Data Center Design Using Improved CFD Modeling and Cost Reduction Analysis

This paper will describe two recent advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling as it pertains to data center design. In particular, the paper will define the use of the Capture Index (CI) in data center analysis, and will discuss the importance of accurately modeling coolers. Secondly, the article will describe Mentor Graphics' own $30M data center project currently in development. Two new centralized data centers will consolidate the resources of more than 20 local data centers in Europe and North America. One will be built in Shannon, Ireland, and another in Wilsonville, Oregon. By consolidating data centers, Mentor will see gains in capacity, efficiency, and redundancy while reducing operational costs.