Load dependent data center energy efficiency metric based on component models

Abstract

Common data center energy efficiency metrics only work on a high abstraction level and require actually measured values. With these metrics, it is not possible to identify the sources of shortcomings in efficiency or to explore possible changes in configuration or architecture, respectively. In this paper, an alternative metric addressing these drawbacks is introduced. The metric makes use of pre-characterized load dependent component models and estimates efficiency for arbitrary input data. The results are objectively comparable between different data center configurations as well as between data center sites, and reasons for inefficiencies may be identified by extracting intermediate results.