A holistic design of an energy-efficient data center with solar PV integration

The rapid growth of digital services has increased the demand for energy-intensive data centers, making sustainability and efficiency essential design priorities. This study presents the design and performance evaluation of a Tier III-compliant, 500 m² data center tailored to Ankara’s climatic conditions. Cooling loads were calculated using the CLTD method, resulting in a total internal heat gain of 470.63 kW, which guided the sizing of CRAH units and free-cooling-capable chillers. Detailed thermal analysis was combined with architectural planning, including cold aisle containment and raised flooring, to optimize airflow and energy use. The UPS system was sized at 462 kW to ensure continuous operation of critical loads, supported by redundant power generation. A rooftop PV system of 85.05 kWp was integrated, producing 192 MWh annually and covering 2.07% of the 9.28 GWh yearly demand, yielding cost savings of ~727,102 TRY. A ground-mounted PV system of 29.33 MWp was also proposed to meet the full annual energy demand, with an estimated saving potential of ~35.066 M TRY. The results demonstrate how integrating precise load estimation, energy-efficient cooling, and renewable generation can reduce both operational costs and environmental impact in mission-critical facilities, providing a replicable model for similar climates.