Energy Modeling for a High-Performance Data Center Campus

Case Study: Energy Modeling for a High-Performance Data Center Campus

Overview

Client: Confidential

Project Type: Energy Simulation and Modeling

Facility Type: Data Center

Built-up Area: 200,000 Sq. Ft.

Project Duration: 4 Weeks

Software Used: Trace 3D

eLogicTech was commissioned to perform detailed energy modeling and simulation for a state-of-the-art data center campus comprising four interconnected buildings. The facility was designed to meet stringent environmental control standards, manage high internal heat gains, and ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operations — all while achieving optimal energy efficiency and compliance with international sustainability benchmarks.

Client Challenge

The client needed to ensure that the data center's complex mechanical and electrical systems operated with maximum efficiency without compromising reliability. Managing high heat loads, continuous operational demands, and redundancy systems posed significant design and performance challenges. Additionally, the project required seamless coordination between multiple stakeholders — MEP consultants, architects, and sustainability experts — to achieve both operational and regulatory compliance.

Scope of Work

eLogicTech's role was to develop a comprehensive energy model to evaluate, optimize, and validate the data center's energy performance. The project scope included:

• Reviewing architectural, mechanical, electrical, and lighting design documentation
• Creating a baseline energy model as per ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC standards
• Developing a proposed design model that reflected actual operational parameters
• Running parametric simulations under varied load conditions
• Identifying and recommending energy-saving strategies
• Delivering a comprehensive Energy Modeling Report comparing baseline and proposed systems

Approach & Tools

Our multidisciplinary team — consisting of one Project Manager, one Senior Energy Analyst, and two Modeling Engineers — collaborated closely with the client and their consultants. Using Trace 3D, eLogicTech conducted multiple simulation runs to accurately capture performance differentials.

Key focus areas included:

• Load profiling and system efficiency analysis
• Redundancy modeling for data center-specific HVAC systems
• Energy Use Intensity (EUI) benchmarking
• Performance tuning for mechanical and electrical systems

Key Challenges

• Managing complex mechanical system configurations including redundant cooling systems
• Simulating continuous operation scenarios with high internal heat generation
• Ensuring multi-stakeholder coordination for data accuracy and model validation

Results & Impact

Through meticulous simulation and analysis, eLogicTech's team identified 10–15% potential energy savings through optimized system design and operational strategies. The final recommendations enabled:

• Enhanced energy efficiency across all four buildings
• Compliance with international energy codes and sustainability certifications
• Significant lifecycle cost savings through reduced energy consumption
• Optimized mechanical system performance ensuring continuous reliability

The project not only validated the data center's design intent but also empowered the client to make data-driven decisions for long-term operational efficiency.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates eLogicTech's deep expertise in energy modeling, simulation, and sustainable design optimization for large-scale, mission-critical facilities. With advanced modeling capabilities and collaborative project execution, eLogicTech continues to deliver measurable energy savings and compliance assurance to clients worldwide.

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