Practically every large IT organization host data centers---a mix of computing elements, storage systems, networking, power, and cooling infrastructure---operated either in-house or outsourced to major vendors. A significant element of modern data centers is their cooling infrastructure, whose efficient and sustainable operation is a key ingredient to the “always-on” capability of data centers.
Chiller plants are often operated in drastically different conditions other than the design. Consequently, the optimal control has to be developed and implemented based on the real operation conditions to improve the efficiency.
A system-based control approach, which allows an overall consideration of the interactive nature of the plant, the building and their associated variables is seen to be the right direction.