Sustainable Infrastructure

IST PhD student’s data center cooling technology could revolutionize the industry

Teresa Donnellan — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 17:52:42 +0000

IST PhD student’s data center cooling technology could revolutionize the industry Teresa Donnellan Tue, 04/30/2024 - 13:52

In This Story

Jeffrey Moran

With data centers consuming about 2% of the world's electricity, their immense energy consumption and carbon footprint are a pressing concern in the technology sector. Sajad Kargar's research can help.

Kargar, a doctoral student in information sciences and technology, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of data centers by finding more efficient cooling methods for the structures.

“With Virginia being a hub for over 75% of the world's daily internet traffic, the potential to innovate in cooling solutions, whether through air, liquid, or a hybrid approach, presents a thrilling challenge,” said Kargar, whose dissertation research focuses broadly on two areas, air cooling and liquid cooling. “My aim is to drive forward technologies that not only enhance efficiency but also champion sustainability within this critical infrastructure.”

By incorporating concepts such as free cooling and evaporative cooling, Kargar aims to minimize energy usage and mitigate environmental impact without compromising cooling system performance.

Air cooling

Kargar has challenged conventional data center cooling methods by proposing a solution that harnesses natural elements, such as cold winter air, to enhance cooling efficiency. For example, in a recent award-winning presentation, titled “"Improving Free Cooling Systems for Data Centers,” Kargar demonstrated how the structure of data center buildings can facilitate natural convection, allowing hot air from computer systems to dissipate more effectively.

Sajad Kargar during CEC's Innovation Week 2024

"By making the structure of the data center building itself act as a heat exchanger, we can utilize the cold outside air to cool the interior more efficiently," says Kargar. "This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with traditional cooling methods."

Kargar’s cooling system runs by itself when the temperature outside is cold enough; however, during warmer conditions, the activation of fans and humidifiers is necessary to efficiently manage humidity and air circulation, ensuring the system continues to operate effectively with significantly reduced power consumption compared to conventional systems.

“The performance of our system is several times better than the best case that is running in the world right now,” said Kargar. Structurally transforming data center buildings into heat exchangers as Kargar suggests would significantly reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, he explained.

Liquid cooling

Recognizing the limitations of air cooling, particularly with the rising density and heat output of modern computing systems, Kargar is also delving into liquid cooling, where he seeks to enhance heat transfer efficiency using micro- and nano-particles.

"As computing systems become more dense and powerful, traditional cooling methods are no longer sufficient," Kargar notes. "Liquid cooling offers a promising solution, and my research aims to maximize its effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption."

In collaboration with his advisor Jeffrey Moran, Kargar is exploring the intricate dynamics of nanoparticle-infused liquids for optimal heat dissipation.

In the 2023-24 academic year, Kargar has been on a role: He is the first author on a paper published in the Journal of Molecular Liquids, presented at a conference, passed his comprehensive exams, and defended his thesis proposal, all while managing a heavy courseload, noted Moran.

For the paper, “Molecular Dynamics Calculations of the Enthalpy of Vaporization for Different Water Models,” Kargar and Moran “investigated the six most common types of water molecule [Surprisingly, there are more than 25 different types of water molecule.] and did calculations to find which one of them is the best for the enthalpy of vaporization, which is also needed for cooling of data centers,” explained Kargar. Enthalpy of vaporization refers to the heat that the molecule absorbs as it changes from a liquid to a gas.

Practical experiments

Kargar's work isn't just theoretical; it's poised for practical experimentation soon. With plans to test his air-cooling system at local data centers, Kargar's research is on the brink of real-world implementation. His innovative solutions offer a glimpse into a more sustainable future, where data centers operate with a significantly reduced environmental footprint while maintaining peak performance.

Topics

Information Sciences and Technology Department

Sustainable Infrastructure

Data Warehousing

Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)

TTIP

Tech Talent Investment Program

Electrical engineering students create plan for solar power microgrid at Mason

Nanci Hellmich — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 11:24:57 +0000

Electrical engineering students create plan for solar power microgrid at Mason Nanci Hellmich Wed, 02/12/2020 - 06:24

“In case of a blackout, Mason would be able to meet its own energy demands."

— Liling Huang, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Liling Huang, (right) an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, works with ECE seniors on developing a microgrid for the Fairfax Campus.

Imagine a day when canopies of solar panels across campus generate enough electricity to meet all of Mason’s power needs.

