The new energy-saving way achieved by changing computer culture (saving energy by changing the computer room environment)

This paper describes how major savings of energy can be achieved by raising temperatures in computer rooms, this leading to a reduction in the power consumed by air-conditioners. For many years it has been thought that computer room temperatures should be set at a low level such as 23-24°C when computers are in operation. The authors researched actual situations in computer rooms while also reviewing technical aspects and those of reliability with eight leading computer system manufacturers. The results led them to conclude that no problems would arise if the room temperature were increased to an upper limit of 28°C. As far as this new way is concerned, trial estimations indicate that about 600 MW of demand could be saved within the service area of TEPCO if computer-using customers could be persuaded to raise computer room temperatures from the ordinary 23-24°C to an upper limit of 28°C. Furthermore, the authors also studied measures to improve the system of air-conditioning in computer rooms, as a result of which they presented and evaluated a new type of air conditioner which can offer much in saving of energy compared to conventional systems