013 - May 2014

1.10 1.20 1.30

1.25

1.20

NWSC ANNUAL PUE

PUE

Performance Usage Effectiveness (PUE)

= Total Facility Energy/IT Equipment Energy

1.0 ≤ PUE ≤ ∞

Remote Inspection Feature

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Hydronic Evaporative System

• 650F Efficient Water CirculationUtilizes 450 bends; Oversized Piping Network; and Smaller Pumps

• Cooling TowerHighly efficient tower consuming less at 300F wet-bulb temp

• Chiller Back-up cooling alternative at high relative humidity conditions

• Building Automation SystemWater System; Electrical Management; Air Management

CWS

CWR

CWR – Chilled Water ReturnCWS – Chilled Water Supply

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Cooling Towers (CT)

CT Units

CT-1 Annual PerformanceChart

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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

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Condensing Water (CW) System

• Serves 65oF Chilled Water HX, 65oF & 45oF Chillers

• Comprises of 2 pumps

• Pump sequence

• Dec 28 air infiltration

• June air infiltration

Condenser Water Pump (CWP) power consumption chart

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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

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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 65oF water temperature

• Current air removal approach:Flushing , Filling & Venting Backward built-pressure air removalIncrease CT basin height

• RecommendationInstall automatic air vent on identified traps upstreamIncrease suction head by reducing pump height

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Conclusion• NWSC PUEL3,YC 4% improvement

• Evaporative cooling system and air infiltration solution challenge

• Future Work: Predictive maintenance improvement

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Thank You

ademola.olarinde@students.tamuk.edu