The rapid increase of cloud computing, high performance computing (HPC) and the vast growth in Internet and Social Media use have aroused the interest in energy consumption and the carbon footprint of Data Centres. Data Centres primarily contain electronic equipment used for data processing (servers), data storage (storage equipment), and communications (network equipment). Collectively, this equipment processes, stores, and transmits digital information and is known as information technology (IT) equipment. Advanced Concepts for Renewable Energy Supply of Data Centres introduces a number of technical solutions for the supply of power and cooling energy into Data Centres with enhanced utilisation of renewable energy sources in order to achieve low energy Data Centres. Because of the high energy density nature of these unique infrastructures, it is essential to implement energy efficiency measures and reduce consumption before introducing any renewable energy source. A holistic approach is used with the objective of integrating many technical solutions such as management of the IT (Information Technology) load, efficient electrical supply to the IT systems, Low-Ex air-conditioning systems, interaction with district heating and cooling networks, re-use of heat, free cooling (air, seawater, groundwater), optimal use of heat and cold storage, electrical storage and integration in smart grids. This book is therefore a catalogue of advanced technical concepts that could be integrated into Data Centres portfolio in order to increase the overall efficiency and the share of renewable energies in power and cooling supply. Based on dynamic energy models implemented in TRNSYS some concepts are deeply evaluated through yearly simulations. The results of the simulation are illustrated with Sankey charts, where the energy flows per year within the subsystems of each concept for a selected scenario are shown, and graphs showing the results of parametric analysis. A set of environmental metrics (as the non-renewable primary energy) and financial metrics (CAPEX and OPEX) as well of energy efficiency metrics like the well-known PUE, are described and used to evaluate the different technical concepts.

1. The Importance of Sustainable Data Centers Overview of Data Centers' Environmental Impact Data centers are the backbone of the digital world, powering everything from streaming services to cloud computing. However, they consume vast amounts of energy and resources, making their environmental footprint significant. The electricity demand of data centers contributes to substantial greenhouse gas emissions, and their cooling systems often lead to high water usage and heat dissipation issues. As the digital economy grows, the need for sustainable practices becomes increasingly critical to mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources. Need for Sustainable Practices in the Digital Age With the exponential growth of data generation and storage, the pressure on data centers to operate sustainably has never been higher. The push towards sustainability is driven by both regulatory pressures and the growing awareness among businesses and consumers about environmental issues. Adopting green technologies and practices in data centers is not just an environmental imperative but also a business necessity. Sustainable data centers can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced corporate reputation. 2. Scope and Objectives of the Book Defining Sustainability in Data Centers Sustainability in data centers encompasses a broad range of practices and technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact. This includes improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, optimizing water usage, managing e-waste, and implementing green building designs. The goal is to create data centers that are not only efficient and resilient but also minimize their carbon footprint and resource consumption. Key Themes and Topics Covered This book explores the multifaceted approach to achieving sustainability in data centers. Key themes include: Energy Efficiency: Examining advanced hardware, innovative cooling solutions, and smart energy management systems that reduce power consumption. Renewable Energy Integration: Strategies for incorporating solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources into data center operations. Sustainable Design and Architecture: Insights into designing data centers with sustainability at the core, including green building certifications and best practices. Operational Excellence: Implementing efficient maintenance practices, leveraging automation, and adopting AI for better resource management. Waste and Water Management: Approaches to minimize e-waste, recycle IT equipment, and reduce water usage. Case Studies and Global Perspectives: Learning from leading examples of sustainable data centers worldwide and understanding regional practices. Future Trends and Challenges: Exploring emerging technologies, regulatory landscapes, and overcoming barriers to sustainability. This book aims to provide a comprehensive guide for data center professionals, IT managers, sustainability officers, and policymakers looking to make data centers more sustainable. By adopting the green technologies and practices discussed, stakeholders can contribute to a more sustainable digital future.

This textbook is the first of its kind to comprehensively describe the energy Internet, a vast network that efficiently supplies electricity to anyone anywhere and is an internet based wide area network for information and energy fusion. The chapters are organized into five parts: Architecture and Design, Energy Switching and Routing, Information and Communication, Energy Management Systems and Energy Market and Trading, and capture the spectrum of this exponential transformation, while also presenting the plethora of open problems that this transformation poses for researchers from mixed academic backgrounds. The scope includes key technologies on distributed energy sources, microgrids, energy storage, solar and wind energy, power grid, smart grid, power quality, power electronics, data centers, distributed computing and networking, cloud computing and big data, and software-defined networking. The book presents the basic principles of energy internet and emphasizes the current research trends in the field of energy Internet at an advanced level. It includes instructor materials, case-studies, and worked examples throughout. This is an ideal resource for students in advanced graduate-level courses and special topics in energy, information and control systems, and is a useful tool for utility engineers who seek an intuitive understanding of the emerging applications of energy Internet.

