Energy Management for Data Centers

Power Use Effectiveness (PUE) is a key metric for evaluating the energy efficiency of a data center. It is calculated by dividing the total energy consumed by the data center by the energy used specifically to run the processors:

The global average PUE for large data centers hovers around 1.8, but industry best practices aim for a PUE of less than 1.5 (perfect efficiency = 1.0). Achieving a lower PUE not only reduces energy costs but also minimizes the environmental impact of the data center, making it a critical sustainability goal for data center design engineers.

Best Practices for Reducing Energy Usage

Beyond simply lowering PUE, data centers can adopt several best practices to reduce energy consumption further:

• - Upgrade Hardware: Implementing more energy-efficient hardware can significantly reduce overall energy usage.
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• - Use Liquid Cooling: Transitioning from traditional fans to liquid cooling systems can improve cooling efficiency and reduce power consumption. (See Gems Sensors Liquid Cooling Solutions)
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• - Eliminate Inactive Sensors: Removing or disabling sensors that are no longer in use can prevent unnecessary energy draw.
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• - Redesign for Better Airflow: Reconfiguring data center layouts to optimize airflow can reduce the burden on cooling systems.

The Role of Power Meters in Energy Management

The most effective way to monitor and manage energy usage is by utilizing power meters. These devices provide real-time feedback on energy consumption and daily usage patterns, enabling data centers to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective measures. When combined with the best practices above, power meters are instrumental in making data centers more energy efficient.

Setra’s Power Meters: Precision Tools for Energy Management

Setra’s Power Meters are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of data center energy management. Designed as networked, revenue-grade devices, these power meters provide unparalleled accuracy and versatility, making them ideal for submetering applications.

Key Features of Setra’s Power Meters:

• - Load Monitoring: Available in configurations for monitoring 3, 12, or 48 loads, capable of handling any combination of single-phase and three-phase systems.
• - Comprehensive Data Collection: Monitor a wide range of parameters including voltage, current, power, and energy, providing a complete picture of energy usage.
• Robust Power Supply: Line-powered with an 80-600V phase-to-phase power supply, featuring a 200kAIC internal fuse for added protection.
• - Revenue-Grade Accuracy: ANSI C12.20-2010 Class 0.2 certification ensures precision in energy measurement.
• - Durable Design: Housed in a UL 94-V0 rated enclosure, ensuring durability and compliance with safety standards.
• - Flexible Integration: Compatible with both BACnet and Modbus protocols, featuring 2 pulse input and 1 pulse output ports, as well as serial and Ethernet connectivity.
• Regulatory Compliance: UL listed, CE, and RoHS compliant, meeting all relevant industry standards.

For data center design engineers, optimizing energy management is not just about reducing costs but also about enhancing the sustainability and reliability of their facilities. Setra’s Power Meters provide the accurate, reliable data needed to achieve these goals. By integrating power meters into energy management strategies, alongside best practices like hardware upgrades and improved cooling techniques, data centers can significantly lower their PUE and drive long-term energy efficiency.