The rapid growth and expansion of technologies such as artificial intelligence, added to the needs associated with the data process, are causing an AImportant energy consumption in data centers of all the world. In addition, more data is generated, which makes the needs of advanced storage systems for structured and unstructured data management increase.
Therefore, it is important that those responsible for data centers look for systems to contain energy consumption. Not only because of the electrical invoice they have to face, but for what it represents for the environment in the term of emissions. Also of water consumption.
Broadly speaking, so far many of these measures are related to the choice of the point in which to build the data centers, increasingly closer to energy sources. Or at points with colder climates, with the aim of improving in cooling. Also with the use of digital twins, that is, of models that copy facilities or systems of the real world, to simulate its operation and see how different changes can affect it, such as air flow and ventilation variations. In this way their conditions can be improved and optimized energy consumption.
Thus, it is possible to reduce energy losses during transmissions, and ensure a more reliable and consistent energy supply. But there are more measures that can be taken to achieve greater energy efficiency in the consumption of data centers. Among them, the following:
Dynamic Energy Management Implementation
Adjusting the Energy consumption based on real time demanddata centers can improve in a remarkable way. Thus, for example, in periods of little activity, energy consumption can be reduced, which also minimizes waste without having a negative impact on performance.
To do this, systems with dynamic energy management technology can be installed in routers and switches, with the aim that they can turn off ports or cards that are not being used. Also to control the speed of fans and optimize their consumption based on the need for cooling.
These systems are also occupied, when there is a high demand, to climb the energy needs of the systems to meet the needs, therefore ensuring that there is a level of service consistent and adequate to the circumstances and the demand at all times.
Improved cooling systems in data centers
The technologies of cooling by water or liquids They can reduce energy consumption, and improve their efficiency. To do this, as we have mentioned, some companies are beginning to build data centers in cold places, which naturally reduces the need to refrigerate their systems.
Direct liquid cooling, which uses liquid channels to directly eliminate the heat of certain electronic components, is also extended by its precision and efficiency. Also liquid immersion cooling is receiving attention from some companies. To use it, servers submerge, either completely or partly, in a special fluid created to reduce their temperature.
Recyclable and modular tools
Los teams must be designed bearing in mind modularitywith the aim of reducing the amount of electronic waste that is produced. This achieves simpler updates, and the possibility of recycling materials. Modular components also allow selective equipment substitution.
Another possibility that gives modularity is the update of the equipment without having to discard a complete system. In addition, its useful life can also be expanded, which leads to an extension of the use of resources and a reduction in the frequency of substitutions, adjusting the expense.
Capture and distribution of heat generated in data centers
He heat generated by data centers can be captured and reused To, for example, provide heating and water heating systems to facilities and homes near the data center. In this way it can become a useful resource, and give it a beneficial use.
This approach also promotes a circular energy model, in which excess heat, instead of discarding, is reused. Integrating data centers into local energy systems also improves sustainability, and of course offers notable advantages to nearby communities. All this, in addition to allowing broader energy efficiency objectives.
Advanced optical technology implementation
The optics has become an ingredient of great weight in the management of energy consumption in the data centers. There are currently several developing initiatives, and others already implemented, to try to reduce the use of energy from optical modules.
In this direction, coempocheated optics technologies (CPO), linear reception (LRO) and plug -in linear unit (LPO) seek the optimization of the performance of optical interconnections, while largely lowering their energy requirements.
Automation for data centers
Las Innovations in network management tools and automation software They have given a good push to sustainability within the framework of IT infrastructure. Automated tools with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are improving the efficiency of network operations. In turn, this leads to greater optimization of energy use, since it is possible to assign resources just where they are needed, and at the precise moment.
Automation also avoids excess in the supply of resources and reduces energy waste. Software solutions, such as software defined networks (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), help simplify operations by lowering the need for physical hardware. These solutions also allow remote management, which also leads to lower energy consumption.
Combinations of measures to search zero emissions
The combination of all the previous elements It allows data centers to try to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions, in addition to meeting zero emissions objectives. Of course, achieving it requires a long -term continuous effort, which needs to implement efficient technologies in terms of energy, optimize cooling systems and invest in renewable energy.
In doing so, it will be possible to contribute to the establishment of new standards in the sector to achieve a greater reduction in energy efficiency and emissions, in the face of a more sustainable future. That is why it is important that companies define, measure and execute methods focused on sustainability, ensuring that the data centers, once the measures have been implemented, comply with national and international regulations and deadlines to achieve it.
From From this year, renewable energy sources will become a pillar of the operations of the data centers. They will cease to be a goal to become the usual in the sector. In addition, the innovations and practices that are being adopted for energy consumption in data centers will focus on the latest in innovation and connectivity, more focused on consumption optimization. Its implementation, in addition to the adoption of more sustainable practices in the sector, will lead to data centers to a future of greater sustainability.