Nowadays, Smart Grid has become an established synonym for modern electric power systems. Electric networks are fed less and less by large, centrally planned fossil and nuclear power plants but more and more by millions of smaller, renewable and mostly weather-dependent generation units. A secure energy supply in such a sustainable and ecological system requires a completely different approach for planning, equipping and operating the electric power systems of the future, especially by using flexibility provisions of the network users according to the Smart Grid concept. The book brings together common themes beginning with Smart Grids and the characteristics of power plants based on renewable energy with highly efficient generation principles and storage capabilities. It covers the advanced technologies applied today in the transmission and distribution networks and innovative solutions for maintaining today’s high power quality under the challenging conditions of large-scale shares of volatile renewable energy sources in the annual energy balance. Besides considering the new primary and secondary technology solutions and control facilities for the transmission and distribution networks, prospective market conditions allowing network operators and the network users to gain benefits are also discussed. The growing role of information and communication technologies is investigated. The importance of new standards is underlined and the current international efforts in developing a consistent set of standards are updated in the second edition and described in detail. The updated presentation of international experiences to apply novel Smart Grid solutions to the practice of network operation concludes this book.

Data centers have become the backbone of our modern digital world, powering the vast array of applications and services that we rely on daily. These critical infrastructures demand a comprehensive and robust electrical design to ensure reliable power delivery and minimize downtime. This book delves into the intricacies of data center electrical design, providing a comprehensive guide for engineers, architects, and IT professionals involved in the planning, design, and implementation of these critical systems. The book begins by introducing the fundamental principles of data center electrical design, emphasizing the importance of aligning electrical systems with the overall objectives and requirements of the data center. It then delves into the intricacies of data center electrical system components, covering primary infrastructure, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDUs), and cabling and wiring systems. Subsequent chapters explore the design of power distribution architectures, covering tiered power distribution schemes, scalability considerations, and redundancy and failover strategies. The book then shifts focus to the critical aspects of reliability and efficiency in data center electrical design. It examines power quality issues, fault tolerance measures, energy efficiency strategies, environmental considerations, and sustainable solutions. The following chapters introduce the tools and processes employed in data center electrical design. This includes exploring electrical design software packages, 3D modeling and simulation tools, compliance with relevant electrical codes and standards, and the peer review and approval process. To illustrate the practical application of these concepts, the book presents case studies of designing data center electrical systems for high-performance computing (HPC) facilities and implementing sustainable data center electrical designs. Finally, it explores the emerging trends in data center electrical design, including the integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, advanced metering and monitoring capabilities, data-driven optimization, and predictive maintenance strategies. This book is intended to serve as a valuable resource for engineers, architects, and IT professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of data center electrical design. It provides a practical and well-structured guide, covering the fundamental principles, design considerations, and emerging technologies shaping the future of this critical domain.

Data centers have become the backbone of our modern digital world, powering the vast array of applications and services that we rely on daily. These critical infrastructures demand a comprehensive and robust electrical design to ensure reliable power delivery and minimize downtime. This book delves into the intricacies of data center electrical design, providing a comprehensive guide for engineers, architects, and IT professionals involved in the planning, design, and implementation of these critical systems. The book begins by introducing the fundamental principles of data center electrical design, emphasizing the importance of aligning electrical systems with the overall objectives and requirements of the data center. It then delves into the intricacies of data center electrical system components, covering primary infrastructure, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDUs), and cabling and wiring systems. Subsequent chapters explore the design of power distribution architectures, covering tiered power distribution schemes, scalability considerations, and redundancy and failover strategies. The book then shifts focus to the critical aspects of reliability and efficiency in data center electrical design. It examines power quality issues, fault tolerance measures, energy efficiency strategies, environmental considerations, and sustainable solutions. The following chapters introduce the tools and processes employed in data center electrical design. This includes exploring electrical design software packages, 3D modeling and simulation tools, compliance with relevant electrical codes and standards, and the peer review and approval process. To illustrate the practical application of these concepts, the book presents case studies of designing data center electrical systems for high-performance computing (HPC) facilities and implementing sustainable data center electrical designs. Finally, it explores the emerging trends in data center electrical design, including the integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, advanced metering and monitoring capabilities, data-driven optimization, and predictive maintenance strategies. This book is intended to serve as a valuable resource for engineers, architects, and IT professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of data center electrical design. It provides a practical and well-structured guide, covering the fundamental principles, design considerations, and emerging technologies shaping the future of this critical domain.