Consumption detected, loss averted

Data centers are essential in many industries and institutions. They form the basis for economic success and are the central location for digitalization. This data processing requires energy. In order to be able to use the energy flows and efficiency in the data center as efficiently as possible, energy consumption of individual units and system components must be recorded and evaluated in order to be able to initiate measures to increase efficiency if necessary. But which values must be taken into account and how much can actually be saved? Our specialists Michael Wörster (Data Center Group), Rolf Wagner (econ solutions) and Güngör Saritas (Qivalo) show how you can benefit from the comprehensive service of the MVV partner network and use your energy in the data center sustainably and economically.

Data centers are a place of security, central data storage and form the basis for the digitalization of all areas of life. It is impossible to imagine many companies without them.

In the data center, the energy flows are divided between IT (server systems) and technical infrastructure (cooling and electricity). In addition to an efficient technical infrastructure, it is also important to establish an efficient overall system via the right IT strategy. For the technical infrastructure, we are available with MVV's solution house to record and evaluate all the necessary measured values and use them to identify optimization potential.

Keep cool

Data processing requires that electricity be supplied to computers. In the process, the computers convert the electricity into heat. In order to conduct this heat back out of the data center, the right cooling concepts are required. As in other areas of a company, when it comes to cooling technology, it is important to regularly monitor consumption, analyze it and initiate the necessary measures for optimization or savings.

Measuring energy in the data center - why?

In addition to the existing obligation to carry out energy audits in data centers, for example, energy efficiency is becoming more and more of a focus as part of a sustainable corporate orientation. Due to the high energy demand, optimization potentials are particularly interesting there. So these measurements show important values: Where are energy losses hiding? Where are savings possible? In combination with a suitable system, efficiency levels can be monitored and at the same time deviations and impending failures can be detected quickly and at an early stage. For example, UPS systems and consumption as well as losses are monitored. This creates transparency, offers opportunities for optimization, increases energy efficiency and saves costs.

With the right measurement concept, mandatory safety checks in accordance with DGUV 3 (accident prevention regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance) can be carried out automatically in the data center without shutting down the server systems.

So it's always about the overall efficiency of data centers, but also about individual values. Calibrated and billing-compliant measuring devices enable not only the recording of quantities but also the billing of consumption. For example, consumption can be recorded separately, which can then be billed and assigned to customers as a cost center.

Usual measured values are:

• Power consumption (in kilowatt hours (kWh)): First, the total electricity is measured, then before and after the use of the components, in order to be able to record the losses that occur. There are various measurement concepts (e.g. DIN EN 50600 or Blue Angel) that specify what, how, where and when must be measured.
• Heat (in kWh): if waste heat from the data center is provided
• Water consumption (in cubic meters per hour (m³/h)): Prerequisite is the use of a so-called adiabatic cooling (= evaporative cooling).

These components should be recorded:

• Input side power, transformer
• NSHV system (low voltage main distribution)
• UPS system (uninterruptible power supply)
• UV equipment
• Optional: Server, PDUs (Power Distribution Units)
• Cooling system
• RLT system (room air conditioning system, e.g. for dehumidification of rooms)

Consulting, implementation, optimization and maintenance:

For successful energy management in the data center, various factors must be clarified: How large is the data center? What is the IT load? What are sensible measurement values? The experts at the Data Center Group can help with all these questions.

Radio remote reading, consumption value recording, billing:

With Qivalo's open and modular platform, all meters (heat cost allocators, water meters, electricity meters) and sensors such as smoke detectors are read and managed on a daily basis. The data obtained is made available to econ solutions so that anomalies or inefficiencies, for example, can be identified.

Software, hardware, consumption control:

The energy management software from econ solutions reliably records and analyzes consumption. The econ sens3 monitors the power quality according to EN 50160. The econ4 software is modular and can therefore be adapted to individual needs and framework conditions.

Saving energy in the data center

How much energy can be saved in a data center depends on individual components and the overall system. As a rule of thumb, the older the systems are, the more savings potential there is (5 to 10 percent). With a concept conversion, values of 30 percent or more are possible. Our experience shows that large savings can often be achieved with little effort.

What do operators need to look out for?

In addition to auditing and certification, factors such as sustainability, transparency, cost control and cost-based distribution (when renting) also play a major role for data center operators. It is important to plan ahead, optimize processes and carry out regular inventories - which measured values are useful? Because only those who know the losses and consumption of their components can act and become more efficient.

Tips:

Waste heat from data centers can be used sensibly for local and district heating (e.g. for heating nearby consumers such as office buildings or residential areas).Appropriate measurement concepts enable comparability and thus energy savings.Permanent measurements (main and sub-measurements) and peak load management play an increasingly important role and contribute to more effective use.The data center must be billed in accordance with the HKVO.

A data center needs a lot of energy because it performs a lot. The overall efficiency must always be taken into account, but measurement concepts according to DIN EN 50600 or the Blue Angel make sense. In short: It is worthwhile to record all data on a daily basis - because the measurement costs are low. In addition, companies have the consumption in the data center continuously under control and remain transparent. We support you: Thanks to the bundling of our competencies in the MVV network, we take care of the entire service - whether installation, consulting, consumption monitoring and analysis, or technical solutions.

The MVV partner network is happy to help: make an appointment for free.

Picture: © Boykowit / #243315354 / stock.adobe.com (Standard licence)