Data Center Energy Efficiency Solutions for a Power-Constrained Future

Go back just 25 years, and Pew reports that almost 50% of U.S. adults were online. Today, that number is almost double, at 96%. In 2000, 1% had home broadband. Today, 78% have it.

The digital world is growing rapidly, and AI will fuel even faster growth. A data center sits at the heart of the infrastructure that helps us along the way, processing requests, generating information, returning images, articles, and so much more. All of this provides businesses and individuals with a wealth of information.

With this growth comes a challenge: data centers require a lot of power and space. Other considerations to include are:

• Cooling systems: Chillers, computer room AC (CRAC) units, etc.
• Management software: DCIM tools that monitor and manage energy consumption and system efficiency
• Networking equipment: Cables, firewalls, routers, switches, etc.
• Power infrastructure: PDUs, UPS, etc.
• Security: Biometric access, fire suppression, security cameras, etc.
• Storage Systems: HDDs, NAS, SAN, SSDs, tape libraries, etc.

All the systems listed above need power. Backup generators keep the power on if the power grid fails during a storm or other outage. It’s estimated that U.S. data centers consume about 176 terawatt-hours per year, about 4.4% of the country’s total electricity consumption. With excessive data consumption, energy demand could triple by 2028.

We’ve reached a critical juncture where uptime, security, and scalability are no longer sufficient for data center management. Power is now a primary concern.

Power is in High Demand

Axios analysis shows that there are over 4,000 data centers in operation in the U.S., with another 3,000 under construction or planned. Each time a new data center opens, more energy is consumed.

In 2023, energy consumption exceeded demand. Production was 102.83 quads, while consumption was 93.59 quads. “Quads” are short for quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs), a standard measure used to compare total energy production and consumption across all energy sources. Using quads allows oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy to be measured on the same scale. Simply put, if production doesn’t increase to meet rising demand from data centers, we risk shortages. Who gets priority during power shortages? It’s something we must consider when considering a new construction.

Generative AI is relatively new and introduces additional issues because it is power-hungry during training. Consumers use AI constantly for tasks like meal planning, photo editing, and homework help. It’s fast, which means additional questions are sent even faster. Businesses increase demand by selling products and services online, using video conferencing for meetings, and supporting employees working from home offices.

How to Ensure Demand Doesn't Overtake Supply

Each time a new data center is built, planning takes more than where the fiber cables and equipment go. Proximity to the nearest substation and demand on the local power grid are important questions to ask. You can't build new if the power grid can't support your data center.

This is where it’s time to start thinking strategically about upgrades rather than new construction. Retrofitting older equipment can be a better way to improve capacity without consuming more energy than necessary.

Enter Mitsubishi Electric with the purpose-built hardware that powers your data center efficiently. Data center energy efficiency is your key to success.

PLCs and VFDs Start the Move Towards Efficiency

Considering the most energy-intensive items, cooling systems are near the top of the list. Overcooling is a risk when settings aren’t precise, and a colder-than-necessary room increases your energy consumption as chillers, fans, and other cooling equipment keep running 24/7.

Energy-efficient programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and variable frequency drives (VFDs) are your partners in energy-efficient data centers. Mitsubishi Electric specializes in these essential hardware components.

1. PLCs

PLCs analyze and control your data center’s components with precision and intuition. They analyze data from pressure and temperature sensors and make minute adjustments to settings to ensure energy efficiency while keeping rooms at the precise temperature.

MELSEC Series PLCs range from stand-alone, small-scale systems to large-scale systems, including the high-performance iQ-R series, which increases reliability and reusability while lowering the total cost of ownership. Other benefits of iQ-R series PLC include:

• Advanced performance and productivity
• Integrated safety controls
• Real-time data collection
• Robust security
• Reduced maintenance with real-time data visualization

2. VFDs

PLCs serve as the control layer behind VFDs, directing how fans and pumps operate in real time. Instead of running at a constant speed around the clock, motors adjust output based on actual cooling demand. This reduces unnecessary energy use and limits wear on critical equipment.

In liquid cooling systems, VFDs play a central role in pump operation. Coolant flow must continuously adapt to changing thermal loads inside the data center. By modulating pump speed, VFDs deliver only the flow rate required to remove heat from racks and support infrastructure. During cooler conditions, pump speeds can decrease to match the lower load. As outdoor temperatures and humidity climb, speeds increase to maintain stable internal conditions.

Mitsubishi Electric’s VFDs are both high-performing and environmentally friendly. There are several VFD solutions available, in a large range of horsepower options that offer:

• Dynamic response
• Energy savings from reduced power consumption
• Reduced mechanical stress for better longevity and less maintenance

Meeting Power Demands Without Risking Security

Don’t overlook security when creating a blueprint for data center energy efficiency. IT and operational technology (OT) are more intertwined than ever. IT equipment communicates with OT components such as chillers and computer room air conditioning units. With the smart technology available, there’s also a greater risk of cyberattacks.

Imagine the damage to the infrastructure if a bad actor gained access to your system and turned off power to your chiller’s fans and pumps. You can’t bypass incorporating network security when planning your data server upgrades. To protect your data center’s information, consider using:

• Anomaly detection using AI analytics
• Encryption on all PLC and VFD commands
• Separate networks that keep the public internet from any networks handling PLCs and VFDs

Four Steps Towards Efficient Data Centers

Data center owners and managers need a comprehensive plan to improve data center energy efficiency. The four steps to follow are:

1. 1.Deploy PLCs for real-time analytics and responses to temperatures that fall out of the specified range.
2. 2.Keep security in mind, and ensure your data center's components do not make it easy for bad actors to access your systems and create infrastructure nightmares.
3. 3.Prioritize cooling efficiency using PLCs and VFDs to end 24/7 fan and pump operations.
4. 4.Enhanced reliability

Power consumption cannot outpace generation. It’s something that must be carefully weighed, and it’s not something you can overlook. In 2024, Ireland refused Google’s project due to power grid capacity issues.

It’s just one example of restrictions on new data centers due to concerns over power grid strain, water consumption, and environmental impact. Talk to Mitsubishi Electric about upgrading your equipment to make your data center more efficient and less taxing on the existing energy grid.

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