Intelligent Data Centres Issue 59 | Page 54

Equinix uses AI to increase energy efficiency in Frankfurt Data Center and expands collaboration with etalytics

Equinix , a global digital infrastructure company , and Darmstadt-based energy intelligence start-up , etalytics , have announced the expansion of their collaboration to implement the AI-based cooling solution developed by etalytics in several further Equinix International Business Exchange ( IBX ) in Frankfurt to further optimise the locations ’ energy consumption and reduce CO 2 emissions .

Based on the technical feasibility tests carried out by etalytics – which concluded that its AI software can be integrated into nearly all Frankfurt-based Equinix data centres – the solution is planned to be initially expanded to all three Equinix data centres in the West campus ( FR4 , FR6 and FR8 ), expected to be followed by FR2.6 .
As a next step , Equinix plans to roll out the software in nearly all its Frankfurt facilities . Both partners are also exploring additional measures for energy efficiency improvements throughout Equinix data centres . energy supply required for cooling the data centre infrastructure . The AI system enables the cooling of the data centre to be regulated to the required level for 99 % of annual operation , creating a more efficient process .
For the pilot project ’ s promising results , Equinix was awarded by Deutsche Energie-Agentur ( dena ) with the prestigious Energy Efficiency Award in the category that recognises energy efficiency measures including through digitisation . The award ceremony , sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection ( BMWK ), honours outstanding entrepreneurial achievements and innovative strategies on the path to climate neutrality .
“ We love pioneering sustainability ,” said Jens-Peter Feidner , Managing Director , Equinix Germany . “ Launched well before any regulations or discussions about energy efficiency in data centres , this innovative collaborative project proves that Equinix ’ s ‘ Future First ’ strategy is a true promise and commitment to the company ’ s science-based sustainability goals . This is a promising example of the positive impact that digitalisation and new technologies such as AI can have on energy efficiency in the data centre industry .
When defining the savings of Equinix ’ s cooling systems , etalytics considers various cross-sectional technologies such as pumps , cooling towers or heat exchangers . The operating characteristics of these components are modelled using telemetry data and a digital twin of the overall system is learned . In turn , the digital image can be used to dynamically calculate optimum operating strategies in real-time , taking into account all influencing factors such as the ambient temperature , humidity or the cooling requirement to be covered . �
INTELLIGENT OPERATIONS
The expansion follows the successful trial run and implementation into live operations of the pilot project in Equinix ’ s FR6 Frankfurt data centre , which significantly improved the energy efficiency of the cooling supply system and thus reduced the overall PUE of the facility closer to 1.2 . Instead of the originally estimated energy consumption reduction potential of about 600MWh per year , the forecast was now increased to about 900MWh per year . Etalytics estimates that Equinix can potentially reduce the annual energy input of the affected cooling systems by up to 48 %.
The joint project was launched in 2020 , way ahead of regulations for energy efficiency in data centres , with the aim to reduce energy consumption by using AI software to monitor and optimise the
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