The adoption of alternative power generation technologies is continuing at a rapid pace. From gas turbines to fuel cells, ultra-reliable microgrids are disrupting the conventional electrical designs in modern data centers. Explore VIMRO’s consulting services to learn how you can deploy microgrid solutions in your next project.
As we build applications for global resiliency and failover capabilities in our technology infrastructures, all of us would like to achieve 100% availability in our electric plant design. Coupled with growing concerns about the stability and security of our power generation and distribution infrastructure, the cost of electricity will always be a critical component of data center operational expenses.
Traditional data center builds typically use one or more feeds from a major utility backed up by UPS/Batteries and Diesel generators. Modern alternatives are maturing fast and providing for alternative designs using gas turbine generators, fuel cells, and even nuclear power.
A gas turbine generator is typically supplied by natural gas, propane or even diesel fuel. The natural gas distribution network within the United States is extremely resilient, fed by significant reserves and has the capability to reroute around pipeline failures. Backup fuel can be held onsite as liquid propane or even diesel. Once the generation capacity begins to exceed about 20MW (Megawatts) of electricity, the overall pricing per kwh (kilowatt-hour) generated by Gas Turbines begins to match or beat utility grid pricing.
Summary:
Fuel Cells are an extremely clean and efficient technology generating electricity via a chemical reaction using either natural gas or pure hydrogen. Pure hydrogen does not generate any emissions and natural gas produces much lower emissions than fossil fuel combustion. Overall, no combustion byproducts result from fuel cell reactions.
Contact VIMRO to learn more about integrating Microgrids into your data center infrastructure.
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