Optimizing the Efficiency of the NCARWyoming Supercomputing Center

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

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 2

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

NWSC Energy Usage Investigated systems include: • Condenser Water System • Side Stream Filter System • Heating System • Cooling Towers • Air Handlers • UPS firmware upgrade effect Remote Inspection Feature NWSC ANNUAL PUE June 2013 - May 2014 1. 20 June 2012 - May 2013 1. 25 1. 10 1. 20 1. 30 Performance Usage Effectiveness (PUE) = Total Facility Energy/IT Equipment Energy 1. 0 ≤ PUE ≤ ∞ 4

Hydronic Evaporative System • CWS 650 F Efficient Water Circulation Utilizes 450 bends; Oversized Piping Network; and Smaller Pumps • CWR Cooling Tower Highly efficient tower consuming less at 300 F wet-bulb temp • Chiller Back-up cooling alternative at high relative humidity conditions • Building Automation System Water System; Electrical Management; Air Management CWR – Chilled Water Return CWS – Chilled Water Supply 5

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

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

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 8

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 9

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 10

Conclusion • NWSC PUEL 3, YC 4% improvement • Evaporative cooling system and air infiltration solution challenge • Future Work: Predictive maintenance improvement 11

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