Evolution of Data Center Onsite Power Use

There are two major forces at play redefining how onsite power generation assets are applied in datacenters – the quest to decarbonize data centers,and the challenge of an insufficient power grid.
Today, diesel generator sets are the predominant standby power source in a typical data center and run only a few hours per year to meet emergency grid outages and equipment exercising regimens; but also because their operation may be limited by national and local air quality regulations. As such,data center operators are assessing how onsite power generation systems can be leveraged beyond conventional use and contribute to meeting their sustainability goals and address the challenges of an insufficient grid. In this paper we will discuss these forces, the evolution of design and application of onsite power, and present viable alternative power generation technologies that may be deployed to address these challenges.

Evolution of Data Center Onsite Power Use  White paper by Rich Scroggins