Alejandro Jose Di Cicco
PhD thesis title: Experimental and theoretical characterization of a novel adsorption chiller designed for data center rack-based cooling
Academic Tutor: Livio Mazzarella
Academic Supervisor: Marcello Aprile
PhD cycle: 39° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Simon Bolivar
MSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Thesis abstract
My research focuses on the experimental and theoretical characterization of a novel adsorption chiller designed for data center rack-based cooling. In this machine, both the evaporator and condenser heat exchangers are replaced with direct evaporation/condensation chambers integrated inside the adsorber modules. I’m developing a dynamic model based on a lumped-parameter approach that simulates the working principle of the machine to support the experimental tests and identify possible performance issues. The model solves a system of differential equations derived from the energy and mass balances of the core components of the machine.
Personal interest in my research theme
Heat-driven cycles have fascinated me ever since I studied sorption-based machines during my master’s degree. Particularly, adsorption cycles can use low temperature waste-heat as input to drive the ad/desorption processes for producing the cooling effect, and this allows them to be coupled with different sources. The rack-integrated adsorption chiller I’m studying represents a shift away from classic adsorption chiller configurations thanks to its new vacuum system, which avoids large vacuum valves. This makes it interesting to use it in new applications such as data center cooling.
