Evaluation of Air-Side Economizer Use in a Compute-Intensive Data Center

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. Patterson ◽  
Don Atwood ◽  
John G. Miner
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Temperature Control ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Data Center ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
The Impact

Moore’s Law continues to drive increased compute capability and greater performance per watt in today’s and future server platforms. However the increased demand for compute services has outstripped these gains and the energy consumption in the data center continues to rise. The challenge for the data center operator is to limit the operational costs and reduce the energy required to run the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment and the supporting infrastructure. The cooling systems can represent a large portion of the energy use in the support infrastructure. There is significant focus in industry today on applying advanced cooling technologies to reduce this energy. One potential solution is the use of air-side economizers in the cooling system. This technology can provide a reduction in cooling energy by being able to maintain the required temperatures in the data center with the mechanical refrigeration turned off, significantly reducing the PUE for the data center. This paper reviews recent industry activities around the recommended environmental conditions in the data center, the impact to the ICT equipment of air-side economizers, where they can best be applied, and provides data from a case study recently concluded at Intel’s site in New Mexico. In that case study servers from an engineering compute data center were split into a standard configuration (closed system, tight temperature control) and a very aggressive air-side economization section (open system, significant out-door air quantities, moderate temperature control). Both sections performed equally well over a year long on-line test, with significant energy savings potential demonstrated by economizer side. The American Society of Air-conditioning Heating and Refrigerating Engineers (ASHRAE) has recently published new ICT-vendor consensus-based recommendations for the environmental conditions in data centers. These new limits are discussed in light of the successful experiment run in New Mexico as the revised operational envelop allows a far greater number of hours per year when a data center can be run in “free-cooling” mode to obtain the energy savings. Server design features as well as lessons learned from the experiment and their applicability to the potential use of air-side economizers is also discussed.

scholarly journals Energy Conservation Potential of Economizer Controls Using Optimal Outdoor Air Fraction Based on Field Study

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 5038
Author(s):  
Goopyo Hong ◽  
Chul Kim ◽  
Jun Hong
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Temperature Control ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Outdoor Air ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Differential Enthalpy ◽  
The Impact

In commercial buildings, HVAC systems are becoming a primary driver of energy consumption, which already account for 45% of the total building energy consumption. In the previous literature, researchers have studied several energy conservation measures to reduce HVAC system energy consumption. One of the effective ways is an economizer in air-handling units. Therefore, this study quantified the impact of the outdoor air fraction by economizer control type in cooling system loads based on actual air-handling unit operation data in a hospital. The optimal outdoor air fraction and energy performance for economizer control types were calculated and analyzed. The result showed that economizer controls using optimal outdoor air fraction were up to 45% more efficient in cooling loads than existing HVAC operations in the hospital. The energy savings potential was 6–14% of the differential dry-bulb temperature control, 17–27% of the differential enthalpy control, 8–17% of the differential dry-bulb temperature and high-limit differential enthalpy control, and 16–27% of the differential enthalpy and high-limit differential dry-bulb temperature control compared to the no economizer control. The result of this study will contribute to providing a better understanding of economizer controls in the hospital when the building operates in hot-humid climate regions.

Strategies for data center temperature control during a cooling system outage

2014 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 146-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Lin ◽  
Shuangquan Shao ◽  
Xuanhang (Simon) Zhang ◽  
James W. VanGilder ◽  
Victor Avelar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Control ◽  
Data Center ◽  
Cooling System

