Advanced energy storage elevates the efficiency and resilience of data centres

The race for greener and more efficient data centres is in full swing, from advanced cooling techniques to renewable energy integration and AI-driven management.

How are cutting-edge energy solutions addressing the unprecedented power demands of modern data centres?

Cutting-edge energy solutions are critical in addressing the unprecedented power demands of modern data centres. The power demands of data centres have skyrocketed with the explosion of digital information, and efficient energy management is paramount. The interconnectedness of our world is rapidly increasing, and we now entrust our most valuable possessions to the cloud or on-premises storage. As we continue to connect more devices in the future, our access to data will surpass what we have today, and this data is crucial for developing future solutions.

By 2025, the global demand for data is projected to reach an estimated 180 zettabytes. To put this into perspective, every person alive would require 48 laptops to store that amount of data. One key solution we’re pioneering at Danfoss is using advanced cooling systems, such as liquid and indirect evaporative cooling. Liquid cooling, for example, enables more efficient heat dissipation than traditional air-cooling methods. We can reduce energy consumption significantly by directly cooling high-density servers with liquids. Additionally, our variable-speed drives help regulate the speed of motors and pumps, matching the cooling capacity to the actual demand and minimising energy wastage. This system also facilitates the transmission of relevant data for increasingly complex power management systems, utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise power usage effectiveness (PUE).

These innovations contribute to both energy savings and enhanced data centre performance.

What role do renewable energy sources play in powering data centres sustainably and reliably?

Renewable energy sources are increasingly vital in powering data centres sustainably and reliably. There is growing awareness and emphasis on the significance of clean energy in reducing the carbon footprint of data centres.

Renewable energy not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances reliability. Solar and wind energy can be harnessed and stored as a backup during grid outages or high-demand periods. This diversification of power sources ensures uninterrupted data centre operations while promoting sustainability. Collaboration between technology providers and data centres is vital to achieving this goal.

How can advanced energy storage systems enhance the efficiency and resilience of data centre operations?

Advanced energy storage systems are a game-changer in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of data centre operations. The energy storage solutions for data centres store excess energy during off-peak hours and release it during high-demand periods, reducing the strain on the grid and lowering operational costs.

Such systems also contribute to load shifting, allowing data centres to reduce their reliance on the grid and optimise energy consumption based on cost and availability. Energy storage systems provide essential backup power during grid outages, ensuring uninterrupted data centre operations. They play a vital role in load balancing, optimising energy usage, and reducing peak demand charges, ultimately enhancing data centre operations’ overall efficiency and resilience.

What innovative strategies are being employed to minimise energy consumption in the race for greener data centres?

Innovative strategies are imperative to minimise energy consumption in the race for greener data centres. Data centres are adopting various strategies to maximise their energy efficiency. These strategies include:

Running data centres at higher temperatures: By raising the operating temperatures, data centres can reduce the energy required for cooling, resulting in energy savings.

Utilising virtualisation: Virtualisation allows data centres to reduce the number of underutilised servers, optimising resource utilisation and reducing overall energy consumption.

Enhancing the efficiency of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): Improving the efficiency of UPS systems helps minimise energy losses and improves overall energy efficiency in data centres.

Implementing frequency drives for fan load control: Using frequency drives instead of dampers to regulate fan loads enables better control over energy consumption, leading to energy savings. Additionally, variable-speed drives help regulate the speed of motors and pumps, matching the cooling capacity to the actual demand and minimising energy wastage.

Furthermore, the industry has witnessed server, storage, and infrastructure efficiency advancements. The trend towards larger and more efficient cloud and hyperscale data centres has also contributed to minimising energy consumption.

Danfoss is also investigating waste heat recovery solutions, where excess heat generated by data centres can be repurposed for heating nearby buildings or industrial processes. This approach maximises resource utilisation and reduces the environmental impact of data centres.

