Five Strategies for Cutting Data Center Energy Costs Through Enhanced Cooling Efficiency

Overview

As electricity prices and IT power consumption continue to rise, IT-related energy costs are getting increased scrutiny. Cooling accounts for approximately 37 percent of electricity usage within a well-designed data center and, in many cases, represents a significant opportunity to reduce IT energy costs. This paper presents five strategies for increasing data center cooling efficiency. Together, these methods can reduce cooling system energy costs by 30 to 45 percent and generate significant, recurring savings. Coupled with emerging technologies such as higher-efficiency processors and new chip-based cooling technologies, these measures can keep energy costs in line as server densities and the price of energy continue to rise.