When it comes to Green IT, businesses have been reactive. Interest in Green IT rises significantly when energy prices increase, and drops just as quickly when prices flatten out. This is typical of the ad-hoc approach taken by most organizations which has led to inconsistent results. This research will help organizations determine:
•Why Green IT is important.
•Examples of Green IT opportunities.
•The state of Green IT today.
•How to implement a successful Green IT program.
In this storyboard, learn how a strategic approach to Green IT and a longer-term commitment to sustainability can positively impact the bottom line.
11. Increase the energy efficiency of the existing cooling system by optimizing air flow Info-Tech Research Group A cool aisle/hot aisle layout provides more effective cooling by preventing the mixing of hot and cold air. Cooling strategies vary based on the power being used per server rack. Power per Rack (kW) Appropriate Cooling Strategies Based on Power per Rack 0 to 5 Vent rack exhausts. Install closed cabinets and blanks to prevent recirculation. 5 to 10 More than 2 perforated tiles needed per rack. Consider spot cooling (i.e. portable air-conditioning that can be placed where it’s needed most). 10 to 15 Cool aisle/hot aisle layout with fully ducted exhaust into hot aisle to prevent recirculation. 15 to 20 Consider in-row cooling or liquid cooling racks. According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), proper airflow management can increase the cooling capacity of a CRAC system by 50% or more.
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17. Augment existing power with renewable energy sources to bridge power gaps Info-Tech Research Group Solar Power In the US, solar power has been used to bridge power gaps. Solar power is currently more costly than grid electricity and requires a lot of space, so it’s not yet practical as a primary energy source, although at least one data center, AISO , has proven it can be done on a small scale (1500 sq. ft. facility). Wind Power In 2009, Other World Computing (OWC) became the first US data center powered entirely by an onsite wind turbine. In addition, many utility companies in North America and worldwide are using wind power as part of their energy source. Geothermal Power Earth Rangers in Canada uses geothermal power as well as solar power to meet part of its energy requirements. Another example is the Reno Technology Park project which includes plans for onsite power generation from renewable energy sources. Specifically, 20 MW of geothermal power, 100 MW of wind power, and 20 MW of solar power. Smart Grid Smart Grid goals include integrating renewable energy sources into the national power grid as well as using modern technology to improve reliability (through better management of power demand and outages) and overall energy efficiency. At present, renewable energy is viable primarily as a means to bridge power gaps. For example, 100 square feet of solar panels might generate only 10kWh per day in a typical US or European climate. However, below are examples of how far renewable energy can be scaled.
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19. Widely accepted “clean agent” fire suppression systems are not clean; they are chemically-based and may be toxic % Info-Tech Research Group 12% 21% 16% For more details, refer to Info-Tech’s “ FirePASS: The Next Revolution in Fire Prevention and Suppression? ” How does it work? FirePASS maintains an oxygen-reduced atmosphere (hypoxic) in the data center, but still breathable – similar to the level of oxygen when flying in a commercial airplane. The reduced oxygen helps prevent fires. If a fire still ignites, the oxygen level is further reduced to quickly suppress the fire. A sprinkler system is mandatory, but can cause water damage, so some data centers seek additional fire protection to suppress fires before the sprinklers are activated. FirePASS provides a chemical-free alternative to chemical-based “clean agent” fire suppression systems, and it can function as a preventative. FirePASS System Clean Agent System Chemical free Chemical-based; may be toxic Fire prevention capability Reactive system – can only suppress fires, not prevent them Post-fire, no mess to clean up Post-fire, the chemical agent must be cleaned up
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30. Adopt a strategic approach to channel organizational efforts & drive maximum impact Info-Tech Research Group Green IT is done by accident Don’t know current IT energy usage or costs Based on gut feel Green initiatives done in isolation Aims to save on energy costs in the short-term Considered as a future option Rip and replace approach Offsetting Leadership Measuring Planning Staff Buy-In Vision Certification Ad-hoc Make sustainability a core business strategy to drive initiatives