Centersquare: Data Center Cooling Optimization Saves Energy and Cuts Costs in Mesa, AZ

Solutions

As a result of the energy audit, the engineering firm proposed two primary measures: airflow optimization in the data hall and chilled water optimization in the chiller plant. Implementation involved deploying a dynamic cooling management system to regulate Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH) supply fans based on real-time temperature data. This system, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, dynamically adjusts cooling to align with IT loads as co-location customer’s IT heat loads change over time, resulting in substantial energy savings.

Substantial rebates from the local utility encouraged implementation and supported the project timeline, from approval to installation. Staffing involved both internal data center personnel and third-party technicians.

Implementation of the cooling optimization project at Centersquare faced barriers including initial cost approvals, delays in utility administrative processes, and the need for permission and rebate access shared with their tenant. Internal teams at Centersquare managed significant planning and administrative duties alongside third-party technician supervision. Initial challenges in the measurement and verification process led to uncertainty regarding the project's effectiveness and eligibility for utility grants due to insufficient data.

Upon audit completion, the engineering firm conducted a measurement and verification plan, confirming over 1,240 MWh of annual energy savings, ensuring a favorable payback. Centersquare's success earned them recognition from their local utility. The dynamic cooling system implementation resulted in significant energy savings to the non-IT energy load and increased IT equipment deployment capacity.

Sustained Impact

Centersquare's Mesa site's energy-efficient measures have yielded significant organizational savings by optimizing fan speeds and managing electric loads, unlocking trapped electric capacity for greater IT equipment deployment. Leveraging fan affinity laws demonstrates a sustainable approach to reducing energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency.

ANNUAL ENERGY USE

ANNUAL ENERGY COST

ANNUAL WATER USE

ANNUAL WATER COST

ANNUAL PLANT ELECTRICITY USE

ANNUAL PLANT ELECTRICITY COST

IN BUILDING ENERGY USE

IN BUILDING ENERGY COST

ACROSS NETWORK USE

ACROSS NETWORK COST

ANNUAL EMISSIONS

USE

COST

Centersquare: Data Center Cooling Optimization Saves Energy and Cuts Costs in Mesa, AZ

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