Techniques to Reduce Energy Consumption in Data Management

Plugins and APIs are common sources of server resource drain. Choose green hosting, manage data center airflow, combine multiple servers and consolidate underused ones, keep data center temperature at least 65°F, use variable speed fans to retrofit AC, and use airside and waterside economizers.

Energy consumption: Problems and solutions

The average webpage emits 0.5 grams of carbon dioxide, which seems like very little. However, to give some perspective, around 5.19 billion people used the internet as of July 2024. Tens of thousands of data centers operate worldwide to cater to this massive customer base. The US alone has more than 5,000 data centers. 

The internet also needs devices and network infrastructure. According to a Huawei report, the electricity of these devices could contribute to almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide by 2030.

Identify resource drain

Plugins, APIs, and external services are common sources of server resource drain. Poorly written or inefficient code requires more CPU and memory to perform tasks. Using fewer plugins, updating them to the latest versions, and updating scripts can reduce server resource use. You might also need to update the code to resolve security issues and address resource use.

Optimize your hosting 

Cooling systems account for 40% of data center electricity usage. Green web hosting companies invest in more efficient cooling systems for their network infrastructure and servers. Some use outdoor air to cool their data centers.

Sustainable energy sources like solar power generate less than 15% of global energy. Green web hosts buy green tags or use renewable energy sources. By purchasing green tags equivalent to their consumption or using clean energy, they promote renewable energy use, helping combat climate change.

Manage data center air flow 

Arrange your server racks so the fronts face each other and the backs face each other. This layout is more efficient because hot and cold air isn’t mixed so much. 

Virtualize servers

Companies that combine multiple independent servers into a single one can reduce their energy costs by 25% on average. It is also estimated that 15% to 30% of the equipment running in data centers uses electric power without doing any work. Consolidate underused servers — servers draw full power, but their typical utilization is only up to 15% and sometimes as low as 5%. 

Optimize data center temperature

The recommended data center temperature range is 65°F to 80°F, but many set it as low as 55°F. When server inlet temperature increases by 1°F, centers can save 4% to 5% in electric power costs.

Use variable-speed fans to retrofit your AC. Retrofit kits can adjust fan speed based on changing data center cooling loads, resulting in a two-year payback. 

We mentioned outside cooling earlier. To be more specific, airside economizers in data centers almost always make sense. You have to cool data centers all year round, so this equipment could even help in hot climates. It can use winter air temperature and cooler evenings and mornings to save 60% on cooling. 

Cooling towers have evaporative cooling capacity, chilling water in winter. When a waterside economizer operates, you can save up to 70% on producing chilled water.

FAQ

How can I reduce energy consumption in a data center?

• Consolidate Lightly-utilized Servers.
• Utilize Built-in Server Power Management Features.
• Implement Efficient Data Storage Measures.
• Reduce Energy Losses from Power Distribution Units.
• Manage Airflow for Cooling Efficiency.

What are some good energy-saving practices?

• On-site power generation.
• Zero carbon technologies.
• Alternative power sources.
• Use of data center heat.

How do you collect data on energy consumption?

Data collection methods include manual reading, cloud-based services, wired communication, and wireless communication. Manual reading is the cheapest and simplest but most error-prone and time-consuming method.