| Title |
Optimization of Cooling System Selection for Data Centers within Mandatory District Energy Supply Zones |
| Authors |
Sangwoo Byeon ; Baekyun Park ; Jinkyun Cho |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.6110/KJACR.2025.37.12.616 |
| Keywords |
흡수식 냉동기; 초기 투자비; 데이터센터; 지역열원; 전기식 냉동기; 운영비 Absorption chiller; Capital expenditure; Data center; District heating and cooling; Electrical chiller; Operating expenditure |
| Abstract |
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) has led to a sharp increase in electricity demand at large-scale data centers. In Korea, recent extensions of mandatory district heating and cooling (DHC) policies for these facilities have raised questions about the best cooling system options. This study evaluates and compares an electrical chiller system (ALT-1) and a medium-temperature absorption chiller system (ALT-2) for a 40 MW data center in Incheon. The analysis examines capital expenditure (CAPEX), annual operating expenditure (OPEX), system reliability, and compatibility with emerging cooling technologies. The results indicate that ALT-2, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.736, requires significantly larger auxiliary equipment than ALT-1, which has a COP of 8.600. This difference results in a 232% higher initial investment for ALT-2. Additionally, the annual OPEX for ALT-2 is 539% greater due to the high cost of medium-temperature hot water. Its reliance on external thermal sources, the need for full backup capacity, and incompatibility with high-temperature liquid cooling further limit its applicability. Therefore, electrical chillers are the more cost-effective and reliable choice for large-scale data centers. These findings offer practical insights for future system design and policy development in regions with mandatory DHC supply. |