Toward Multiphysics-Informed Machine Learning for Sustainable Data Center Operations: Intelligence Evolution with Deployable Solutions for Computing Infrastructure

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multiphysics-informed machine learning framework that integrates physical models with data-driven approaches to improve safety, accuracy, and sustainability in data center management, demonstrating significant carbon emission reductions.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel MPIML framework combining physical priors with machine learning for sustainable data center operations, including system architecture and practical applications.

Findings

Reduces annual carbon emissions by up to 200 kilotons.

Enhances safety and reliability in data center management.

Enables predictive and prescriptive applications like cooling control.

Abstract

The revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) has brought sustainable challenges in data center management due to the high carbon emissions and short cooling response time associated with high-power density racks. While machine learning (ML) offers promise for intelligent management, its adoption is hindered by safety and reliability concerns. To address this, we propose a multiphysics-informed machine learning (MPIML) framework that integrates physical priors into data-driven models for enhanced accuracy and safety. We introduce an integrated system architecture comprising three core engines: DCLib for versatile facility modeling, DCTwin for high-fidelity multiphysics simulation, and DCBrain for decision-making optimization. This system enables critical predictive and prescriptive applications, such as carbon-aware IT provisioning, safety-aware intelligent cooling control and battery health forecasting. An illustrative example on an industry-grade data center cooling control demonstrates that our MPIML approach reduces annual carbon emissions up to 200 kilotons compared with conventional methods while ensuring operational constraints are met. We conclude by outlining key challenges and future directions for developing autonomous and sustainable data centers.