CFD-Driven Optimization of Airflow Organization in Data Centers: Synergistic Effects of Raised-Floor Supply and Cold Aisle Containment

In response to the rising energy demands and carbon footprint of data centers, this study investigates airflow organization through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. A high-density server room model was constructed to evaluate four typical airflow strategies: cabinet underfloor supply, raised-floor supply, and each in combination with cold aisle containment. Using the <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\mathrm{k}-\varepsilon$</tex> turbulence model, the analysis focused on temperature distribution and airflow behavior under different configurations. Among the tested approaches, the raised-floor supply coupled with cold aisle containment demonstrated superior cooling efficiency, achieving an average cabinet outlet temperature of <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$31.88^{\circ} \mathrm{C}-5.86^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$</tex> lower than that of the cabinet underfloor supply-and avoiding any critical-temperature exceedances. Additionally, flow field results indicate that cold aisle containment effectively limits cold air loss and improves the utilization of supply air. The outcomes highlight the value of combining airflow path optimization with containment design to enhance thermal management and reduce cooling energy consumption in highdensity data centers.