Future views on waste heat utilization – Case of data centers in Northern Europe. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wahlroos, Mikko; Pärssinen, Matti; Rinne, Samuli; Syri, Sanna; Manner, Jukka
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 82:Part 2(2018)
• Page Start: 1749
• Page End: 1764
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: ALCA attributional life cycle assessment -- CAPEX capital expenditure -- CFD computational fluid dynamics -- CHP combined heat and power -- CLCA consequential life cycle assessment -- COP coefficient of performance -- CPU central processing unit -- CRAC computer room air conditioner -- CRAH computer room air handler -- CSF critical success factor -- DC data center -- DCeP data center energy productivity -- DH district heating -- DSC dynamic smart cooling -- DWPE data center workload power efficiency -- ERE energy reuse effectiveness -- ERF energy reuse factor -- FVER fixed-to-variable energy ratio -- GRI global reporting initiative -- HOB heat-only boiler -- HP heat pump -- HPC high-performing computing -- ICT information and communication technology -- IT information technology -- NPUE network power usage effectiveness -- NZEB net-zero energy building -- OPEX operating cost -- PDE power density efficiency -- PPW performance per watt -- PUE power usage effectiveness -- RHI return heat index -- RTI return temperature index -- SHI supply heat index -- SLA service level agreement -- sPUE system power usage effectiveness -- TCO total cost of ownership -- WPE workload power efficiency; Data center -- Waste heat recovery -- District heating -- Energy efficiency -- Metrics -- Change process; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: In this study the potential for data center waste heat utilization was analyzed in the Nordic countries. An overview of upcoming data center projects where waste heat is utilized is presented. Especially in Finland data center operators are planning to reuse waste heat in district heating. However, business models between the district heating network operator and data center operator are often not transparent. The implications of economics and emissions on waste heat utilization in district heating were analyzed through life cycle assessment. Currently the biggest barriers for utilizing waste heat are the low quality of waste heat (e.g. low temperature or unstable source of heat) and high investment costs. A systematic 8-step change process was suggested to ensure success in changing the priority of waste heat utilization in the data center and district heating market. Relevant energy efficiency metrics were introduced to support rational decision-making in the reuse of waste heat. Economic calculations showed that the investment payback time is under the estimated lifetime of the heat pump equipment, when waste heat was utilized in district heating. However, the environmental impact of waste heat utilization depends on the fuel, which waste heat replaces.