We have been observing exponential growth in digital services for several years now. This is also driving the energy requirements of data centres to unprecedented heights. The three main drivers have been identified:
• Web conferencing,
• the use of artificial intelligence (AI),
• blockchain technologies.
For example, the annual electricity consumption of the Bitcoin network has increased almost twenty-fold since 2017 from 6.6 TWh to over 120 TWh – its energy consumption is higher than that of countries such as Belgium or New Zealand.
This development not only presents data centre operators with infrastructural challenges, but also tightens regulatory and environmental requirements. Precise, automated and interoperable energy management is therefore essential for them.
Modular approach for holistic energy and condition monitoring
The DAMS C platform offers a way to quickly gain more transparency into the energy situation in the data centre. It addresses these requirements with a modular energy management system that enables both horizontal and vertical integration. The system:
- records and aggregates measurement, consumption and sensor data via standardised protocols such as SNMP, M-Bus and ModBus,
- visualises and analyses data in real time via configurable dashboards and 3D models and
- monitors based on rules and provides automated alarms in the event of limit value violations.
Support for multiple protocols enables the seamless integration of heterogeneous field devices – from PDUs and UPSs to air conditioning components – and enables continuous status monitoring at a physical and logical level.
From raw data to reliable KPIs
However, the mere collection of large amounts of data is of little use if it is not analysed in a structured manner at the same time. DAMS C utilises the analysis functions of the WiriTec C platform, which was specially developed for use in energy intensive infrastructures. Your dashboards combine:
- Time series analyses (e.g. load profiles, temperature curves),
- interactive operating elements (sliders, level indicators),
- context-based colour scales for evaluating operating states.
In addition, measured values can be embedded directly in the 3D visualisation of the data centre – for example to display hotspots, airflow curves or door statuses of individual racks.
Operationalisation of key energy figures
A central feature is the rule-based monitoring: individually definable threshold values, tolerance bands and target ranges allow critical conditions to be identified at an early stage. Notification is automated via defined escalation paths. A powerful formula editor calculates economically and ecologically relevant KPIs such as
- PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness),
- CUE (Carbon Usage Effectiveness),
- EUE (Energy Usage Effectiveness).
It allows the dynamic linking of any measured variables and also supports complex mathematical models, so that analyses are comprehensive and informative.
Complete package for energy management in data centres
This comprehensive range of services in DAMS C creates a scalable, open-protocol and highly configurable solution for energy management in data centres. The combination of real-time monitoring, automated analysis and KPI-oriented evaluation makes the platform a strategic tool for all data centre managers who need to keep an eye on efficiency, sustainability and operational reliability in equal measure.
Picture: speedikon FM AG
