CAPABILITIES / DATA CENTER HYDROLOGY
Data Center Hydrology
Bridging the gap between rack density and local water availability.
THE CHALLENGE
Data center water consumption is under increasing scrutiny. High-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads require massive cooling capacity, often in regions with strained water resources. Operators must balance Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) with Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) while navigating local permitting and community relations.
TECHNICAL FOCUS AREAS
ADIABATIC COOLING OPTIMIZATION
We design and optimize adiabatic cooling systems to minimize water consumption during peak load while maintaining thermal envelopes.
- Psychrometric analysis for site selection
- Water quality impact on media life
- Blowdown minimization strategies
- Legionella risk management
WATER USAGE EFFECTIVENESS (WUE)
Standardizing metrics for water efficiency. We implement monitoring frameworks to track and reduce L/kWh.
[Diagram: WUE Calculation = Annual Site Water Usage / IT Equipment Energy]
THERMAL PLUME MODELING
Predicting the impact of heat rejection on local microclimates and water bodies.
- CFD modeling of exhaust plumes
- Mixing zone analysis for liquid discharge
- Recirculation risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance for thermal loading
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Experience with Detroit Thermal district energy systems informs our approach to large-scale heat rejection and water management:
- Management of closed-loop and open-loop cooling systems
- OSHA-compliant thermal control protocols
- Urban infrastructure integration