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Data Centers Prepare for a Renewable Future

Posted by kdawson on from the less-facebook-guilt dept.

miller60 writes "A small but growing number of data centers are generating renewable energy at their facility, despite challenges with cost and scalability. In a special report, Data Center Knowledge looks at data centers implementing on-site solar power, wind energy, geothermal cooling and recycling waste heat from their hot aisles. Even as some projects choose to go green, other data center operators insist that improved power efficiency offers a far better return and carbon impact than pursuing on-site renewables."

3 of 97 comments (clear)

  1. hrm. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "other data center operators insist that improved power efficiency offers a far better return and carbon impact that pursuing on-site renewables."

    These are not mutually exclusive.

  2. Imagine by codepunk · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Imagine the fuel savings if every office worker that was able could telecommute instead of burning fuel to get to a job that could be done from home. Imagine the money saved on road maintenance and other things associated with the reduction in traffic. For at least the last 15 years I have commuted back and forth every day to perform a job I could have done without ever leaving my home.

    --


    Got Code?
  3. An Efficient Office by MrSteve007 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I manage and operate one of the more efficient office spaces in the US (I was awarded a National EnergyStar award in 2008 for my work). We've implemented almost everything possible for our small server racks. We've gone from 8 machines to 3 via virtualization, and have a 10kW array and 40kw battery backup for our operation - which now results in zero down time. In doing just that, we've gone from 58 kWh used from the grid a day for our servers to zero (the PV array supports it). Also, instead of using dedicated A/C - we've re-engineered our ductwork to pull in ambient air from the office space, and redirect the hot exhaust to different locations. During the summer, it's dumped directly outside - and during the winter it's used to heat our entrances and used to cover the heating needs of the building at night.

    In terms of energy use for the servers and A/C alone, we're saving about $4,000 a year - and that's just for a small server arrangement.

    http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=labeled_buildings.showProfile&profile_id=1008052