Microsoft has successfully tested the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power its data center servers, a first step toward adopting new technologies to eliminate the use of diesel fuel in its emergency power systems
Insights: Data Center Energy
Electricity is the lifeblood of every data center. At Data Center Frontier, we're exploring new frontiers in data center energy as we see data centers in new places. Some of these new facilities will seek new sources of energy, especially renewable technologies such as wind and solar, as well as landfills and other sources of biogas. Other technologies, such as Bloom Energy fuel cells, may prompt consolidated approaches to power architecture.
We're interested in how modular data centers and other design innovations allow new methods of deploying Internet infrastructure, creating opportunities to make use of solar arrays, wind turbines, fuel cells, combined heat & power (CHP), microgrids, and the recycling of server exhaust heat to warm buildings through district heating.
Switch Will Use Tesla Megapacks for Hyperscale Energy Storage
Switch will use new large-scale energy storage technology from Tesla to boost its use of solar energy for its data center campuses in Las Vegas and Reno. Each Tesla Megapack provides up to 3 megawatts of energy storage.
Microsoft Plans to Stop Using Diesel Generators by 2030
Microsoft plans to eliminate its reliance on diesel fuel by the year 2030, a decision that has major implications for its data centers around the world, many of which use diesel-powered generators for backup power.
High Density Computing Driving Demand for 3-Phase Power in the Data Center
Just a few years ago, the idea of using 3-Phase power distribution at the equipment cabinet would have amazed — and amused — data center managers and employees . But today, according to a new report from Server Technology, there are several simple facts within the data center environment that have created demand for 3- Phase power in the equipment cabinet.
Lithium-ion UPS Adoption is Far More Than a Passing Fad
Ed Spears, Product Marketing Manager, Eaton Critical Power Solutions Division, highlights the benefits and changing reputation of lithium-ion UPS batteries in the data center and colocation industry.
So Far, So Good: Pandemic Tests Resilience of Data Center Supply Chain
The data center supply chain has held up well thus far during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data center Executive Roundtable discusses the long-term implications of the pandemic for the supply chain and deployment timetables for capacity.
Advanced Multi-Circuit Metering Closes the Data Gap
Marc Bowman, Multi-Circuit Metering Systems (MCMS) Product General Manager for Anord Mardix, delves into the factors that distinguishes MCM systems. An advanced MCMS approach makes use of the capabilities already built in to MCMS meters and then overlays sophisticated software and analytics on top to provide a robust view of the entire electrical landscape of a data center.
Microgrids and Data Centers: A More Holistic Approach to Power Security
There’s more to microgrids than you might think. If you’ve never looked at microgrids as a real option for your data center, enterprise, or specific use-case, it might be an excellent moment to explore these solutions.
Build-to-Suit Approaches Provide Solution for Speed-to-Market and Flexibility
Andrew Schaap, CEO at Aligned explores how adaptive, intelligent and sustainable infrastructure will be able to meet future data demands. This includes build-to-suit data center approaches.
How to Approach Your Data Center Provider About Social & Environmental Responsibility
Ultimately, making good choices surrounding energy sourcing can help save money, reduce risks, and contribute to solutions to today’s environmental and social responsibility challenges. A new white paper from Iron Mountain explores further how to turn a potential sustainability liability into an opportunity for your organization, and what questions to make sure to ask your data center provider.
Data Center Frontier is edited by Rich Miller, the data center industry’s most experienced journalist. For more than 15 years, Rich has profiled the key role played by data centers in the Internet revolution.