This paper investigates the potential of a geothermal heat reject system (GHRS) to improve the performance of a data center (DC) cooling system. The paper compares the performance of conventional systems rejecting heat to the atmosphere to a similar system rejecting heat to the ground. The first system uses water cooled direct expansion (DX) computer room air conditioners (CRAC); the second system uses water cooled chillers with chilled water computer room air handlers (CRAH) and the third system uses GHRS with CRAH and no refrigeration compressors. The paper also evaluates the potential of replacing an emergency thermal storage system (TSS) using chilled water storage tank with a GHRS.

Deep earth temperatures of the United States will be used to depict the areas of the country that can be cooled without mechanical refrigeration, and those that can be cooled with fewer tons of refrigeration on a percentage basis.

Units: I-P