Influence of Ambient Temperature Variation on the Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance of Cooling Systems in Critical Environments: A Thermodynamic Analysis of Mining Facilities and Data Centers

Cooling systems are essential elements of energy intensive constructs like underground mines and data centres where the ambient temperature change has a direct impact on refrigeration performance, compressor work load and energy efficiency. The paper examined the impact of ambient temperature on the cooling system performance in mining plants and data centres using a sample size of 60 observations (30 observations each in both settings) and ambient temperature ranged between 18.3 C and 42.8 C. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, which involved descriptive statistics, testing of normality, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, one way ANOVA with post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD, and independent samples t tests. Coefficient of performance (r = −.987, p <.001) and cooling capacity (r = −.972, p <.001) exhibited strong negative correlation with ambient temperature, and compressor electrical power (r =.993, p <.001). It was demonstrated that ambient temperature explained 97.3, 98.6 and 94.4 percent of the variation in COP, compressor power, and cooling capacity, respectively. There was a significant difference between low, moderate and high temperature groups on all four performance indicators (p < .001) and no difference between environment type on any of the performance indicators (p > .05). Compressor energy demand increases with ambient temperature and cooling capacity and efficiency in both environments decrease to support its application as a key variable in energy optimization and cooling system design of critical infrastructure.