Electricity and Control October 2024

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Systems engineering for energy efficient data centres

Data centres have become major power consumers and power management companies involved in designing energy systems for them need to focus on optimising en ergy efficiency comprehensively. In this regard, Eaton has introduced what it refers to as the ‘Power of Six’: a set of six principles that form the foundation of its systematic approach to data centre design. With this approach, it takes account of South Africa’s power infrastructure environment and seeks to advance the development of “self-aware and self optimised data centres”. Jaco du Plooy, Product Marketing Manager at Eaton Africa, explains how, using its systems engineering approach, Eaton can de-risk the design, reduce com plexity, and optimise the performance of data centres. The approach includes a digital layer, such as Eaton’s Brightlayer Data Centres suite, to manage complex ecosystems of IT and OT assets and provide full system visibility. Design of critical power system components The first principle focuses on understanding the char acteristics, behaviours, and impacts of critical compo nents in power systems. By doing so, performance can be optimised, energy efficiency enhanced, and IT needs effectively met. This involves using data analytics in the operational phase to improve efficiency, maximise us age, and anticipate problems. As the first principle, it is fundamental. Asset management and condition-based monitoring This points to the need to incorporate a digital layer into power management systems to enable asset monitoring and management and provide for proactive measures to increase lifespan and optimise performance. Continuous monitoring and maintenance support optimum efficiency and identify potential risks. With the further use of digital AX8820 regenerative units can be operated in parallel to adapt the regenerative power optimally to the needs of the machine. No communication via EtherCAT is required to carry out energy recovery. However, extended parameterisation – to adapt the voltage levels to the connected devices, for example – can be done via EtherCAT. With the help of the extended diagnostics via EtherCAT, the current regenerative energy can also be analysed. The online data can be used to record the timing of the machine processes. This means an investigation can be conducted to see whether the efficiency of the machine can be increased by staggering the machine processes. Continued from page 16

twinning, AI, and machine learning, performance can be optimised from the design stage, potential equipment issues can be identified and energy ef ficiency tracked by monitoring consumption. System design This third principle encourages a broader system design approach, considering interdependencies beyond the power train. Properly integrated com ponents minimise energy wastage and ensure efficient use of high-power loads like cooling, reducing demand on the power train. A well-designed, integrated system reduces component failure, optimises usage, and pro longs lifespan, contributing to operational and sustain ability goals. Improved communication between system components can reduce data latency and optimise sys tem performance. Energy efficiency A systems engineering approach helps achieve sustain ability goals and reduce operational costs by minimising power losses and optimising system efficiency. Select ing the right equipment, using copper busbars in low voltage systems, for instance, can significantly improve efficiency. The digital software platform should monitor and manage energy efficiency and prevent power distri bution losses. Systems engineering enables significant energy savings and drives overall system performance. Integration with renewables It is essential to integrate renewable energy sources into the power ecosystem. Properly done, this provides resil ient and reliable power, reducing the likelihood of outag es. The reduced rotating mass and inertia in renewables affect power flow quality, with less frequency control and more volatility. Managing the variability of supply and en suring grid stability requires a comprehensive approach, considering the impacts on harmonics and voltage fluc tuations from inverter-based power sources. Flexible and dynamic design A flexible and dynamic design approach accommodates changing demands and emerging technologies like AI. Staying adaptable ensures solutions remain relevant and effective in rapidly evolving environments. Eaton’s products address the challenges of variable loads due to fluctuations in demand and generation, optimising sys tem operation, voltage levels, and power losses. “To achieve self-aware and self-optimised data cen tres, the industry must shift towards systems-based design. Embracing a set of principles and adopting a systems mindset is constructive and the Power of Six, as a guideline, enables this. It drives operational value and delivers intelligent, actionable insights from the data. Adapting to evolving power and environmental demands requires a new way of thinking,” says du Plooy. □

Jaco du Plooy, Product Marketing Manager at Eaton Africa.

For more information visit: www.beckhoff.com

OCTOBER 2024 Electricity + Control

17