A more precise analysis of power consumption in the computer centers examined in a number of Detecon projects shows that only about 30% of the energy is consumed for the IT infrastructure proper – servers, storage, and networks. More than 55% goes for the cooling of the various components. Yet cost-saving measures make it possible to reduce this very factor significantly by as much as 45%. Some of the measures can easily be applied in existing structures; others can be implemented in the future and long-term in new architectural designs.

But a lot can be done today!

The measures described below are all based on fundamental technological and engineering capabilities which have long been used in power and air conditioning technology, but offer the high potential referred to above within the scope of optimization of computer centers.

The foundation for all of the changes is found in enhancements of “measuring, controlling, and regulating in the computer center.” Although a number of additions and investments are necessary, they can be implemented step by step without putting too much of a strain on budgets. The goal of these measures should be to measure energy consumption and the ambient cold and air flows in the greatest possible detail so that a clear basis for all decisions is laid. So the objective is to outfit all of the power connections such as high-voltage mains, low-voltage mains, bus bars, racks, blade centers, and individual servers with measuring points and switch (off) points in a tree-like structure. Some of these measures can be realized quickly and retroactively for ­critical components, but, depending on the situation, others will not be possible without new construction or the redesign of the computer center.

Furthermore, this makes possible an integration of the systems with an out-of-band management system, e.g., on and off switches, and greatly simplifies the control of the power consumption as well as the general system control functions. As a general guide, a procedure along the lines of the following six steps is recommended:

1. Definition of a measurement strategy: What should be measured, controlled, and regulated at what intervals and how precisely?

2. Definition of KPIs for measurement of the success of  the optimization.

3. Preparation of a technical architecture platform for the measurements.

4. Selection of the suitable measuring instruments or of the manufacturer(s).