Environmentally Friendly Strategies for Data Centers to Prevent Blackouts
Today people are more digitally linked thanks to the growth of data centers, which also makes it easier and faster to utilize cloud-driven data when it's needed.
Worldwide internet traffic has increased twenty times since 2010, and the total amount of people using the internet has almost doubled. As a result, we now have constant accessibility to our emails, social networks, online banking, and even potentially life-saving medical data.
Data loss, system failure, and major monetary losses are just a few of the highly damaging outcomes when organizations cannot utilize vital information and equipment that could result from any disruption to the energy supply of data centers, such as a blackout.
As a result, data center managers must consider backup options. In anticipation of possible outages, certain major businesses have begun storing diesel.
Diesel generators have typically been the backup option. However, considering that there are low-emission options available, operators may address issues with the 4 Cs—consumption, cooling, cost, and carbon—in addition to the requirement for alternative energy options.
Here are four more environmentally friendly strategies to prevent data center outages, as operators are researching anything from Arctic Circle-based conditions to the North Sea's seafloor to improve cooling and better manage power use.
1. Hydrogen gas turbines/engines
Operators of data centers may also charge their buildings with hydrogen gas as a fuel source. This technique can work for bigger data centers in regions where hydrogen manufacturing and delivery have long been established and needs a consistent supply of hydrogen, which may be transported in or created on-site.
Data center operator Keppel is examining hydrogen options and collaborating with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group to develop a hydrogen-based facility idea for their data centers in Singapore.
2. Dedicated gas turbines
On-site electricity generation in data centers is possible with the use of natural gas-powered turbines. This technology is a good choice for big data centers because it has excellent fuel economy and minimal CO2 emissions.
Data facilities may conserve excess energy throughout instances of lower demand and utilize it when there is higher demand by combining specialized gas turbines with power storage systems.
3. Independent source of renewable energy
Utilizing renewable energy resources, like solar power and battery energy storage, data centers can produce their own power. Small to mid-sized data centers situated in brightly-lit regions may benefit from this method.
Alternately, geothermal energy can be unlocked as a renewable energy resource by using Organic Rankine Cycle technology, an increasingly recognized and dependable method that can produce electricity from heat.
4. Hybrid systems
Energy flexibility can also be achieved by merging renewable energy sources with a generator powered by a reciprocating motor and a battery storage system.
For data centers that require a consistent and dependable power supply but also want to lessen their carbon footprint, using a hybrid system such as EBLOX from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET) can be a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
As reported by the International Energy Agency, data centers, and data transmission networks are accountable for roughly 1% of energy-related releases of greenhouse gases.
Data centers will need increasingly varied security from outages as their social significance grows. Operators are aware of the requirement to reduce emissions, nevertheless. Greener solutions that can support continuous availability while boosting energy security and advancing the decarbonization process appear to be essential.
Author's Detail
Kalyani Raje/linkedin
With a work experience of over 10+ years in the market research and strategy development. I have worked with diverse industries, including FMCG, IT, Telecom, Automotive, Electronics and many others. I also work closely with other departments such as report writing, content writing, product development, and marketing to understand customer needs and preferences, and develop strategies to meet those needs.
Author's Detail:
Kalyani Raje /
LinkedIn
With a work experience of over 10+ years in the market research and strategy development. I have worked with diverse industries, including FMCG, IT, Telecom, Automotive, Electronics and many others. I also work closely with other departments such as sales, product development, and marketing to understand customer needs and preferences, and develop strategies to meet those needs.
I am committed to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of research and analysis. This involves regularly attending conferences, participating in webinars, and pursuing additional certifications to enhance my skill set. I played a crucial role in conducting market research and competitive analysis. I have a proven track record of distilling complex datasets into clear, concise reports that have guided key business initiatives. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, I contributed to the development of innovative solutions grounded in thorough research and analysis.
