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That data needs to be stored somewhere, and that consumes a lot of energy – the data centre industry uses around 6% of the world’s electricity supply. As engineers, it is our job to look at every industry and ask the question: can we do better?
The design stage
The data centre industry accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, about the same as the aviation business. Data centres consume power and produce heat, which dissipates into the atmosphere. We need to begin looking at how we manage this excess energy at the design phase. What if we could put it to better use in local systems?
By considering the opportunity for heat reuse during planning and design, waste heat could be integrated with district heating networks or go directly to end users. This would offer an innovative solution for targeting fuel poverty, or a low-carbon heat source for public buildings. In certain countries – such as Switzerland – data facilities must have the provision to export heat, in case there is demand in future. All facilities Arup has worked on in Switzerland have this embedded in the design.
Air source heat pumps are one option for reusing waste heat. Fluid absorbs thermal energy from hot air rising from servers. This fluid is then compressed in heat pumps, raising its temperature further. Operators can then transfer the heat to water pipes for hot water or central heating, either in the facilities themselves or joining local networks to serve the wider community.
Operators are also exploring ‘smart’ ways of improving data centre efficiency. The Data Center Knowledge website said they could be co-located with power stations, providing data processing for electricity distribution while also supplying hot water.
Given their resilience, data centres could also serve a double purpose by acting as shelters during extreme weather. They are already designed to ensure business continuity during storms – during the devastating Hurricane Harvey, many data centres in Houston, Texas, reported 100% uptime.
Building a better world
During the build stage, we can also consider the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and specifically those around poverty, quality education and economic growth.
The demand for data centres is rapidly stretching to countries with less-developed economies that have reduced access to amenities such as clean water, healthcare or education. Through construction of data centres, we should try to combat these issues and bolster economies and infrastructure at the same time.
Using local engineering firms, supply chains and resources brings significant benefits to businesses and trade, and limits the environmental impact of transporting materials. Development can also train communities in building, maintenance and operation.
Wide-reaching benefits
The data centre industry isn’t slowing down. The growth rate is dramatic, and it’s an exciting period of change.
We have an opportunity to shape the industry for the better. Engineers have a chance to enact change, but a subtle shift in mentality is required from everyone across the industry. Over time, being the best data centre operator will no longer be simply about a revenue stream or data security, but also about how much the facilities give back. Small considerations could have wide-reaching benefits, and the potential to genuinely improve conditions for people and the planet. With positive change, the future will deliver solutions that are good for business, and good for the world.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.