8 Ways Data Centres Can Save Energy

Data centres aren’t known for being the most energy efficient. Storing information is no easy feat, with data centres required to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. In fact, many facilities use more than 100 times the electricity of a commercial office space of a similar size. This high energy consumption opens up opportunities for data centres to reduce their usage and subsequent utility costs, without compromising on operations. Read on to learn more about some data centre energy saving tips.

1. Installing equipment to monitor the use of energy

Established data centres may not be fitted with the necessary equipment or sensors to monitor energy. Such equipment can collect measurements to calculate the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of the data centre. This information is a crucial starting point as it allows organisations to implement future energy reduction methods. It’s essential that all energy monitoring equipment installed meets local guidelines and regulations.

2. Optimising supply air temperatures

IT equipment can have a significant impact on the air temperature in data storage facilities. Adjusting or increasing the supply air temperature in the data centre can ensure that the environment is consistent with the recommended temperature range, and may help equipment operate efficiently without the risk of overheating.

3. Optimising CRAC controls

Computer room air conditioning (CRAC) facilities that are common in data centres feature individual controls. While this can be useful for setting each individual unit, this often means that the CRACs fight against each other, resulting in fluctuations in temperature and humidity. To combat this, the dead-band of the individual temperature and humidity settings can be widened, or more in-depth controls can be installed to reduce energy consumption further.

4. Improving the efficiency of CRAC units

Many new CRAC units are fitted with variable speed controls for supply air fans and electronically commutated (EC) motors to improve the efficiency of its energy output. Older CRAC may need to be replaced with new units that boast these features in order to reduce energy consumption.

5. Separating cold and hot air

Similar to above, positioning cold and hot air equipment next to each other can have a negative effect on the overall performance of the data centre. Creating separate aisles for cold and hot IT equipment can maximise the air flow and remove warm discharge. To create clear boundaries between the equipment, consider the addition of ceilings or partitions to prevent cold and hot air mixing.

6. Improving underfloor air pressure management

Raised floors are a common feature of many data centres. Properly sealing the raised floor can prevent unnecessary blockages, allowing for better energy efficiency. If left uncontrolled, leaked air from the raised floor can impact the overall air quality throughout the centre, subsequently affecting the performance of IT equipment. The additional air pressure necessitates the use of additional energy to be able to cool down the equipment.

7. Improving transformer efficiencies 

Data centres that use older systems for distributing electricity can benefit by installing new transformers that increase energy efficiency.  Not only can this lower electrical losses incurred internally, but the latest transformers can reduce the production of warm air, which necessitates the need for cooling equipment. When new transformers are installed, the distribution system can be reconfigured to require fewer transformers, which can further improve energy efficiency.

8. Installing efficient lighting

While fluorescent lights are commonly used in data centres, they require a large amount of electricity to operate. Replacing fluoro lights with LED fixtures can conserve energy in the long run as LED is far less demanding on power. Furthermore, adding motion sensors or manual controls that turn off lights when a space is not used can also reduce energy consumption in a data centre.

Data centre operators can save energy by implementing any of the methods above. As the storage of data itself is an energy-intensive procedure, finding opportunities to conserve energy elsewhere is paramount to the efficient operation of a data centre. As each data centre varies, it’s important to carefully consider which opportunities and measures are feasible given the allocated budget and resources. Planning for future growth opportunities, changes in technology and industry conditions can also help data centres effectively manage their energy consumption well into the future.

As the market leader in power management solutions, Eaton can help your data centre save energy without compromising on performance. With customers across Australia, we’ve helped countless organisations improve the performance of their data centres. Want to find out more? Speak to our expert team today about the best data saving solutions for your business.