Performance Modeling Beyond Standard Pathways: OpenColo Data Center – Santa Clara, CA
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At a Glance
Standard Title 24 compliance pathways couldn't accommodate the chiller manufacturer's performance data for this critical cooling installation. Pragmatic PE applied the performance method in IESVE to demonstrate code compliance through alternative calculations, confirming the design without adding external economizer equipment.
Project Specifications
Category: Data Centers
Overall Area: 1,116 ft²
Services Provided: Title 24 Energy Modeling
Completion Date: 2026
Owner: OpenColo
Contractor: NXT Modular
Project Description
Lead
OpenColo's boutique data center in Santa Clara required precise environmental control within a compact footprint, where any change to the selected chiller configuration carried real schedule and equipment risk. Marking Pragmatic PE's first deployment of IESVE for Title 24 energy compliance modeling, the performance method approach resolved a compliance pathway conflict without displacing the engineered cooling design. The modeling outcome eliminated the need for airside or waterside economizer additions, preserving the facility's critical cooling architecture.
Scope of Work
Pragmatic PE developed a performance energy model using IESVE software for the facility's air-cooled chiller system.
Energy Modeling
Developed a performance method model to validate chiller system compliance outside standard code pathways
Applied steady-state coefficient of performance calculations as an alternative to manufacturer curve submissions
System Coordination
Coordinated chilled water loop configuration with dual pumping for redundancy and load distribution
Aligned computer room air handler selection with precision airflow control and variable speed drive operation
Challenges and Solutions
Constraint: Manufacturer chiller curves were incompatible with standard Title 24 modeling inputs, limiting available compliance pathways.
Response: Developed a steady-state COP-based modeling approach within IESVE's performance method to establish a code-compliant path without external economizer additions.
Constraint: The compact footprint offered limited space to add mechanical equipment if the compliance path required supplemental economizer systems.
Response: Coordinated the building envelope and cooling system as an integrated assembly to demonstrate sufficient efficiency within existing physical constraints.
Results and Impact
Confirmed code compliance through performance modeling, eliminating economizer equipment and the associated cost and coordination burden.
Preserved the original chiller selection, avoiding a late-stage equipment substitution with schedule and commissioning implications.
Delivered reliable critical cooling for a high-density facility within a constrained physical envelope.
Established a repeatable IESVE performance modeling workflow for future Title 24 energy compliance engagements.