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital globalization

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 ◽  
pp. 06008
Author(s):  
Maria Loredana Popescu ◽  
Svetlana Platagea Gombos ◽  
Sorin Burlacu ◽  
Amza Mair
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
World Economy ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Research background: After more than a year of the Covid-19 pandemic, we can investigate whether it caused a shock to the global economy, pushing for deglobalization, or on the contrary, it was a challenge for digital globalization and digital transformation of economies. Through this research we join the research contributions that examine the process towards digital globalization that characterizes the world economy, its impact on businesses, consumers, and governments. We also discuss the challenges posed by the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic to globalization and perhaps the acceleration of the digital transformation of economies. Purpose of the article: The aim of this research is to highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the age of digital globalization. Methods: Documentary analysis, as the main research method, is doubled by a case study that allows us to highlight the specific characteristics of digital globalization. Findings & Value added: The findings of the research allowed us to highlight the essential aspects of digital globalization that were perhaps exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, but which contribute greatly to understanding the phenomenon of globalization. Our research also reveals four lessons learned in the COVID-19 pandemic. We also present some considerations regarding the globalization after the health crisis.

scholarly journals Joint Analysis of Cost and Energy Savings for Preliminary Design Alternative Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7507
Author(s):  
Carlo Iapige De Gaetani ◽  
Andrea Macchi ◽  
Pasquale Perri
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Alternative Assessment ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Design Alternatives ◽  
The Impact

The building sector plays a central role in addressing the problem of global energy consumption. Therefore, effective design measures need to be taken to ensure efficient usage and management of new structures. The challenging task for designers is to reduce energy demands while maintaining a high-quality indoor environment and low costs of construction and operations. This study proposes a methodological framework that enables decision-makers to resolve conflicts between energy demand and life cycle costs. A case study is analyzed to validate the proposed method, adopting different solutions for walls, roofs, floors, windows, window-to-wall ratios and geographical locations. Models are created on the basis of all the possible combinations between these elements, enriched by their thermal properties and construction/management costs. After the alternative models are defined, energy analyses are carried out for an estimation of consumption. By calculating the total cost of each model as the sum of construction, energy and maintenance costs, a joint analysis is carried out for variable life cycles. The obtained results from the proposed method confirm the importance of a preliminary assessment from both energy and cost points of view, and demonstrate the impact of considering different building life cycles on the choice of design alternatives.

Meta-analysis of U.S. intermediated food markets: Measuring what matters

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blake E. Angelo ◽  
Becca B.R. Jablonski ◽  
Dawn Thilmany
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Food Value ◽  
Study Development

Purpose A body of literature and case studies has developed as part of the reporting, outreach and evaluation of the local and regional food system projects supported by grants and other funders. Yet, there is concern that food value chains are promoted without adequately evaluating the viability of these businesses, or how these markets affect the performance and welfare of key stakeholders: farm vendors and local communities/economies. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews and summarizes a comprehensive set of U.S.-based case studies focused on food value chains. We conduct a meta-analysis to systematically capture what available case study evidence tells us about: 1) trends in the viability of food value chain businesses; 2) the impact of these businesses on participating farm vendors; and, 3) the associated community economic development outcomes (framed in terms of ‘wealth creation’). Findings In addition to sharing findings from the meta-analysis, we demonstrate how the lack of standardized protocols for case study development is a barrier to learning about metric comparisons, best practices, and what impacts these food value chain businesses may have. We conclude with some recommendations of how the field can move forward to evaluate and share lessons learned using more uniform, project-driven case study development. Originality/value This is the first study to conduct a systematic meta-analysis of U.S. food value chain businesses.

Airflow Uniformity Through Perforated Tiles in a Raised-Floor Data Center

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. VanGilder ◽  
Roger R. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Data Center ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Airflow Rate ◽  
Simple Estimate ◽  
Cfd Models ◽  
System A ◽  
Data Center Cooling ◽  
Floor Plans ◽  
The Impact

