Green Grid v2 19/12/08 12:49 Page 20
Strategies
Adoption of Data Centre
metrics across Europe
A key element in understanding data centre energy efficiency is being
able to measure the current energy efficiency and quantifying the
affects of subsequent changes made to the data centre infrastructure
on this measurement. By The Green Grid.
We all understand the value of Grid. We need metrics that can be standard. We found that DCE in
common measures that can accepted and respected by everyone particular had not received broad
demonstrate to stakeholders how in the industry, so we can at least get uptake due to a misconception of
efficiently and cost effectively data an accurate picture of how data what it really means. Both DCiE and
centres are running. These metrics are centres are performing in a bid to PUE represent tactical measures that
very important in showing how much develop best practice guidelines. We businesses can implement now to tell
data centre technology has advanced published our first whitepaper on the if it is possible to optimise the data
in the bid to curb adverse effects on Data Centre Infrastructure Efficiency centre before determining if they need
the environment and boost (DCiE) and Power Usage Efficiency a new one.
productivity. Establishing a common (PUE) metrics in 2007, and we’re
metric for measuring data centre happy to say these two standards DCiE and PUE
efficiency and developing guidelines have now been included in the Both of these metrics are simple in
as to how the results of this European Commission’s Code of the way they work but naturally
measurement can be improved is still Conduct on Data Centre Efficiency. depend on businesses accurately
very much a work in progress and is a This is a very important step in inputting relevant information. The
key element of the work of The Green ensuring these best practice PUE is defined as Total Facility Power
Grid. guidelines are adopted by businesses divided by IT Equipment Power, while
across the European Union and will DCiE is defined as IT equipment
Data centres are not like cars where help data centre managers move power divided by Total Facility Power.
there is a universal measure that towards a more accurate These terms mean something quite
everyone understands and relates to, measurement of their energy use. This specific.
for example ‘miles per gallon’. Data is important not just in terms of
centres are complicated machines; protecting the environment, but also Total Facility Power is defined as the
they’re often built and upgraded in managing costs. Data centre power power measured at the utility meter, or
piecemeal fashion and added to and and cooling are two of the greatest the power dedicated solely to the data
modified according to the business issues facing IT organisations and centre (rather than power used by
need. The factors are too many and businesses need to control these other functions of a building housing
variable to make developing costs while maintaining the option of the data centre). This includes
measurements easy, which is why the expanding, if European business is everything that supports the IT
measurements we are developing will going to flourish. equipment load such as:
be subject to constant evolution and Power delivery components such as
improvement. The first thing to note about the Data UPS, switch gear, generators, PDUs,
Centre Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) batteries and distribution losses
Setting up these metrics is one of the metric is that it is a redefinition of the external to the IT equipment
most important remits of The Green previous Data Centre Efficiency (DCE) Cooling system components such as
20 | DATA CENTRE SOLUTIONS |
www.datacentresols.com Winter 2008
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