Intelligent Data Centres Issue 06 | Page 32

EDITOR’S QUESTION However, it’s important to highlight that without a software or monitoring solution in place, it’s near impossible for businesses to find out what strain the current IT load is putting on the existing infrastructure, or indeed what their energy usage might be. MARC GARNER, VP, SECURE POWER DIVISION, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC UK AND IRELAND hen seeking to become more eco-friendly, there are a number of key areas that today’s data centre owners and operators must consider. These include the design of the facility, its power source, choice of UPS and cooling solution, and use of management software, which is an essential piece of the puzzle. W Cloud-based DCIM software Data centre management software allows for better visibility into power, cooling and IT loads, while enabling greater levels of automation to take place within today’s facilities. 32 Issue 06 If an organisation already utilises a cloud-based data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) solution – like Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT, which offers greater levels of visibility and insight than older legacy platforms – the user can make real-time, data-driven decisions that could significantly lower cost. In many cases using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to predict and anticipate changes within the facility. Data centre design Another consideration is that of the IT requirement and data centre design. Does the capacity utilisation meet the demands currently placed upon it by the business and should more be needed, is there room to scale both cost-effectively and efficiently? If the answer is no and the organisation needs to add capacity quickly, prefabricated power, cooling and IT modules present an option for predictable, efficient and rapid deployment; allowing the user to specify exactly what’s required, rather than over provisioning the data centre. Cooling configuration Other than the IT load, the cooling solution will often account for a high proportion of energy use. Therefore, should an option OTHER THAN THE IT LOAD, THE COOLING SOLUTION WILL OFTEN ACCOUNT FOR A HIGH PROPORTION OF ENERGY USE. for free cooling be available, a company may choose to utilise this to become more eco-friendly. If a different approach is required, they might consider hot-aisle containment, InRow or liquid cooling based on the greatest opportunity for a lower PUE and better ROI in terms of reduced energy costs. Power and UPS When choosing the power requirement, another consideration may be the desired CSR or sustainability objectives. A good example may be the company’s choice to utilise only renewable energy sources. When it comes to power, a UPS is of course an absolute necessity and should a company be looking to take advantage of the latest technological advancements, they may opt for Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries over valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) cells. Research from Schneider Electric’s Data Centre Science Centre found that over a 10-year period, Li-ion delivered a lower TCO that was between 10% and 40% less than an equivalent UPS system based on VRLA. From a sustainability perspective, Li-ion batteries do not contain hazardous chemical materials and are increasingly easier to recycle, as waste-management operators become more familiar with the specific procedures needed to handle large format systems. ◊ www.intelligentdatacentres.com