Smart grid could contribute to renewable energy use in data centers

Smart grid could contribute to renewable energy use in data centers

As you might have noticed, data centers use a ludicrous amount of energy. Rack after rack filled to the brim with servers, network equipment and storage arrays require lots of electricity to run properly. They also need access to a redundant source of power for reliability purposes and enough energy to support offices and other facilities on the data center premises. This begs an obvious question - doesn't it cost way too much to keep all those systems running constantly?

The simple answer is "yes." However, the issue is not so simple. Cloud computing, virtualization and other emerging technologies are contributing to increased workloads in the data center. So just using less energy is not really an option in many aspects of operations.

Fortunately, there is one area where organizations can reduce data center energy use - cooling.

Reducing energy use in cooling systems
There are many ways to reduce energy costs for cooling, ranging from robust solutions like free cooling or Kyoto Cooling Fan setups or less expensive options like aisle containment and running equipment at slightly higher temperatures.

The gains offered by these types of solutions can be incredible, but they do not impact the amount of energy needed to keep servers running. This poses a major problem that may require new ways of getting energy.

Seeking renewable resources
The obvious answer is, and has been, to use renewable resources in the data center. Since you can't reasonably use significantly less energy for servers and equipment, the solution is to get energy from renewable sources. The problem is that unless data center managers can use thermal or hydro sources of power, they are out of luck. Smart grid is changing this.

Wind and solar energy have long been inadequate for the data center because they only provide intermittent power. Smart grid solutions, which use a combination of media converters, automation systems and diagnostic tools to enable real-time data flows within utility infrastructure, give organizations the ability to track exactly how much power is being generated at any time and how much is needed. This not only makes it easier to use intermittent power sources more reliably, it also combines with power storage solutions to make such resources a viable option for data center use.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.