Development and thermal analysis of a 5th generation DHN utilizing data-centre waste heat

Abstract

The utilization of waste heat from data centers in low-temperature district heating networks has emerged as a promising trend in the pursuit of enhanced energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Data centers, known for their significant energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, have the opportunity to transform into energy providers rather than mere consumers by utilizing their waste heat. This innovative strategy has already gained traction in the Nordic regions, where the waste heat from data centers is harnessed to heat buildings and communities, thereby decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions. Through leveraging waste heat, data centers can markedly reduce their environmental impact, thus aiding in the promotion of a more sustainable future. This transition towards waste heat utilization is essential for the data center sector to reach its net-zero energy targets, alleviate its environmental footprint, and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. By optimizing energy efficiency, data centers can become a crucial component of sustainable urban development, fostering a healthier environment for future generations.
This report investigates the potential of utilizing residual heat that is continuously produced by the data centers by incorporating low-temperature district heating systems in the Amsterdam neighbourhood. The research highlights the possibility of data centers as a dependable source of waste heat and its integration into low-temperature district heating networks. This will thereby contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The study scrutinizes the feasibility of waste heat utilization in a detailed manner, down to the component level. The results from the study presented here are discussed at a component as well as, a system-wide scale. Moreover, the paper elaborates on the potential of low-temperature district heating networks in Amsterdam neighborhoods undergoing upcoming refurbishments involving improving the housing insulation and a shift towards addressing energy poverty. The conclusions drawn from this research have the potential to encourage similar research endeavors aimed at large data centers across diverse regions.