Impact of Aisle Containment Solutions using Detailed Server Simulation Models in Data Centers

Digital twin - a real-time digital representation of the physical data center could contribute to the optimization of server arrangement and the operation of data centers. An accurate server-level model is critical to accomplish the well-represented date center digital twin. In this paper, IBM server models have been built with the back-pressure function enabled using detailed experimental testing data, including physical configurations, airflows, and power from servers with different functions. Flow differences in various server and rack configurations using the detailed digital twin models have been compared with the baseline simplified model in hot aisle containment and no containment data center. Flow rate reduction using the detailed model could be 42% in certain servers within the rack in the non-containment data center. It could further decrease to 50% in hot aisle containment data center compared to a simplified model - highlighting the importance of accurate digital twin models for data center planning. Additionally, the impact of server location within the rack has been studied. The study shows that servers placed lower in the rack have a higher flow rate reduction, which is not represented using a simplified model.