Theoretical Evaluation of Al₂O₃-R134A Nanorefrigerant as a Benchmark for Predicting Al₂O₃-R1234yf Performance in Modern Data Center Cooling Systems

The surging global demand for data processing presents immense pressure on data centers to develop innovative cooling alternatives. Contemporary cooling methods consume a notable portion of a data center's energy usage, creating challenges for both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study proposes a framework to evaluate Al₂O₃-R1234yf nanorefrigerants for enhancing cooling efficiency in CRAC units, and chillers, in both air/liquid cooling mechanisms. This study focuses on the implementation on data center level systems; however, this solution is feasible at the server level as well. Through economic assessment and quantitative analysis, the thermophysical properties of Al₂O₃-R134A nanorefrigerant were evaluated as a benchmark for predicting the performance and feasibility of Al₂O₃-R1234yf due to its similar properties and accessible data. Given that R134A is being phased out for its environmental impact, R1234yf was selected as a more sustainable alternative. Results demonstrate a projected 27% reduction in power consumption and an 8.5% enhancement in the coefficient of performance compared to pure R134A systems, with cost savings exceeding $2 million over a single data center's-with about 50 CRAC units-operational lifespan. The proposed system saves over $22.84 billion, with potential for even greater savings as the data center industry grows exponentially, driven by the rising demand for AI and ML applications. While challenges such as preparation complexity, over-agglomeration, and potential pipe erosion may hinder real-world adoption, this research highlights the potential of Al₂O₃-R1234yf nanorefrigerant as a sustainable and efficient cooling solution for the evolving demands of modern data centers.