Small Data Centers

Small Data Centers

Energy efficiency efforts and attention for data centers have historically focused on larger data centers. Despite their comparatively small size, small data centers (defined as server closets, rooms, and localized data centers under 5,000 square feet of computer floor) have significant energy savings potential. Small data centers house more than half of all servers across the United States, but face barriers to achieving energy savings that larger data centers do not. They often lack the resources to assess, identify, and implement energy efficiency strategies. Additionally, while many mid-tier and enterprise-class data centers owned by   larger  corporations consider energy efficiency and the reduction of operating costs as a strategic business goal, small data centers often do not share this motivation given their scale. This all adds up to a huge opportunity for reducing energy demand in data centers across the nation.

 In an effort to help small data centers realize untapped energy savings, the Center of Expertise has developed resources specifically designed to help small data centers overcome the unique challenges they face. These resources evaluate the institutional, structural, and financial barriers facing small data centers and identify readily deployable, high-win strategies that can deliver robust energy savings.

Click the links in the boxes below explore resources for your small data center energy efficiency project.

1. Determine the resources available, both financial and technical Metering and Resource Guide Metering and Resource Guide 2. Assemble a team andset the direction for energy management activities3. Seek out training if necessary and/or time permits4. See where your data center stands compared to others and evaluate efficiency opportunities5. Identify energy efficiencyopportunities suited for your data center6. Use additional CoE toolsfor assessment if time allows7. Implement energy efficiency opportunities8. Monitor data center performance and use informationResources LimitedResources Somewhat LimitedResources Available Business Case Model If Federal, reviewrequirements/programs On demand FEMP Webinars PUE Estimator Consider "simplest" measuresin Small Data Center Guide No time for activity assumed Ask your local utility abouttechnical & financialassistance Regular Live CoE Webinars DC Pro Air Management Estimator Master List Other CoE Small DC Resources Air Management Packages Review Energy ISO 50001 Task 4 (Management Commitment) DC Pro Recommendations from DC Pro Consider "Simplest Measures" &"Still Simple, a Little More Work" in Small Data Center Guide. Hire DCEP or other consultant Energy Assessment Worksheet Air Management Estimator Master List Other CoE Small DC Resources Power Chain Tool Air Management Packages Ask your local utility about technical& financial assistance Consider financing projectthrough UESC or ESPC IT Efficiency Tool DC Pro Process Manual Portfolio Manager Consider all measures in Small Data Center Guide On demand training Regular Live CoE Webinars Task 6 (Energy Team) Business Case Model If Federal, reviewrequirements/programs Energy Assessment Worksheet Air Management Tool Master List Other CoE Small DC Resources Power Chain Tool Review Energy ISO 50001Task 4 (Management Commitment) Task 5 (Energy Policy) Task 6 (Energy Team) Business Case Model If Federal, reviewrequirements/programs On demand training Regular Live CoE Webinars Consider DCEP Training Recommendations from DC Pro Hire DCEP or other consultant Ask your local utility abouttechnical & financial assistance Consider financing projectthrough UESC or ESPC IT Efficiency Tool

Resources

Air Management Estimator The Data Center Air Management Estimator is a simplified version of the Air Management Tool that uses the same engine. The input options in this tool have been reduced in favor of increased clarity. 

Building the Business Case for Energy Efficiency in Your Data Center The energy intensity of data centers means that energy efficiency improvements have the potential to deliver substantial energy (and monetary) savings to an organization. There are dynamics unique to data centers that create a set of underlying drivers, stakeholders, and barriers to data center energy efficiency projects that are distinct from energy efficiency projects generally. This resource is designed to help project champions identify underlying drivers for data center energy efficiency, engage and win over key stakeholders, and overcome barriers as they build the business case for driving improvements in their data center.

Small Data Centers, Big Energy Savings (Report) The purpose of this brief guide is to present opportunities for small data center owners and operators that generally make sense and do not need expensive assessment and analysis to justify. Recommendations presented in this report range from very simple measures that require no capital investment and little ongoing effort to those that do need some upfront funds and time to implement. 

Demonstration: Portable Air Management Measurement Tools This report focuses on improving air management in small data centers due to the great potential for energy savings across the data center industry. To be able to implement air management, key environmental parameters such as IT equipment intake temperatures need to be monitored. This demonstration involves two inexpensive, portable measurement tools for assessing air management in small data centers on a limited, temporary basis. Access to simple, inexpensive toolds for implementing and tracking air management is imperative in such environments. Besides evaluating the accuracy of the temperature measurements, this report also includes an in-depth evaluation of the ease of use of the tools.

Small Data Centers, Large Energy Savings: An Introduction for Owners and Operators (Presentation) Slides from Steve Greenberg's webinar on Saving Energy in Your Small Data Centers. Recommendations presented range from very simple measures that require no capital investment and little ongoing effort to those that do need some upfront funds and time to implement. The range of opportunities includes IT equipment, power, and cooling.