The document discusses the Reduction and Reuse of Energy in Institutional Data Centres Project (RARE-IDC) at the University of Hertfordshire. It outlines goals to lower energy costs and carbon emissions by refurbishing the de Havilland Data Centre, including virtualizing servers, relocating infrastructure, and building a more efficient "greener" data centre using sustainable materials and technologies like remote monitoring and modular cabinets. Timelines are provided for the project phases running from February 2009 through July 2010. Benefits are expected to include lower energy bills, increased skills and expertise in green technologies, and an enhanced reputation for the University.
1. Infrastructure & Enterprise Systems Richard Smeeton, Head of Infrastructure & Enterprise Systems Richard Stern Data Centre Project Manager LIS General Staff Meeting 2 nd July 2009
4. de Havilland Data Centre refurbishment - a new modern data centre Reduction and Re-use of Energy in Institutional Data Centres Project JISC RARE-IDC project will help us to increase efficiency, lower costs and reduce the University’s carbon footprint
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Hinweis der Redaktion
Introduction by Richard Smeeton
Hello, For those that don’t know me , my name is Richard Stern I am the Data Centre Project Manager and I would like to talk to you about our Reduction and Re-use of Energy in Institutional Data Centres Project. Known as RARE IDC
But first let me explain a bit about data centres. Quite simply, they are critical to the running of the University. They provide the infrastructure that supports every digital application and service on and off-campus, from email to StudyNet, e-books and student records. Data Centres also require upgrading to meet ever-increasing Information & Communications Technology (ICT) demands. They also consume a lot of energy which is costly in terms of money and valuable resources They can also produce a large amount of waste heat energy.
In order to meet the ever-increasing ICT demands of the University and to embrace new technologies it was agreed that the de Havilland Campus Data Centre would be refurbished this year. This provided an opportunity to introduce our second modern data centre, and to reduce the electrical and carbon footprint of the services it provides. Last year UH was awarded funding from the Joint Information Services Committee (JISC) to incorporate green technologies into the refurbishment of the de Havilland data centre. RARE-IDC will help us to reduce costs and reduce the University’s carbon footprint. In other words UH is kicking the CO2 habit.
The project is well underway and several key milestones have been completed successfully this year. Through a complex virtualisation project we have already reduced the number of servers we rely on through the introduction of virtual machines. And just a few weeks ago we undertook a major task to relocate our hardware to a “temporary” Data Centre. As you can see in this picture We did this over a weekend to ensure minimum disruption to users. The entire RARE-IDC project involves many people with different skills including Systems & Applications managers, Networking specialists, Technicians and Estates staff . Our achievements in 2009 are largely due to the skills of these people, effective teamwork and careful planning, plus a lot of long, unsociable hours underpinned by the team’s desire to make this project work!
Our remaining goals for 2009/10 are: Complete refurbishment of a new “Greener” Data Centre at the De Havilland Campus. Sustainability must lie at the heart of our new Data Centre. Lower our Carbon Emissions and footprint Reduce cost of running IT infrastructure. Enhancing existing processes; for instance using the ITIL standards we aim to strengthen and standardise the way we work. Wider collaboration
Here are just some of the things we need to consider to achieve these ambitious goals Supporting the UH aim to reduce carbon emissions by 20% before 2012 Build “Green” technologies into the refurbishment of the De Havilland Data Centre and all Future I.T. Systems. Through efficient planning we minimise the impact and interruptions to the users/business. A sustainable approach will bring significant challenges., but in turn be exciting and innovative. For example, our material selections will be based not only on performance but considerations of a high recycled or rapidly renewable content low environmental impact, low carbon impact and longer lifespan. RARE-IDC is a JISC-funded project and as such we need to meet certain criteria. In particular we need to share our story with other institutions in the Higher Educational sector. One step we have taken is to build an externally-facing website.
Here are just some of the more detailed things we need to do to achieve these ambitious goals Data centres produce a lot of waste heat. We have to keep the equipment and the environment cool for optimum performance, so we are considering a number of new options including: Using an external wall to introduce cool air into the data centre Water-cooled chiller systems Self Contained “Cubes”. This is a very beautiful picture – believe me! Here there’s no need to cool a whole room. You only have to cool one box, not the whole room and the waste heat can be extracted via a duct above the module. And then there’s cabinets – just as beautiful as the cubes! Cabinets are where IT servers are securely stored and managed. Modular cabinet cabling infrastructure design resulting in reduction of copper cabling. Cabinet level power and temperature monitoring will enable more efficient space planning and ensure early warnings are generated within the Data Centre in the event of power of cooling issues as well as enhanced security.
What are the high-level timeframes? We are working to schedule and here we can see some of the project milestones Feb - July ’09 Relocation of the existing dH Data Centre “Now Completed”. Aug ’09 Completion of 1 st phase feasibility studies. Jan ’10 Refurbishment begins. July ’10 Project issues final report.
What are the benefits? Lower energy bills – not just in Data Centre Applying the techniques and technologies to other facilities across campus. Increased skills within the University. “ Green” expertise Innovation Positive attitude to changing environments / working practices. Knowledge sharing with other higher Education institutions working on similar or mutually beneficial schemes. National and international prestige and enhancing this University’s reputation for pioneering development. Thinking “Greener” will also help in our private lives and allow us to save money at home. We can all kick the C02 habit!
