A Method for Estimating Potential Energy and Cost Savings for Cooling Existing Data Centers
NREL has developed a methodology to prioritize which data center cooling systems could be upgraded for better efficiency based on estimated cost savings and economics. The best efficiency results are in cool or dry climates where 'free' economizer or evaporative cooling can provide most of the data center cooling. Locations with a high cost of energy and facilities with high power usage effectiveness (PUE) are also good candidates for data center cooling system upgrades. In one case study of a major cable provider's data centers, most of the sites studied had opportunities for cost-effective cooling system upgrades with payback period of 5 years or less. If the cable provider invested in all opportunities for upgrades with payback periods of less than 15 years, it could save 27% on annual energy costs.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Time Warner Cable/Charter Communications
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1353419
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/FS-7A40-68218
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Interim Final Report for the Strengthening Retrofit Markets for Comprehensive Savings in Multifamily Buildings
Thermosyphon Cooler Hybrid System for Water Savings in an Energy-Efficient HPC Data Center: Results from 24 Months and the Impact on Water Usage Effectiveness