Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8111890 | Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews | 2018 | 16 Pages |
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.
Keywords
CAPEXCRACnZEBRTIEREERFPDESLARHITCOHOBGRIAttributional life cycle assessmentCPUHPCDSCPPWHeat-only boilerCHPCOPOPEXCLCAALCAGlobal Reporting InitiativeConsequential life cycle assessmentWaste heat recoveryEnergy efficiencyCombined Heat and PowerService Level AgreementMetricsCFDComputational fluid dynamicsChange processNet-zero energy buildingShicoefficient of performanceCritical success factorInformation and Communication Technologyinformation technologyICTCSFtotal cost of ownershipData centerCapital expenditureoperating costcentral processing unitHeat pumpPueDistrict heating
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Energy
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Authors
Mikko Wahlroos, Matti Pärssinen, Samuli Rinne, Sanna Syri, Jukka Manner,