How Lighting Proves to Be an Energy Saver in Data Centers

When facility managers look to reducing the energy consumption in their data centers, they often miss a critical aspect – lighting of the facility. This is probably due to the fact that lighting consumes only 3-5% of the total electrical load supplied to the average data center, with most of the rest consumed by servers and cooling equipment inside the data center.

Data center lighting can be a key parameter in the development of smart data centers. Smart data centers are facilities that use automation to reduce power consumption. Lighting is one of the areas with potential for power reduction via automation.

Some data centers are now using intelligent lighting systems that connect LED lighting through a direct current (DC) network. This enables the data center to create the effect of daylight spectrum inside the facility in a more streamlined and efficient manner than fluorescent bulbs. Such lighting systems also improve detection of failures in lighting.

Other data centers combine LED networks with an intelligent motion sensor or occupancy sensor that activates the lighting system in the presence of staff in particular areas. When no one is around, the lighting automatically switches off, thus saving power.

Lighting needs may vary in some data centers based on time of the day or particular periods of a month or year. Administrative areas in the data center can be designed to utilize daylight to the maximum to reduce power consumption as well.

In short, lighting can be integrated as a component of a much larger network of building intelligence, which allows organizations to accommodate technological advancements and space configurations much more efficiently, managing power costs along the way.

Interested in learning more about making your data center more efficient? Call the experts.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.