Among the total operational costs of data centers, electricity expenses account for a significantly high proportion. This is not only due to the continuous power required by IT equipment itself but also because the cooling systems, which ensure heat dissipation for servers, consume substantial amounts of energy.
With growing computational demands and rising electricity prices, these two factors exacerbate the pressure on data center power costs. Therefore, adopting energy-saving measures is a critical step to enhance operational efficiency and bring the energy bills down.
How to reduce energy consumption in data centers? Continue reading to learn more.
Optimizing data center power costs is a systematic project, primarily involving electricity consumption from IT equipment, cooling systems, and lighting systems. Here are some ways for better data center energy management.
Servers, storage systems, and network devices consume a large share of data center power. Improving the efficiency of this equipment will help you greatly reduce the energy consumption of the data center. For example:
▲ Consolidating servers and using virtualization reduces the number of physical machines required to handle workloads. Instead of running multiple underutilized servers, tasks can be distributed across fewer systems operating at higher efficiency. This strategy will lower electricity use, decrease heat output, and lessen the demand on cooling systems.
▲ Using energy-efficient servers, network equipment, and storage systems also lowers data centers’ power consumption. For example, equipment with certified efficiency ratings and low-power memory and SSD-based storage systems is more energy-efficient.
▲ Upgrading hardware is also recommended to eliminate outdated, power-hungry systems. Five-year-old servers may have a significantly lower performance-to-power ratio compared to modern models. New high-performance servers can enhance overall computing capacity while simultaneously reducing total power consumption. It also reduces the overall strain on cooling systems.
Cooling accounts for the largest share of data center power consumption, representing the greatest potential. The most critical aspect is to ensure that every unit of cooling energy is efficiently utilized for equipment heat dissipation rather than being wasted. Measures include:
▲ Separating the cold aisle and the hot aisle is effective, with server racks in a face-to-face and back-to-back layout. This will essentially separate warm exhaust air from the cool intake air, preventing them from mixing. This design keeps cooling systems working efficiently, maintains stable server temperatures, and reduces unnecessary energy use.
▲ Variable-speed fans also provide a feasible way to reduce data center power consumption. These fans adjust their output based on actual cooling demand instead of running at full power all the time. By matching airflow to server activity, they lower electricity consumption while still keeping temperatures within safe limits.
▲ Installing temperature sensors across the data centers is another effective way to reduce energy consumption. By collecting real-time data, cooling systems can respond where extra airflow is required. This prevents overcooling and ensures consistent protection for the servers.
The efficiency of data center power generators directly determines how much electricity is lost during conversion and distribution processes. How can power facilities be optimized to improve data center energy costs?
▲ Energy-saving improvements often start with high-efficiency transformers, generators, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. These units minimize electricity lost during conversion and distribution, allowing a larger share of incoming power to be used productively.
▲ Monitoring energy flow in real time helps operators spot unusual consumption patterns, wasted load, or early signs of equipment faults. Acting quickly on this data prevents unnecessary losses and keeps operations stable. It also provides valuable insight for planning upgrades by showing where efficiency gains can deliver the greatest impact.
The physical design of a data center has a direct effect on how much energy it consumes. The optimization tips include:
▲ Using energy-efficient lighting systems is one of the simplest ways to lower consumption. LED fixtures with smart controls can reduce wasted electricity by dimming or turning off in areas that are not occupied. Architectural features, such as reflective surfaces or improved insulation, also help manage heat, which lessens the load on cooling systems.
▲ Optimizing your rack placement is yet another great way to improve data center energy efficiency. Poorly organized racks can create hot spots that force cooling systems to work harder than necessary. In addition to the above face-to-face and back-to-back arrangement, server racks can also be aligned with the air conditioning system's return and supply vents. Additionally, cooling units should be positioned as close as possible to heat sources to reduce airflow resistance.
As mentioned above, in addition to various optimization measures, investing in highly efficient generators for your data center is crucial. It not only ensures business continuity but also directly impacts operational costs through its fuel efficiency. In this regard, EvoTec is a partner you can trust. We specialize in manufacturing highly efficient and durable data center power solutions. They:
▲ Operate with a stable power factor (up to 0.9) and can handle large-capacity nonlinear loads common in modern data centers. This stability maintains seamless operations during demand fluctuations.
▲ Apply advanced electromagnetic design techniques to improve the data center energy efficiency. Compared with typical market standards, EvoTec alternators can achieve 0.5 to 1 percent higher generation efficiency.
▲ Their low temperature rise extends equipment life, while optimized performance in both parallel and grid-connected setups ensures seamless integration with existing systems.
Our alternators have powered large projects globally, proving their performance in different environments. With high efficiency, stable operation under heavy loads, and flexibility to fit different system designs, EvoTec offers data centers a reliable way to save energy and keep operations secure.
Reducing power costs in data centers requires attention to every part of the facility, from IT equipment and cooling systems to power distribution and layout. Using reliable and energy-efficient generators is one of the most effective ways to cut your data center power costs.
EvoTec alternators offer a dependable option, combining high efficiency with proven performance in demanding projects. For operators aiming to control expenses while safeguarding data center operations, EvoTec stands out as a trustworthy choice. Contact us now for a customized solution!
