Energy saving optimization study of air conditioning system for a data center in Suzhou based on EnergyPlus

This study establishes a building model for a data center in Suzhou using EnergyPlus to simulate the dynamic cooling load and energy consumption throughout the year under the local climate conditions. It analyzes the energy consumption characteristics and influencing factors, focusing on the energy-saving potential achievable through operational adjustments of the air conditioning system. The results indicate that the cooling load of the data center is primarily contributed by the IDC room equipment, accounting for over 95%, and is less affected by the indoor design temperature. Within the air conditioning system energy consumption, the chiller accounts for 52.6%, being the main energy consumer. By setting the outdoor wet-bulb temperature of 10°C as the switching threshold and adopting an optimization strategy utilizing plate heat exchangers for natural cooling, the chiller energy saving rate can reach 30.74%, and the overall air conditioning system energy saving rate can reach 23.53%. This study provides a feasible solution and data support for the energy-saving optimization of air conditioning systems in data centers located in hot summer and cold winter zones.