This Excel-based tool helps data center owners identify energy efficiency opportunities in the electrical power chain of a data center (transformers, generators, UPSs, power distribution units). The tool quantifies the energy and cost savings of the selected measures and calculates the payback periods for each measure.
This current version of the tool was released in March 2020, and updated again in December 2021 and July 2023. The March 2020 update offers a cleaner interface, a wider array of UPS load factors and control options (includes "ecomode"), and updated efficiency curves. The December 2021 update includes carbon (CO2) saving estimates based on state average carbon emission rates or custom emission rates, as well as high-level integration with the IT Equipment Tool. The July 2023 update includes transmission and distribution (T&D) losses as well as numerous other options and clarifications.
Although this tool offers more electrical energy efficiency options than the Data Center Profiler (DC Pro), it should not be considered an 'investment-grade' audit tool. The savings estimates are driven by user inputs but based on typical practice and do not account for interactive effects. Actual savings will vary based on site-specific conditions and operations.
To use the tool, users will need to input:
- Basic configuration and efficiency information on electrical system components such as transformers, generators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power distribution unit (PDU) devices and lighting
- Energy use of electrical systems
We welcome user feedback on how to improve our suite of simulation tools. Email us at CoE@lbl.gov
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