The maximum equipment power density (e.g. in power/rack or power/area) that may be deployed in a typical raised-floor data center is limited by perforated tile airflow. In the design of a data center cooling system, a simple estimate of mean airflow per perforated tile is typically made based on the number of CRAC’s and number of perforated tiles (and possibly a leakage airflow estimate). However, in practice, many perforated tiles may deliver substantially more or less than the mean, resulting in, at best, inefficiencies and, at worst, equipment failure due to inadequate cooling. Consequently, the data center designer needs to estimate the magnitude of variations in perforated tile airflow prior to construction or renovation. In this paper, over 240 CFD models are analyzed to determine the impact of data-center design parameters on perforated tile airflow uniformity. The CFD models are based on actual data center floor plans and the CFD model is verified by comparison to experimental test data. Perforated tile type and the presence of plenum obstructions have the greatest potential influence on airflow uniformity. Floor plan, plenum depth, and airflow leakage rate have modest effect on uniformity and total airflow rate (or average plenum pressure) has virtually no effect. Good uniformity may be realized by using more restrictive (e.g. 25%-open) perforated tiles, minimizing obstructions and leakage airflow, using deeper plenums, and using rectangular floor plans with standard hot aisle/cold aisle arrangements.

scholarly journals Rooting out Poverty: People, Passion, and Place at Station 20 West

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
Lisa Erickson ◽  
Isobel Findlay ◽  
Colleen Christopherson-Cote
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Knowledge ◽  
Campus Engagement ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Impact

This case study summarizes and discusses our project exploring the impact of co-location, connectedness, and community-campus collaboration in addressing the root causes of poverty and our efforts to build capacities in Saskatoon. The site of this study is Station 20 West, a community enterprise centre in the heart of Saskatoon’s inner city that opened in the fall of 2012 as a result of community knowledge, participation, and determination to act for the common good. We share our findings, lessons learned, and project team reflections which underscore the connectedness of poverty reduction and reconciliation, the importance of including those with lived and diverse experience in community-campus engagement (CCE), and the hallmarks of good CCE.

scholarly journals Building-Back-Better in Post-Disaster Recovery: Lessons Learnt from Cyclone Idai-Induced Floods in Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Dube ◽  
Gayan Wedawatta ◽  
Kanchana Ginige
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Disaster Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Disaster

AbstractThis study evaluated the build-back-better considerations in post-disaster recovery, following the devastation of Chipinge and Chimanimani communities by Cyclone Idai-induced floods in 2019. Conducted in 2020, the study assessed the impact of Cyclone Idai-induced floods on communities in Chipinge and Chimanimani Districts of Zimbabwe; evaluated the build-back-better considerations; and analyzed the lessons learned. Based on a qualitative approach and case study design, the study depended on focus group discussions, interviews, and researcher observations to gather data from 85 participants. The findings indicate that Cyclone Idai-induced floods seriously impacted human lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods of communities that had been living with flood risk and vulnerability. Build-back-better considerations were absent in much of the post-disaster recovery effort to address the cyclone disaster impact. There are important early lessons for both practitioners and community members to learn from the Cyclone Idai event. These lessons still can inform policy and disaster risk reduction practice in the medium and long term. Build-back-better should be a mandatory objective in the recovery from any disaster impact. Continuous training is also recommended to improve the disaster knowledge of stakeholders and increase local ability to cope with future disaster events.

scholarly journals It’s How Many Terabytes?! A Case Study on Managing Large Born Digital Audio-visual Acquisitions

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-75
Author(s):  
Laura Uglean Jackson ◽  
Matthew McKinley
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
University Of California ◽  
Digital Audio ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
Digital Collection ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Policy And Procedure

In October 2014, the University of California Irvine (UCI) Special Collections and Archives acquired a born digital collection of 2.5 terabytes – the largest born digital collection acquired by the department to date. This case study describes the challenges we encountered when applying existing archival procedures to appraise, store, and provide access to a large born digital collection. It discusses solutions when they could be found and ideas for solutions when they could not, lessons learned from the experience, and the impact on born-digital policy and procedure at UCI Libraries. Working with a team of archivists, librarians, IT, and California Digital Library (CDL) staff, we discovered issues and determined solutions that will guide our procedures for future acquisitions of large and unwieldy born digital collections. 

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