Future views on waste heat utilization - Case of data centers in Northern Europe

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS

卷:82

Review

Wahlroos, Mikko¹  Parssinen, Matti²  Rinne, Samuli¹  Syri, Sanna¹  Manner, Jukka² 

[1] Aalto Univ, Sch Engn, Dept Mech Engn, POB 14100, FIN-00076 Aalto, Finland

[2] Aalto Univ, Sch Elect Engn, Dept Commun & Networking, POB 13000, FIN-00076 Aalto, Finland

关键词: Data center;    Waste heat recovery;    District heating;    Energy efficiency;    Metrics;    Change process;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.058

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Free