Department of Software Engineering
Kirirom Institute of Technology, Kampong Speu
Cambodia
CASE STUDY ON EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN DATA CENTERS: AN ANALYSIS OF
FACEBOOK'S PRINEVILLE AND GOOGLE'S HAMINA
Course Coordinator:
Dr. Anusooya G,
Kirirom Institute of Technology,
Kampong Speu
Date of Submission:
Submitted by:
Hin Chanritheavuth
ID. No.: 2103220011
11th April, 2023
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 3
1.1. Background and Context............................................................................... 3
1.2. Purpose and Objectives................................................................................. 4
1.3. Scope and Methodology................................................................................ 4
2. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND COOLING SYSTEM....................................5
2.1. Overview of Sustainable Design Principles.................................................. 5
2.2. Facebook's Prineville Data Center.................................................................5
2.3. Google's Hamina Data Center....................................................................... 5
2.4. Comparison and Analysis..............................................................................6
3. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES................................................................6
4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES............................................................. 8
4.1. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)................................................................ 8
4.2. Facebook's PUE in Prineville Data Center....................................................8
4.3. Google's PUE in Hamina Data Center...........................................................8
4.4. Comparison and Analysis..............................................................................9
5. CONCLUSION.................................................................................................... 9
5.1. Key Findings................................................................................................. 9
5.2. Implications and Recommendations..............................................................9
5.3. Limitations and Future Research.................................................................10
6. REFERENCES.................................................................................................. 10
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1.
Background and Context
The increasing reliance on technology has led to the rise of data
centers as critical components of the digital infrastructure. However,
data centers consume significant amounts of energy, which can lead to
environmental impacts and contribute to climate change. Therefore,
there is a growing need to improve the efficiency and sustainability of
data centers. Many companies are implementing initiatives to reduce
energy consumption and carbon emissions, such as the use of
renewable energy sources and the adoption of energy-efficient designs
and technologies.
1.2.
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this case study is to analyze the efficiency and
sustainability of two prominent data centers: Facebook's Prineville
data center and Google's Hamina data center. The study aims to
identify and compare the strategies and technologies used by these
companies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their data
centers, as well as their environmental impact. The case study also
aims to provide insights and recommendations for other data center
operators to improve their sustainability and energy efficiency
practices.
1.3.
Scope and Methodology
This case study focuses on the sustainability and energy
efficiency practices implemented by Facebook and Google in their
Prineville and Hamina data centers, respectively. The study employs a
qualitative research methodology, using data from official websites,
industry reports, academic articles, and government publications to
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analyze the strategies and technologies used by these companies to
improve their efficiency and sustainability. The analysis includes a
comparison of the energy sources used, the design and construction of
the data centers, the cooling and ventilation systems, and the
renewable energy initiatives implemented by the companies. The
study also examines the environmental impact of these data centers
and the measures taken to mitigate their carbon emissions.
2. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND COOLING
SYSTEM
2.1.
Overview of Sustainable Design Principles
Sustainable design principles for data centers aim to minimize
their environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and
carbon emissions. These principles include the use of renewable
energy sources, energy-efficient designs, and technologies, and the
optimization of cooling systems.
2.2.
Facebook's Prineville Data Center
Facebook's Prineville data center was designed with
sustainability in mind. The facility uses 100% renewable energy from
wind and solar sources, and the company has committed to reaching
net-zero carbon emissions for all its operations by 2030. The data
center's design features innovative technologies such as evaporative
cooling systems and power-efficient servers, which help to reduce
energy consumption. The facility also uses a water conservation
strategy, where wastewater is treated and reused for cooling purposes.
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2.3.
Google's Hamina Data Center
Google's Hamina data center is also designed with
sustainability in mind. The facility uses 100% carbon-free electricity,
including wind and solar power, and has been awarded LEED Gold
certification for its sustainable design. The data center features a
cooling system that uses seawater from the Gulf of Finland, which
helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to
traditional cooling systems. The facility also employs energy-efficient
server designs and advanced software to optimize energy
consumption.
2.4.
Comparison and Analysis
Both Facebook's Prineville data center and Google's Hamina
data center use sustainable design principles and technologies to
reduce their environmental impact. Both facilities use 100%
renewable or carbon-free electricity, and employ energy-efficient
server designs and advanced cooling systems. However, Facebook's
Prineville data center uses evaporative cooling systems and a water
conservation strategy, while Google's Hamina data center uses
seawater cooling. The choice of cooling systems is determined by the
availability of local resources and climate conditions.
Overall, both data centers demonstrate the potential for
sustainable design principles and technologies to reduce the
environmental impact of data centers. These practices can also lead to
cost savings, as energy-efficient designs can help to reduce energy
consumption and operational costs. However, the effectiveness of
these practices depends on the specific context and availability of
local resources, as well as the commitment of data center operators to
sustainability goals.
3. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
3.1.
Importance of Renewable Energy in Data Centers
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3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and
hydropower, play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact
of data centers. The use of renewable energy sources can significantly
reduce carbon emissions and help data centers achieve sustainability
goals.
Wind Energy at Facebook's Prineville Data Center
Facebook's Prineville data center is powered by 100%
renewable energy sources, including wind power. The company has
invested in several wind farms in the region to provide renewable
energy for its data center. The wind turbines generate electricity,
which is fed into the local grid and distributed to the data center. By
using wind energy, Facebook is able to reduce its carbon emissions
and achieve its sustainability goals.
