Numerical Investigation of Adjustable Air Amplifiers as an Alternative to Fans in Data Centre Servers

The following paper is part of a comprehensive study which aims to investigate the potential of a linear air amplifier as an alternative to rotary fans in data centre cooling. This paper aims to expand the understanding of the aerodynamic characteristics of the device as parameters such as nozzle width and diffuser angle are altered, as well as validating a numerical model of the device. A modular testing facility was created to allow the device to be investigated under different conditions. The conditions were then replicated in a numerical model using Ansys Fluent, the results of both the numerical and experimental measurements were compared to determine the validity of the numerical model. The numerical model followed the same trends as the experimental measurements when input pressures, nozzle widths and back pressures were varied. It was found that the numerical model was within ±11% of the experimental data, therefore validating the model.