The Align Data Center team has been researching "Green" initiatives for the Data Center environment. The term "Green" is broadly used to describe a variety of policies, measures, and technologies that are intended to improve the energy efficiency/sustainability and carbon footprint of Data Centers. Green initiatives also have the added benefit of the potential for substantially reducing facilities OPEX budgets of which energy costs are a very large factor. Although by definition Data Centers are excessive power consumption facilities there are steps that can and should be taken to mitigate waste.
When considering the potential of applying Green technologies, Data Center facilities must be categorized into two distinct types:
1. New construction
2. Retrofit
For the purposes of this discussion we will only address the retrofit situation. There are many techniques and tools that can be applied to improve performance. Perhaps the first step in this process should be to implement a means of accurately measuring real power consumption. It is crucial to benchmark power usage at the outset. This will allow for the results of the applied power saving measures to be quanitfied and assessed accurately. Without a benchmark it is impossible to know if actual benefit is being realized from the actions taken. It is not possible to accurately calculate ROI without the benefit of a benchmark.
In some (rare) cases a facility may be fitted with the appropriate electrical measuring infrastructure from the outset. Most facilities however are not equipped for this sort of metering. There are a variety of devices and software tools commercially available for this purpose. Depending on both the devices chosen and the design of the facility, the impact of installing aftermarket measurement equipment can range widely. Some situations can be non-invasive and inexpensive. Other scenarios are quite costly and may require interruption of the power service.
Once a means to meter the power has been installed and the benchmark has been set remedial actions can be put into place. In the Data Center retrofit scenario, generally the most fruitful and common means of achieving energy savings is in the improvement of mechanical performance of the HVAC systems.
Some common remedial actions that require minimal environmental measurement:
- Consolidation of installed gear into as a few cabinets as possible
- Rack elevations adjusted to leave little or no open rack units between devices
- Open rack space in cabinets/racks filled with blanking panels
- Excess openings in floor tiles filled
- Cold aisle isolation
Remedial actions that require analysis of environmental (temperature, humidity, pressure sensors etc.) monitor recordings:
- Strategic placement of perforate floor tiles
- Installation of below floor baffles(partition active/inactive areas, optimize static pressure)
- Raising of temperature set points
- Shutting down extra CRAC units
In an existing operational Data Center there are significant challenges that can impact the ability to alter the power consumption profile of the facility:
- Cost of tools/implementation
- Impact on operations
- Coordination with IT stake holders and user groups
There are many incentives for businesses to implement "Green" initiatives in their Data Centers. The biggest incentive is financial as the potential for significant reduction in the OPEX budget is obtainable. Increased efficiency also means that the need to construct new Data Centers will be slowed because the capacity of existing facilities sill increase by virtue of greater efficiency. There are Federal Tax incentive programs in place(and proposed) that will make it easier to invest in Green technologies and will add to a faster and greater ROI. In sum Data Center efficiency is not really an option any longer. the financial incentives are plain. The environmental impact is also something that all businesses must consider.
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