Researchers Speed Up the Chase for Cooler Data Centers

"All of these things conspire to make sure that you are using your resources in the most efficient way," Healy says.

That's why more efficient cooling has become a key problem for information-technology companies. Different companies are tackling the problem in different ways. Intel has focused on more efficient processors and methods of cooling processors on chip. Server manufacturers are focusing on creating more compact machines that can be cooled efficiently. And facility architects are finding better configurations that save on cooling costs.

Georgia Tech's Joshi aims to reduce data center cooling costs by more than 15 percent. They are making good progress: The research group has found a way of configuring cabinets in the data center to increase air-cooling efficiency. Rather than long rows of server racks with hot air exiting the cabinets on one side and cool air entering on the other, Joshi and his colleagues found that four cabinets arranged in a plus formation, with cool air entering from the middle, works best.

"Just by changing the arrangement, you can get 20 to 30 percent lower energy costs," he said. "In some cases, it can be even more."

It's a holistic approach to tackling the cooling problem, and one that other researchers are following as well. Working with IBMIBM, Syracuse University has embarked on a project to half the energy costs for its on-campus data center. Announced on May 29, the project will incorporate on-site power generation and a liquid cooling system that pumps chilled water to heat exchangers on the rear of the server cabinets. Alles zu IBM auf CIO.de