Sustainability in the DCA | PIER Data Centre: Energy Efficiencies
In recent years, concerns about the sustainability of data centres grew tremendously. A combination of exploding demand for data and a growing consciousness to live with a lighter carbon footprint on the environment are a potent concoction to spur change.
While large players and hyperscalers may adopt the ‘high cost, high visibility’ methods of going green, at DCA we believe in achieving environmental efficiencies together with cost optimisation as well. In fact, from as early as 2014 when DCA | PIER was first conceived, we already designed with sustainability in mind. In a series of articles, we will go in depth into DCA | PIER’s sustainable practices and technologies. In this first piece, we will touch on how we have maximised energy efficacies by design and technology.
Automated intelligent management of equipment
DC Alliance operates its equipment using a customised Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) system which is constantly monitoring performance and efficiency through a network of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). For example, the chiller plant is automatically duty cycled in a controlled manner to equalise the wear and tear of machinery. The system also captures a large amount of data to allow us to perform operations efficiency analysis such as load profile with a POD level and corresponding Cooling Room Air Handling Units (CRAHs) performance.
Making full use of the weather
PIER’s chillers have ‘free cooling’ operations which essentially makes use of external ambient temperatures, where suitable, for cooling. Also called adiabatic mode, this comes particularly useful during the summer season, where the effect from evaporative nature of water can effect cooling very economically.
We also monitor the external ambient temperature. When external temperatures allow, the chiller will can switch its operation characteristic to allow just external cooler air to chill the water loop, without compressors, thereby effecting cooling while consuming very little power.
All about teamwork
CRAHs within the Performance Optimised Data Centre (POD) are operating on a variable speed concept and can even work with each other – like in a team! In ‘team mode’, the CRAHs will ‘assist’ each other in maintaining a stable cooling environment. The CRAHs are therefore not running excessively individually and hence saving energy and reducing the ‘wear and tear’.
Insulated by design
DCA | PIER has been designed around the Zero Heat Transfer concept, especially relevant in Western Australia where they may be long spells of extremely hot weather. Our data halls are constructed from very high efficiency thermal insulation to minimise heat transfer from outside (solar radiation) and cooling loss, greatly reducing power use through cooling efficiency.
Go white, so less light is needed
Data centres can be dark places, so it helps that surfaces are bright in colour to reduce lighting needs. DCA | PIER’s server racks, POD and containments are painted white to reduce illumination requirements, resulting in 22% savings in electricity use. All lighting (office, white space, external flood lights and warehouse lights) in use in DCA | PIER are also high efficiency LED lighting. In addition, PIER operates in low lighting or Dark Mode after hours to conserve energy.
Look out for the next articles in the series, which will expound on Environmental Friendliness and our unique Colocation Power Use Strategy. Stay tuned!