Researchers manage to generate 500 MWh annually from a single data center by harnessing wasted wind energy, suggesting its use as residual power generators.
The researchers installed lightweight turbines in coolers.
The issue of how to provide power to energy-hungry data centers is a growing concern for companies like Microsoft and Oracle, which are considering options such as nuclear energy. However, researchers from the Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA) in Spain and Mision Critica-Data Center in Bogotá, Colombia, have approached the energy problem from a different perspective. Instead of focusing on how to supply power to a data center, their research explores the possibility of these facilities generating their own electricity by harnessing the airflow produced by cooling fans, thereby transforming residual wind into a renewable energy source.
Cooling systems, which are common in data centers, expel hot air outside, creating a continuous and untapped wind resource that can be converted into electricity. In a case study of a Colombian data center, the researchers used Tesup V7 vertical axis wind turbines to capture this artificial wind. These turbines, installed on the coolers, were chosen for their ability to maximize electricity generation while minimizing size and weight.
The results indicated that in one year, the amount of electricity generated annually by six wind turbines was 513.82 MWh from the artificial airflow, exceeding the energy consumption of the facility's fans and generating a surplus of 131.2 MWh. The authors suggest that this recycled energy can be used for other electrical needs within the data center or injected into the power grid.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the system. A positive cash flow is projected to be achieved in the third year, with a remarkable internal rate of return of 50.69%. Environmentally, this system reduces CO2 emissions by around 300 metric tons annually.
The authors indicate that this approach not only offers a sustainable energy solution but also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting clean energy and climate action. Additionally, they emphasize that applying this method to other industries with similar airflow could significantly impact global energy consumption. They conclude that by adopting proactive policies and incentivizing innovation, it is possible to considerably reduce our environmental impact, save energy, and move towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.
