The DataCenter2020 in Munich (Germany) is one-of-a-kind. Designed by Intel and T-Systems (Deutsche Telekom’s corporate-customer unit), this groundbreaking research facility serves one main purpose: to identify the right solution and the right conditions necessary to achieve optimum energy-efficiency in data centers.
The Lab
The alliance between Intel and T-Systems has combined state-of-the-art technology, clever architecture, and bold minds to come up with a set of requirements, recommendations and guidelines for an energy-efficient operation of new or existing data centers. The results of simulations and tests are made freely accessible to everyone. The lab, which is roughly 70m2 in size, is equipped with 180 servers and features state-of-the-art energy, air-conditioning, measurement and monitoring technology to control multiple parameters that impact power efficiency of modern datacenters.
“The sensor-system in the DataCenter2020 delivers a staggering 1800 different values including humidity, room temperature, temperature differences between incoming and outgoing air, CPU load and speed of fan rotation,” explains Dr. Markus Leberecht, Tech Specialist at Intel’s site in Munich. “A fog generator in the Datacenter’s raised floor provides the possibility to visualize air currents. Not only do the direction and speed of the airflow become visible, the engineers are also able to find what are known as “short-circuits” or air leaks and are able to discover spaces that air should never escape from.“
Based on the results of the tests conducted in the data center, the testers are able to optimize parameters such as the chilled water supply or fan speed depending on the preset room temperature, humidity, CPU load or power consumption. Priority is also given to using energy-saving IT components, for example, in server and processor technology.
“Higher output then input”
A primary focus of this partnership is energy-efficiency in the ICT sector. “The need for more computing-capability will rise – that’s for sure,” says Dr. Pauly, T-Systems. “Now we have a chance to stop energy-consumption from rising the same way.” Experts at Intel and T-Systems are saying that the DataCenter2020 provides a “convincing test environment for innovative datacenter technology to come, serving high customer expectation”.
The outcome could be more than just a unique example of efficient server-park design but a way for the businesses to reduce corporate expenses and overcome environmental challenges. “Their computing capability will rise and energy consumption will be stable or even drop,” comments Diane Bryant.
DataCenter2020: first results revealed
The DataCenter2020 first research results were presented by Intel’s CIO Diane Bryant in early March at CeBIT, the world’s biggest IT trade show in Germany. Bryant announced a PUE (power usage effectiveness, an acronym that is becoming more and more recognized globally) of less than 1.8 (1.4 to be exact). A PUE of 1 means that the complete amount of energy is going into the center is transformed into computing power. That is of course not possible yet because you need to cool down the CPUs and other components.
Intel’s CEO Paul Otellini was among the first observers. He noted the initial and very remarkable test results that were unveiled at the CeBIT in Hanover. “Initiatives like the DataCenter2020 help to save costs and resources. While lowering CO2 emissions we are able to provide the necessary performance and computing power for next generation data processing centers. That is an exciting achievement,” commented Otellini.
Comments