A green data center is a “service facility which utilizes energy-efficient technologies. They do not contain obsolete systems (such as inactive or underused servers), and take advantage of newer, more efficient technologies.” All the components of a green data center including mechanical, lighting, electrical and computer systems are designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
Some technologies and strategies used in green data center include:
- Low-power servers. They are more energy-efficient than conventional servers in data centers. They use the technology of smartphone computing, which tries to balance performance with energy consumption.
- Modular data center. It is a portable data center which can be placed anywhere data capacity is needed. Compared with traditional data centers, they are designed for rapid deployment, energy efficiency and high density.
- E-waste recycling. Re-use servers and components.
- Free air cooling systems uses outdoor air instead of traditional data-center computer room air conditioner (CRAC) units.
- Hot and cold aisle containment
- Reusing waste heat.
- Minimized building footprint
- Low-emission building materials, carpets and paints
- Alternative energy, such as photovoltaic technology, heat pumps, ultrasonic humidification, and evaporative cooling technology
With the exponential growth and usage of the Internet, power consumption in data centers has increased significantly resulting in huge environmental impact. The creation of green data centers has become essential to mitigate climate change.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_data_center
https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/green-data-center