That’s the dream of seven senior engineering students and faculty advisor Liling Huang, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

The group is laying the foundation for this vision with their senior design project. “We are designing a microgrid for the Fairfax Campus, which is a localized power system that works alongside the main power grid,” says electrical engineering senior Annam Khan, the project manager.

“A microgrid is a defined, contained power system, consisting of its own electric loads and sources,” she says. “If it is built one day, it would allow Mason to generate and consume its own energy,”

The proposed microgrid would include several energy sources such as solar panels built on canopies over parking lots and parking decks. Natural gas-fired generators are also a possibility, she says.

This plan would allow the university to decrease its carbon footprint, become greener, and decrease its electricity bill, Khan says. “Our project takes a big step in tackling the idea of the future power grid at George Mason.”

Huang says the microgrid would be a smaller power system that can disconnect from the traditional macrogrid around the university and operate autonomously. “In case of a blackout, Mason would be able to meet its own energy demands,” she says.

“We might be able to generate more power than the university needs, so we could sell the extra power back to Dominion Energy,” says Huang, who is creating a new concentration in power and energy systems for the BS in electrical engineering and the BS in computer engineering.

She says some universities, such as Princeton and the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, already have microgrids.

The electrical and computer engineering seniors are working on the feasibility and cost of the microgrid. They want to make sure the high up-front capital building investment required would pay off later in energy bill savings, Khan says.

Near the end of this semester, they’re going to Dominion Energy’s headquarters in Richmond to use lab equipment to verify their design.

“We’re not in charge of any of the actual building or construction. That’s a multimillion-dollar project that is far out of our scope,” Khan says.

The seniors are passionate about power engineering, and many plan to pursue careers in the field.

“This project gave us all the opportunity to get our feet into a new and innovative field with the future of the power grid,” Khan says. “People tend to think that power systems is an old, stagnant field, but it’s been growing with the advent of the microgrid, and the push for renewable energy."

Huang says she plans to have future senior design teams work on this project by taking this year’s plans and “advancing them to build the microgrid one day.”

Other members of the senior design team include Andrew Christiansen, Bradley Culebro, Cameron Evans, Sarah Fakhry, William Ferrando, and Tin Vo

Data from digital twin helps engineers track structural integrity

Nanci Hellmich — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:55:22 +0000

Data from digital twin helps engineers track structural integrity Nanci Hellmich Wed, 10/16/2019 - 13:55

“Whether it’s a ship, a bridge, or a building, we collect all kinds of data over its life cycle, but we don’t do a good job of tracking that data over time to find long-term trends.”

— David Lattanzi, associate professor in the Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering

Civil engineering associate professor David Lattanzi is developing new methods to categorize and leverage data to assess structures’ condition and possibilities for future use.

When Dave Lattanzi worked as a structural inspector, he saw that the way that civil engineers monitored, inspected, and maintained buildings, tunnels, and other structures could be smarter and more efficient.

“There weren’t any quantitative techniques we could use. Everything was very subjective,” says Lattanzi, the John Toups Faculty Fellow in civil engineering and associate professor in the Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering.

“Whether it’s a ship, a bridge, or a building, we collect all kinds of data over its life cycle,” he says, “but we don’t do a good job of tracking that data over time to find long-term trends.”

Lattanzi figured there had to be a better way, so he and a team of five Mason students are developing new methods to categorize and leverage data to assess structures’ condition and possibilities for future use.

He has applied this method to many types of infrastructure for years and is now exploring new data-driven approaches to the life cycle monitoring and assessment of U.S Navy ships.

One approach is the creation of a “digital twin” of a ship, a complex virtual model that evolves with the physical ship, which will provide a platform for visualization and assessment. “The digital twin will be filled with the information we collect about the ship over time,” Lattanzi says.

In theory, this data would improve decision making. For instance, if the Navy wants to deploy a 15-year-old vessel, they can look to the digital twin for clues on what situations the ship can withstand, including whether it can go into rougher water, he says.

Lattanzi, who has received more than $400,000 in funding from the Office of Naval Research, is working with Navy researchers to assess the strength and capacity of ships through advanced sensing methods. Plus, he provides training and guidance to naval researchers and staff on advanced sensing and reconnaissance techniques.

His research is also supported by a faculty fellowship through a gift from the late John Toups, an entrepreneur, civil engineer, and Northern Virginia businessman. “The fellowship is helping me explore the digital twin idea and share my findings with the professional and academic community,” Lattanzi says.