Wind and Hydropower at Google's Hamina Data Center
Google's Hamina data center also uses renewable energy
sources, including wind and hydropower. The facility is powered by
100% carbon-free electricity, sourced from wind farms in the region
and hydropower from nearby rivers. The company has also invested in
several wind and hydropower projects in the area to support the local
community and promote the use of renewable energy sources.
Comparison and Analysis
Both Facebook's Prineville data center and Google's Hamina
data center demonstrate the importance of renewable energy sources
in reducing the environmental impact of data centers. Both facilities
use 100% renewable or carbon-free electricity, with Facebook relying
on wind power and Google utilizing a combination of wind and
hydropower. Both companies have also invested in renewable energy
projects in the regions where their data centers are located.
The choice of renewable energy sources is determined by the
availability of local resources and the company's sustainability goals.
Facebook's Prineville data center is located in a region with abundant
wind resources, making wind power a viable and cost-effective
option. Google's Hamina data center is located in a region with both
wind and hydropower resources, allowing the company to diversify its
renewable energy sources.
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In conclusion, the use of renewable energy sources is essential
for data centers to reduce their environmental impact and achieve
sustainability goals. The choice of renewable energy sources depends
on the availability of local resources and the company's sustainability
goals. Both Facebook's Prineville data center and Google's Hamina
data center demonstrate the potential of renewable energy sources to
power data centers sustainably.
4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES
4.1.
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a metric used to measure
the energy efficiency of a data center. PUE is calculated by dividing
the total energy consumed by the data center by the energy consumed
by the IT equipment. A lower PUE indicates higher energy efficiency,
as less energy is wasted on non-IT equipment such as cooling and
lighting.
4.2.
Facebook's PUE in Prineville Data Center
Facebook's Prineville data center has a PUE of 1.07, which is
considered very efficient. The data center uses several energy
efficiency measures, including evaporative cooling systems, aisle
containment, and efficient power distribution. The evaporative cooling
systems use outside air to cool the facility, reducing the need for
energy-intensive mechanical cooling. Aisle containment helps to
separate hot and cold air streams, improving cooling efficiency.
Efficient power distribution systems help to reduce energy losses and
improve overall energy efficiency.
4.3.
Google's PUE in Hamina Data Center
Google's Hamina data center has a PUE of 1.15, which is also
considered very efficient. The data center uses several energy
efficiency measures, including free cooling systems, hot aisle
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containment, and efficient power distribution. The free cooling
systems use outside air to cool the facility, reducing the need for
mechanical cooling. Hot aisle containment helps to separate hot and
cold air streams, improving cooling efficiency. Efficient power
distribution systems help to reduce energy losses and improve overall
energy efficiency.
4.4.
Comparison and Analysis
Both Facebook's Prineville data center and Google's Hamina
data center are highly efficient, with PUEs of 1.07 and 1.15,
respectively. Both data centers use similar energy efficiency measures,
such as free cooling systems and aisle containment, to improve energy
efficiency. The main difference between the two data centers is their
use of different cooling systems - Facebook's Prineville data center
uses evaporative cooling systems, while Google's Hamina data center
uses free cooling systems.
Overall, both Facebook and Google have demonstrated a strong
commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability in their data
centers. Through the use of energy efficiency measures and renewable
energy sources, both companies have achieved significant reductions
in carbon emissions and are leading the way towards a more
sustainable future for the data center industry.
5. CONCLUSION
5.1.
Key Findings
This case study has highlighted the sustainable design and
energy efficiency measures implemented by Facebook's Prineville and
Google's Hamina data centers, as well as their use of renewable
energy sources. Both companies have demonstrated a strong
commitment to sustainability and have made significant progress in
reducing their environmental impact. Through a comparison and
analysis of their sustainability practices, key findings include the
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importance of renewable energy sources, the adoption of energy
efficiency measures such as PUE, and the implementation of
sustainable design principles.
5.2.
Implications and Recommendations
The implications of this case study suggest that data center
operators should prioritize sustainability in their operations by
adopting energy-efficient technologies and using renewable energy
sources. Strategies for improving water management should also be
considered. Companies should set ambitious targets for reducing their
carbon footprint and work towards achieving them. Collaboration with
other companies, policymakers, and communities can also help to
accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.
5.3.
Limitations and Future Research
The limitations of this case study include the limited scope of
the analysis, as only two data centers were examined. Future research
could expand the scope to include a larger number of data centers and
incorporate a more comprehensive analysis of sustainability practices.
In addition, further research could explore the social and economic
implications of sustainable data center practices.
6. REFERENCES
● "Facebook’s Prineville Data Center Achieves 100% Renewable Energy."
Facebook, 2020.
https://about.fb.com/news/2020/05/prineville-data-center-renewable-energy/
● "Google's Hamina Data Center: A Model of Energy Efficiency." Google,
2018.
https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/google-green/hamina-data-cent
er-model-energy-efficiency/
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● Koomey, Jonathan G. "Estimating Total Power Consumption by Servers in
the US and the World." Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2007.
https://eta.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/publications/lbnl-61986.pdf
● "The Green Grid: Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) White Paper." The
Green Grid, 2010.
https://www.thegreengrid.org/globalassets/global/gg_pue_wp_web.pdf
● Shehabi, Arman, et al. "United States Data Center Energy Usage Report."
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2016.
https://eta.lbl.gov/publications/united-states-data-center-energy-usage-report
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