Why Combined Heat and Power Makes Sense for Data Centers

Report on the Benefits of Combined Heat and Power in Data Centers

Introduction

Data center operators have been slow to adopt combined heat and power (CHP) technology, despite its long history of use in various industries. However, the implementation of CHPs in data centers can lead to significant energy efficiency and cost reduction benefits.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Reductions

According to Terence Waldron, president of Waldron Engineering and Construction, CHPs are an efficient way to convert natural gas into energy. When paired with absorption chillers, CHPs can also provide all the necessary chilled water for a data center. Additionally, CHPs offer reliability benefits by acting as a backup in case of utility-feed failure. Facilities with CHPs also have a lower greenhouse-gas footprint compared to those relying solely on utility power.

Comparison with Fuel Cells

While fuel cells are gaining attention as an alternative source of power for data centers, Waldron believes that CHPs are more efficient when their ability to create chilled water is considered. CHPs also require a smaller footprint and are more cost-effective than fuel cells.

Converting Energy Loss to Chilled Water

CHP engines are approximately 40-percent efficient in converting fuel into energy, with the remaining 60 percent of energy taking the form of heat. This heat can be converted into chilled water by an absorption chiller, which can then be used to cool the servers powered by the CHP.

CHPs as an Additional Layer

Waldron recommends deploying CHPs as an additional layer on top of existing power and cooling infrastructure. The CHP serves as the primary source of electricity and chilled water, while the utility feed and facility’s dedicated chillers provide any additional resources needed.

Cost Considerations

While there are added costs associated with maintenance and potentially higher utility rates, the payback period for a CHP can be four to five years. In many states, governments offer incentives for installing CHPs due to their efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

Case Study: Arizona Data Center Savings

A data center in Arizona has seen annual savings of approximately $776,000 after deploying a CHP. With a capital cost of $3.7 million for the CHP, the payback period is estimated at 4.8 years, not including additional incentives or tax benefits.

Conclusion

The adoption of CHP technology in data centers aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Data center operators can benefit from cost savings and increased reliability by implementing CHPs as part of their power and cooling infrastructure.

1. CHPs offer energy efficiency and cost reduction benefits for data centers.
2. CHPs have a lower greenhouse-gas footprint compared to traditional utility power sources.
3. CHPs can serve as a reliable backup power source.
4. CHPs are more cost-effective and require a smaller footprint than fuel cells.
5. The payback period for a CHP investment can be as short as four to five years.
6. Government incentives are available for data centers that install CHPs.

• Energy efficiency
• Cost reduction
• Reliability benefits
• Lower greenhouse-gas footprint
• Government incentives

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets under the SDGs that can be identified from the article include:

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
• Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress, such as:

• Indicator for Target 7.2 & 7.3: The efficiency of combined heat and power plants (CHPs) compared to average utility efficiency
• Indicator for Target 9.4: The adoption rate of CHPs in data centers and their impact on greenhouse-gas footprint reduction
• Indicator for Target 12.2: The operational cost savings achieved by using CHPs in data centers
• Indicator for Target 13.2: The amount of CO2 emissions reduced by implementing CHPs

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: datacenterknowledge.com

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