“John Toups was an impressive community and professional leader, and it’s a tremendous honor to hold a fellowship in his name. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet him.”

This story appeared in Mason's Spirit magazine.

Civil Engineering Intern Designs Structures with VDOT

Martha Bushong — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:33:08 +0000

Civil Engineering Intern Designs Structures with VDOT Martha Bushong Tue, 09/27/2016 - 10:33

Since before the Romans built the first bridges in Europe, humans have needed to cross streams and rivers. Throughout history bridges have evolved from a simple log across a shallow stream to elaborate steel and concrete structures spanning increasingly larger and deeper bodies of water.

“There’s something special about a bridge,” said Patrick Varner, a senior civil engineering major concentrating on structures.

The evolution of bridges has created ever more complex structural challenges and that is why Varner said he has always wanted to learn about them. He got his opportunity to work on bridge design when he became a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) intern the summer before his junior year at Mason.

“When I started at VDOT, I hadn’t even taken my first structures course or used Math CAD,” said Varner.

“My supervisor was great, he challenged me and encouraged me to work through the problems and find solutions on my own.”

“I worked with Patrick evaluating overpass bridges on I-66 inside the beltway to identify options for widening I-66 and needed modifications to the overpass bridges,” said Gary Runco, VDOT, District Structure and Bridge Engineer. “He collected data from several sources and compiled sufficient information for us to begin our assessment. I also worked with Patrick on an ‘out-of-the-box’ solution for a temporary bridge adjacent to the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

“We challenged Patrick with various concepts and he was able to keep pace with some abstract concepts as possible solutions,” Runco continued. “He was willing to learn new material and driven to get correct and accurate answers.”

“VDOT gives you a taste of everything and there are opportunities for all different kinds of work, tours and hands on experiences,” said Varner.

Varner had many different experiences, however, his pride and joy is a fence that he designed for a pedestrian bridge on Gloucester Parkway. The fence, which is connected to the 1,300 bridge, may soon become a VDOT design standard.

The fence has to support a screen to block the Redskins training field from pedestrian view. The specific challenge is designing the fence to withstand the additional wind pressure created by the screen.

Varner’s supervisor worked with him on the calculations through during the summer of 2015. In fall of 2015 Varner interned for 4 hours a week and submitted his calculations to VDOT in winter of 2016. After he took his first structures class, he made revisions and completed them in March. The bridge itself was finished in August2016.

“If VDOT decides to use my design as a standard, my calculations will be used throughout Virginia,” said Varner.

Runco says the best thing about working with interns like Varner is that, “They are like sponges. They absorb all the knowledge that you can share with them.”

Varner jokes that he now has the perfect senior design idea, “I’m thinking that if VDOT has approved it for state-wide use, it has to be a winner.”

Climate Control Analytics Promote Sustainability

Martha Bushong — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:41:25 +0000

Climate Control Analytics Promote Sustainability Martha Bushong Thu, 08/25/2016 - 14:41

There’s a saying in Virginia, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes—it will change.”

Temperature fluctuations can cause climate control systems to work overtime, and we don’t always understand the effect on budgets until it’s time to pay the bill. But what if there was a system that monitored your heating and cooling system and provided information to help conserve energy and save money?

In spring 2016 Volgenau student Adam O’Connor, and his team decided to create such a system for their senior design project. They call it Climate Control Analytics (CCA).

“At its heart, CCA is a data acquisition system,” said O’Connor. “We are developing a sensor network to capture key data points in the HVAC system, its building, and the surrounding environment.”

It works like this. The sensor network feeds data to a central database system—the Sensor Output Database (SOD). The SOD functions as the central data hub (or the file cabinet) of the software system’s separate entities: a web dashboard user interface, a central control that coordinates all system processes, and the active control system.

If the SOD is the file cabinet, the web dashboard is the assistant that helps users generate HVAC system performance and consumption reports. The team designed the CCA to collect and store data for 10 years—the expected lifespan of HVAC equipment.

The active control system allows users to see how much it will cost to set the thermostat for any particular temperature set point. It does this by modeling the indoor temperature with a system of differential equations and using a sliding window multi-linear regression outdoor temperature model to predict daily outdoor temperature curves.

By using historical outdoor temperature data and HVAC system performance data, the CCA system will enable consumers to know how much it will cost to keep their home or business at a particular temperature, even in Virginia where it can be winter in the morning, and summer by lunchtime.