What future technologies hold the potential to revolutionise the energy dynamics of data centres, ensuring environmental compatibility?

Cooling is the first step for the efficient functioning of data centres. With lower-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient solutions, Danfoss technologies are optimised for operating conditions at higher temperatures to reduce the need for cooling, thus naturally reducing power consumption. Data centres can be cooled up to 30 percent more efficiently, and they can recover excess heat generated using chillers and heat pumps with Danfoss technology. The advent of oil-free compressors like Turbocor enables this new chiller to handle higher water temperatures.

Highly efficient & reliable Danfoss VFDs on compressors, Pumps, Fans and precision Air Handling Units reduce a datacenter’s overall carbon footprint. A datacenter’s Power Usage effectiveness (PUE) significantly depends on using these Energy efficient equipment in the plant room. Danfoss’s headquarters in Nordborg, Denmark, exemplifies this concept. In 2015, fossil fuels accounted for 100 percent of its heating. It is now on the verge of achieving CO2 neutrality. By 2024, excess heat from Danfoss data centers will provide 25 percent of the total heat supply for factories and offices covering 250,000 square meters (2.69 million square feet).

From a climate and energy point of view, the main challenge is cooling since around 40percent of a data center’s power is used to cool its servers. Fortunately, using technologies available today, Danfoss helped Facebook make its data centre in Sweden the cleanest and one of the most efficient in the world. High-pressure Danfoss pumps with capacities of 13,000 l/h cool Facebook’s servers using mineral-free water that guarantees 100 percent sanitisation – which is suitable for employees and data.

This system already saves Facebook 50% on costs. The data centre is also solely hydro-powered and emits zero CO2. In the U.S., Danfoss’ compressors, heat exchangers and drives have helped Lenovo cut 90percent of the electricity consumption in two of their data centres.

The excess heat captured from the data centre can be distributed to a local neighbourhood, reducing data centre energy costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The future data centres will be hybrid data centres where the best of two worlds can be combined: the cloud and the on-site data centre. And the excess heat can be utilised in energy grids where it is produced.

As data centres consume large amounts of energy, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can help reduce their carbon footprint and lower operating costs. Data centre automation can help optimise resource utilisation and minimise human error, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency.

Danfoss EC+ solution is also reliable for data centre applications with the highest wire-to-air efficiency. Implementing these strategies can create optimised and cost-effective data centres while reducing the carbon footprint of the data centre industry.

Danfoss India is introducing high-efficiency, oil-free chillers along Chiller manufacturers to cater for the high-efficiency needs of Data centres in India. These Chillers will use green refrigerant and have deficient maintenance to ensure Data centres reach zero downtime. Overall, Danfoss acknowledges the potential of future technologies in revolutionising the energy dynamics of data centres. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, Danfoss remains committed to developing and providing solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and drive sustainability in data centre operations.

How are AI-driven energy management systems revolutionising data centre operations, optimising power usage and efficiency?

AI-driven energy management systems are indeed revolutionising data centre operations. These systems leverage real-time data analytics and predictive modelling to optimise power usage and efficiency. Danfoss recognises the transformative impact of AI-driven energy management systems in revolutionising data centre operations and remains at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that drive energy efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in data centres.

AI systems also contribute to equipment management by monitoring the health of servers, storage, and networking gear. They can help ensure systems remain properly configured and predict equipment failures, allowing for proactive maintenance.

AI-driven systems can continuously monitor data centre operations, adjusting cooling and power distribution based on workload and environmental conditions. This not only maximises energy efficiency but also enhances overall performance and reliability. AI also plays a critical role in predictive maintenance, identifying and addressing potential issues before they result in downtime.

In conclusion, the energy dynamics of data centres are evolving rapidly. Danfoss is dedicated to leading the charge in providing innovative solutions that address the growing power demands while minimising environmental impact through cutting-edge technologies, renewable energy integration, advanced energy storage, and AI-driven management systems.