Using trigeneration systems to increase energy efficiency and sustainability of computing complexes

The article discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of the application of trigeneration systems integrated with renewable energy sources intended for the power supply of data centers and other computing complexes. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the technical, energy and economic feasibility of using solar trigeneration systems to increase energy efficiency and sustainability of computing complexes. Using the example of an autonomous facility in Crimea, the possibility of simultaneous generation of electricity, heat and cold using solar photovoltaic panels, vacuum solar collectors and an absorption refrigerating machine is demonstrated. Research objectives: development of a mathematical model of a trigeneration system; assessment of the energy balance taking into account seasonal variability; determination of the optimal configuration of equipment; technical and economic analysis. Research methods: modeling of a photovoltaic subsystem, vacuum solar collectors, absorption bromistolithium refrigerating machine based on energy flow balance equations; calculation of payback period, internal rate of return, capital and operating costs. The article substantiates the expediency of introducing such systems in the southern regions of Russia and other territories with high levels of solar insolation. The key advantage of the described approach is the synergetic effect. The excess electricity from the photovoltaic panels is directed to an absorption machine that produces cold for air conditioning server rooms, which is critical for their operation. Thermal energy from solar collectors is used to cover household needs and maintain temperature conditions during the off-season. The intelligent control system ensures the priority use of "green" energy, and redundancy due to traditional networks is minimized. This allows not only to achieve a high degree of energy independence, but also to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the facility. The results obtained: the integration of solar installations with an absorption lithium bromide refrigerating machine made it possible to reduce thermal energy losses by 66.1%, generate 8.2 MWh of cold per year, increase the autonomy of the facility from 68% to 89%, achieve a payback period of 4.3 years and an internal rate of return of 18.5%. Thus, the proposed solution is technologically and economically efficient, contributing to the sustainable development of energy-intensive digital infrastructures. 

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