Gaining Awareness in Data Center Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency is a Top Priority

Energy efficiency is a top priority for data center managers. As more of daily life moves online, data storage needs are increasing rapidly and with them, energy needs.

ASHRAE recommendations and variable CRAC units make it easier than ever to maintain the perfect temperature range for your data center. Managers are finding new ways to combine legacy technology, new technology, and creative problem solving to lower operating costs. By increasing your awareness of how your center is using energy, you will be better prepared to balance energy needs with energy expenditures.

Blade servers provide more data power per square foot than previous servers but require more energy to run. Dense racks of blade servers meet redundancy requirements with less square footage but increase the need for cooling capacity and heat dissipation services.

UPS systems are the key to data center efficiency. Larger loads require larger UPS systems. Fluctuating loads drove the need for relatively flat efficiency curves in legacy UPS systems, but the newest generation of UPS are highly efficient independent of load size.

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) uses thermal sensors to continuously monitor equipment and reveal hot spots and potential vulnerabilities. Fixing problems before a machine needs to be taken offline reduces the time your staff needs to maintain the center.

ASHRAE recommendations have proven to be effective in both controlled lab settings and real-world data centers. Following ASHRAE’s recommended temperature and humidity, ranges can increase energy efficiency and decrease operating costs. The right combination of temperature and humidity maximizes energy efficiency and minimizes energy usage.

Cooling the data center consumes a great deal of energy. Rather than uniform cooling units, new cooling technology directs the cool air through circuit boards where it is most needed. Variable CRAC units allow operators to keep the data center at a constant temperature rather than overcooling or undercooling. Thermal wheels and liquid-based cooling systems provide an alternative to air-based cooling systems. The strategic placement of plastic sheets and artificial ceilings controls air flow.

Managing your electricity bill can be a challenging job. New strategies and technology are rapidly becoming available. If you need a customized solution for your data center, call us at EMR Associates today. You can reach us at 615-828-8028 or head to our website for our Contact form!