Optimization of IT Load and Facility Energy in Data Centers

While the convenience of data centers is attracting attention and demand for them is increasing, the amount of energy they consume has been increasing. This is because they use an increased amount of electricity and require greater air-conditioning to cool server rooms due to the increased load of the IT devices installed there. To reduce such energy consumption, there are needs for energy-saving measures and the ratio of facility energy to IT load of server rooms needs to be optimized. Aiming to implement these measures, Fujitsu has developed an energy-saving operation management system and introduced it in the new annex of the Tatebayashi System Center, located in Gunma Prefecture in Japan. The purpose is to conduct detailed monitoring (visualization) on electric power, temperature and wind velocity in relation to IT load, and thereby computerize efficient methods of operation to optimize facility energy. This paper presents the characteristic functions of and future outlook for this energy-saving operation management system.