2008 Case Studies
Research Partner
Special thanks to AltaTerra Research for its contributions in reviewing, editing and finalizing the Data Center Energy Efficiency summit case studies, and for organizing and presenting the ‘Data Center Strategies for a Carbon Constrained Future’ session and panel discussion.
AltaTerra Research Network, based in Palo Alto, California, is a research consultancy focused on sustainable business and the emerging commercial marketplace for clean technology solutions.
For more information on AltaTerra, please contact Zen Kishimoto, or Don Bray.
Major Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact:Vice President,Energy
Director Bob Hines (408) 501-7852
2008 Case Studies
The inaugural 2008 Data Center Demonstration Project 2008, hosted by Sun Microsystems, covered 11 technology initiatives with 17 case studies. Results were computed in terms of energy savings and their impact on the reduction of Greenhouse gas emissions and costs. Additionally the case studies elaborated on implementation realities that must be considered. This 2008 effort is the first of an ongoing series to show quantifiable results from adopting new technology.
IT Computing Resource Optimization
Cassatt and Synopsys use dynamic resource optimization to dramatically maximize utilization of existing compute equipment. Cassatt implements Cassatt's Active Power Management and Synopsys implements a homegrown solution. Access the host data center case studies for:
Cassatt [PDF 131KB]
Synopsys [PDF 317KB]
IT Consolidation and Virtualization
Sun and Symantec reduce IT demands by consolidating and virtualizing compute and storage equipment in an R&D and a production environment respectively. Access the host data center case studies for:
Sun Microsystems [PDF 123KB]
Symantec [PDF 175KB]
Data Center Air Flow Management
LBNL and Oracle quantify the impact of implementing air flow management improvements including blanking plates and hot aisle containment. Access the host data center case studies for:
LBNL [PDF 175KB]
Oracle [PDF 277KB]
High Efficiency Power Transformation
USPS limits energy loss by upgrading to high efficiency power delivery units. Access the host data center case studies for:
USPS and Yahoo! (coming soon)
Server Power Characterization & Modeling
Sun demonstrates the improved energy efficiency of it's next generation servers using Power Assure to measure energy use as a function of load. Access the host data center case study for:
Sun Microsystems [PDF 197KB]
Free Cooling in Large Scale Data Centers
These data center operators quantify the savings from outside air freecooling in large scale data centers and why contamination has not impacted IT equipment reliability. Access the host data center case studies for:
Digital Realty Trust (coming soon)
NetApp [PDF 128KB]
Yahoo (coming soon)
High Efficiency Chilled Water Systems
LBNL benchmarks several high efficiency chilled water plants and reports on the real kW/ton efficiency with best in class technology. Access the host data center case study for:
Sun Microsystems [PDF 431KB]
Wireless Sensor Network Adaptive Cooling
Yahoo! demonstrates the real energy efficiency gains possible in a high-density data center through improved air flow management and a wireless sensor based monitoring and control system that dynamically matches cooling to the IT load. Access the host data center case study for:
Yahoo! (coming soon)
High Efficiency Stand-by Power
NetApp and Yahoo! demonstrate the energy efficiency gains through using fly-wheel back-up power systems vs. traditional UPS systems. Access the host data center case studies for:
Yahoo! and NetApp (coming soon)
Modular Cooling Systems Efficiency Performance Testing
Sun hosts a side-by-side comparison of performance and energy efficiency of new modular cooling systems from APC, Liebert, IBM, Rittal, Spraycool. Access the host data center case study for:
Sun Microsystems [PDF 265KB]
