that angled boundaries are properly captured using non-rectangular elements. Several modeling choices are available for computer room air conditioners (CRACs), including flow direction, thermal cooling method, turning vanes, and failure scenarios. Equipment racks allow for server-level detail, including blanks and gaps.

CoolSim was developed as a client-server system. The desktop computer is used for model creation, and a remote simulation facility (RSF) is used for model processing. Once built, the model is automatically uploaded to a shared server where tools are used to build a computational mesh, solve for the fluid flow and temperature distribution, and generate a comprehensive report. The report is then returned to the user for viewing on the local PC where it can be embedded in a PowerPoint presentation. It includes a numerical summary of the temperatures and flow rates through all equipment in the room. Energy calculations provide a benchmark for comparing one design against another. Graphics are in a format that allows mouse manipulation of the view. A freely available viewer can be downloaded to any PC for viewing the graphics and viewing does not require an active CoolSim session. High resolution hardcopy files can be created from the graphics for use in reports or presentations.

Often, data center design is an occasional activity based around a project timeline. By contrast, full-time CFD analysts use the tools daily. For full-time analysts, annual licenses for unlimited use are common, but this approach is too costly for occasional users. For this reason, CoolSim uses a subscription model based on the anticipated use of the tool over a period of time. Based on the actual usage, the subscription price can scale up or down when the license is renewed.