Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Mission-Critical Facilities
Operating 24/7, mission-critical facilities are major energy consumers. According to the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), data centers alone account for 1-2% of total U.S. electricity consumption. This presents significant opportunities for energy reduction initiatives that can result in significant cost savings.
Resources such as the Data Center Energy Efficiency Toolkit help identify inefficiencies, while programs like the Better Buildings Challenge encourage operators to improve energy performance by 20-25%. These tools and initiatives underscore why energy efficiency is not only an environmental responsibility but also a business imperative.
Effective Energy Management Practices
Achieving energy efficiency in mission-critical environments requires a strategic approach, balancing uptime reliability with operational optimization. Key practices include:
- Energy Audits: Conduct regular assessments to benchmark energy performance, identify inefficiencies, and establish a roadmap for improvement.
- Energy-Efficient Technologies: Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting, and power management equipment.
- Advanced Cooling Strategies: Optimize cooling systems with techniques like airflow management, cold-aisle containment, and free cooling.
- Energy Monitoring Systems: Leverage real-time tracking and automated controls to monitor consumption trends and ensure systems operate at peak efficiency.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporate solar panels, battery storage, and other renewable solutions to reduce dependency on conventional power sources.
- Employee Training: Empower staff with workshops on energy conservation and best practices for maintaining equipment efficiency.
Case Study: Retrofitting Legacy Systems for Energy Savings
According to ResearchGate, a global financial services firm reduced its Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio in its legacy data center from 2.3 to 1.49—a 34% improvement—through a phased retrofit. Key initiatives included:
- Energy Assessments: Identifying inefficiencies like air bypass and recirculation.
- Airflow Management: Implementing cold-aisle containment and sealing infrastructure gaps.
- Cooling Optimization: Optimized cooling by adjusting CRAH fan speeds to 60% and shifting control to supply air.
- Phased Retrofitting: Maintaining uptime during live operations.
The investment was recovered in under a year, demonstrating that even legacy systems can achieve efficiency levels comparable to newer designs when retrofitted effectively.
Guidelines for Energy-Efficient Facility Design and Maintenance
1. Establish a Baseline
- Conduct energy audits to establish benchmarks
2. Optimize Airflow and Cooling
- Use cold-aisle containment
- Seal gaps in infrastructure
- Optimize cooling settings, including fan speeds and temperature setpoints
3. Integrate Energy Monitoring Systems
- Use real-time tracking to monitor consumption trends
- Automate controls to improve system responsiveness and efficiency
4. Retrofitting for Legacy Facilities
- Conduct a detailed audit of the facility, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and IT systems
- Implement changes in phases to maintain operational continuity
- Deploy temporary power, cooling, and/or IT systems to maintain critical operations during upgrades
- Educate teams on new systems to build a culture of ownership and sustainability
5. Future-proof Infrastructure
- Select systems and components with compatibility for anticipated advancements, ensuring that upgrades can be implemented seamlessly without obsolescence of existing infrastructure
- Ensure compliance with evolving industry standards
Renewable Energy Integration
Integrating renewable energy sources can significantly reduce reliance on grid power and associated carbon emissions. Options include:
- On-site solar panels or wind turbines
- Fuel cells for sustainable backup power
- Utilizing server waste heat transferred to a heat exhanger or heat pumps to heat nearby office spaces or other parts of the building
Many organizations are finding creative ways to incorporate these technologies such as using solar panels on rooftops or in adjacent fields to supplement their power needs.
The Path to Energy-Efficient Operations
Energy management in mission-critical facilities is a dynamic process that requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. By implementing proven strategies, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of efficiency, facilities can reduce costs, improve reliability, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
At Schweiger Construction, we specialize in retrofitting and designing mission-critical facilities that deliver optimal performance. Whether you’re looking to upgrade legacy systems or develop a state-of-the-art facility, we provide solutions tailored to your unique needs.
