Data Center Energy Efficiency
Before making any purchases or implementing changes in your data center, consider the following and contact Efficiency Vermont to see if rebates may be available:
- Purchase ENERGY STAR® qualified servers. A recent set of tests conducted jointly by U.S. EPA, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft demonstrated that replacing an older server with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model will save energy and deliver more processing power in the bargain. In some of these tests, the new ENERGY STAR server consumed 54% less power than older model servers [1].
- Consider virtualization where a host server runs multiple operating systems and applications. The overall utilization and efficiency of the system increases, allowing for consolidation and elimination of other equipment.
- Purchase more efficient uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Different UPS systems feature various technologies; some are more efficient than others, particularly at lower UPS loadings.
- Take advantage of server power management software, available with some new systems. When your servers are not utilized, they could go into lower energy stand-by mode, while remaining accessible for the next user.
- Purchase PC power management software to hibernate or turn off computers and monitors through network solutions during non-business hours.
- Consider virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) if you plan to purchase many computers that will carry the same image. The thin clients use less energy than the standard PC or laptop.
- Optimize your data center's HVAC system [2]:
- Use ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.9 temperature and humidity guidelines. The recommended temperature setting for Class 1 and 2 data centers is 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 to 55 percent relative humidity. The rate of temperature change is just as important as the temperature setting; a maximum of nine degrees per hour is recommended.
- Cool your data center with an outside air or waterside economizer, air to air heat exchanger, or a dry cooler. If you allow warmer data center temperature set points (up to 77 degrees is within the recommended range), you can take advantage of cooler outside air longer, thereby increasing electrical savings.
- Reclaim heat from larger data centers and use it to preheat supply air going to another part of the building.
- Use a hot aisle/cold aisle layout in your data center to achieve better airflow, which will save energy on both air-conditioning and fan systems.
[1] Source: ENERGY STAR - Enterprise Servers
[2] Source: Perrin, Timothy J. "Energy Use of Information Technology Systems:
Impacting the Vermont Market." Vermont Energy Investment Corporation. December, 2010.