Simulation Model Tracking System: a Digital Twin- based technology to improve the thermal performance of Data Centres

Authors: Sergio Velásquez Correa, Pablo Vicente-Legazpi, Rossano Scoccia, Eduard Loscos Domingo and Marcello Aprile.

Abstract: The versatility of digital twins (DTws), especially when complemented by predictive and real-time simulation models, allows for their full potential in the design or validation of dynamic and coordinated environments such as data centres, where architectural components, installed IT systems, and climate control systems coexist to create a functional and thermally stable system of systems. By seamlessly connecting physical systems with their digital counterparts in real time, these technologies enable continuous and synchronized simulation with monitoring systems, as well as dynamic control of energy consumption. This article proposes the fusion of a simulation model with model predictive control (MPC) to establish adaptive and fault-tolerant energy strategies, specifically for data centres (DCs), running from a digital twin platform. Using simulation tools standards as SIMBOTs, a term conceived within the framework of the European project SPHERE, funded by the European Commission, the aim is to model virtual performance under precise thermal conditions, encompassing cooling systems at both the building level and in the racks. Therefore, a novel synthetic solution is presented and designed to optimize energy use and facilitate waste heat recovery within the framework of a “Building Digital Twin Environment” as a “Platform as a Service” of the DC at the University Politecnico di Milano in Bovisa - Italy. This platform provides comprehensive visualization and real-time operational monitoring of the data centre, facilitating decision-making to adjust critical parameters and comparatively improve its thermal performance. Furthermore, the aim is to demonstrate how thermal simulations for data centres and high-performance computing (HPC) assets enable HVAC professionals to implement sustainable cooling strategies, ensuring accurate energy resource accounting, adherence to recognized standards, and strict compliance with environmental regulations.

Keywords: Digital Twin, Data Centre, Waste Heat Recovery, Energy Efficiency, ECM, Heat pump, SMTS, BDTE, PaaS, SIMBOT, MPC, SiL.