Data Center Energy Efficiency: Best Practices Design Guide
Data centers have become the backbone of nearly every industry, but their energy demands have grown exponentially as well. With sustainability becoming a central focus, improving energy efficiency in data centers is no longer just a goal but a necessity.
Equipped with knowledge of key metrics and best practices, data center operators can get their data centers operating at best-in-class levels of efficiency.
Understanding Data Center Energy Efficiency Metrics
Achieving efficiency gains requires data center operators to rely on key metrics to understand just how well their data centers perform. Two of the most commonly used metrics in the industry are Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE). Understanding and quantifying these specific metrics allow for measurable improvements to data center energy efficiency to be accomplished.
Power Usage Effectiveness
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is the gold standard for evaluating energy efficiency in data centers. It measures how effectively energy is used within a facility by comparing the total amount of energy consumed by the data center (including non-IT infrastructure like cooling, lighting, and power distribution) to the energy used directly by IT equipment. In simple terms, the ideal PUE is 1.0, which means that every bit of energy is going solely toward computing power without any waste. However, reaching this ideal is challenging, and data center operators often need to focus on incremental improvements like optimizing cooling systems, managing airflow, and upgrading infrastructure to make a tangible difference. Each effort to lower PUE not only helps the bottom line by reducing operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable environment.
Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency
Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) provides another perspective on energy usage by measuring how much of the energy brought into the data center is actually used for computing. Essentially, DCiE is the reciprocal of PUE and is expressed as a percentage, making it easier for operators to understand at a glance. A higher DCiE means that a larger portion of the energy consumed is powering servers, rather than being wasted on cooling or other non-essential systems. Maximizing DCiE often involves similar efforts as improving PUE like enhancing airflow, optimizing cooling, and using energy-efficient power distribution methods.
Tracking these metrics allows data center operators to set clear goals, track their progress, and make informed decisions about where to invest in efficiency improvements. Lowering PUE and increasing DCiE can transform data centers into greener, more cost-effective operations that not only serve business interests but also help meet sustainability goals. Energy efficiency is not just about reducing costs but also creating a data infrastructure that supports the future without compromising the environment.
Optimizing Cooling Systems for Energy Efficiency
With key metrics defined and measured, it is much easier to understand the impact of certain improvements on energy efficiency. Cooling systems are often one of the largest non-IT energy loads in a data center. Knowing this fact during data center planning can prevent a great deal of headaches for operators later on. Optimizing these cooling systems is critical to maximizing energy efficiency.
Hot and Cold Aisle Containment
Align server racks to create separate hot and cold air aisles.
Prevent mixing of hot and cold air to enhance cooling efficiency.
Improve temperature consistency for faster anomaly detection.
Efficient HVAC and Airflow Management
Use advanced HVAC systems to match cooling output to server load.
Avoid overcooling to reduce energy waste and prevent moisture issues.
Optimize airflow with tools like dampers and louvers for precise air delivery.
Liquid Cooling Systems
Leverage liquids' high thermal capacity for efficient heat transfer.
Reduce cooling costs for high-density servers with liquid cooling.
Minimize infrastructure demands compared to traditional air cooling.
Design Considerations for Energy Efficient Data Centers
As data centers have become more widespread with modern life, operators are learning more about how to design and build them effectively. Learning from this experience makes new data centers even more efficient.
Modular Design
Build data centers in modular segments for scalability and efficiency.
Add power and cooling systems incrementally as demand grows to prevent overprovisioning.
Ensure capital equipment is fully utilized, optimizing both energy and cost efficiency.
Renewable Energy Sources
Integrate renewable energy like solar or wind to reduce the carbon footprint.
Generate on-site energy to improve redundancy and lower electricity costs.
Use energy storage systems to stabilize power during fluctuations or cyclical GPU loads.
Extreme Weather Preparedness
Design data centers to operate reliably during extreme weather conditions.
Implement reinforced structures and reliable backup systems to ensure functionality.
Use the right louvers to maintain proper airflow during disasters without compromising the facility.
Efficient Servers and IT Systems
Choose energy-efficient servers with features like variable-speed fans and multi-core processors.
Use ENERGY STAR-compliant IT systems for verified energy savings.
Focus on minimizing heat generation to improve overall efficiency and reduce waste.
Optimizing Airflow and Ventilation
Efficient airflow management is essential to maintaining optimal temperatures in data centers and preventing server failure. Dampers and sensors help regulate airflow and adjust cooling as usage changes, while air-side economizers reduce mechanical cooling needs by utilizing filtered outside air. Additionally, waste heat can be repurposed for heating ventilation air or domestic water, improving overall energy efficiency.
Build Better Data Centers with United Enertech
Data centers should be designed from the first stages with energy efficiency as a goal. Modeling how heat and energy will need to move through the facility is critical. Implementing the right systems and components will ensure the data center can operate efficiently on day one and as demands change in the future.
Because HVAC and heat management systems make up the bulk of a data center’s non-IT energy usage, using the right air movement and distribution equipment is essential. United Enertech has all of the components a data center needs to ensure air can be distributed efficiently throughout a data center.
To learn more about United Enertech and their products for data centers, reach out to our heat transfer experts today.