Under the increasing demand for artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers have emerged as crucial players in the landscape of modern computing. These vast facilities, often exceeding one million square feet, are equipped with thousands of servers that manage immense datasets necessary for advancing technologies and analytics. Their ability to process and analyze information at such a massive scale is revolutionary, yet it comes with significant challenges, most notably the substantial power requirements integral to their operations.
Saskia Putri, a fourth-year PhD student at Lehigh University, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Her research focuses on the unique load dynamics of data centers, which can present severe fluctuations in power needs, particularly during processes such as training complex AI models. This abrupt surge in energy consumption can induce instability within local electrical grids, prompting a critical need for innovative energy solutions specialized for these particular environments.
Putri’s investigation is part of a collaborative research initiative sponsored by Siemens, a prominent figure in automation and energy technology. Under the mentorship of Farrah Moazeni, an assistant professor at Lehigh’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, and in collaboration with Javad Khazaei, another assistant professor specializing in electrical and computer engineering, this project explores advancements in microgrid technology aimed at creating more resilient energy systems.
Siemens’ one-year research project empowers Putri to contribute directly to the development of a data center microgrid. A microgrid stands out as a localized energy network that can partially or completely operate independently from the central power grid. Putri’s role includes modeling and simulating these microgrids, focusing on embedding real-time control systems that bolster the stability and reliability of energy provision to intensive computational operations, such as AI processing.
The need for such microgrid systems is underscored by the fluctuating energy requirements during periods of high computational demand. A profound goal of this research is to establish a robust real-time monitoring tool. This tool aims to alert users before potential disturbances or maintenance issues arise, thereby ensuring operational continuity. “We strive to create a system that is not only reliable but also capable of anticipating and managing changes in energy demands instantaneously, which is essential for maintaining stable voltage levels,” Putri explains.
Throughout her fellowship, Putri will engage in multiple collaborations with Siemens’ R&D teams to refine her microgrid models. Utilizing the resources from Moazeni’s Interconnected Critical Infrastructure Systems Engineering (CONCISE) Laboratory and Khazaei’s Integrated, Resilient, and Intelligent Energy Systems (INTEGRITY) Laboratory at Lehigh, she will leverage the university’s own data center as a practical testing environment. This hands-on approach will allow her to validate her simulations against real operational data, refining her innovations further.
The research collaborative effort epitomizes the mutually advantageous relationship between academia and industry, a crucial theme that has been discussed in national workshops focused on enhancing the synergy of these fields. For Siemens, this partnership allows the integration of cutting-edge control and optimization algorithms into their existing software and hardware, facilitating the transition from theoretical research to practical application.
Data centers currently account for approximately 1.5 percent of global energy consumption, as reported by the International Energy Agency, and this figure is projected to climb exponentially with the surging demand for AI and computational power. This significant energy footprint highlights the urgency of finding sustainable power solutions. “By putting in place microgrid systems, we can harness renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, alongside energy storage systems. This system configuration allows us to maximize energy efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions,” Putri emphasizes.
The partnership with Siemens not only provides an opportunity for practical skills development but also extends Putri’s understanding of the industry’s complex energy demands. Her reflections on this collaborative experience reveal a deep fascination with how advanced algorithms can be deployed to enhance energy stability and sustainability in infrastructures predominately influenced by artificial intelligence.
As Putri contemplates her future career paths in academia versus industry, she recognizes the invaluable insight she gains from this partnership. She sees her fellowship as a bridge to explore the operational realities within a major corporation prioritizing research and development, aligning with her personal passion for innovation. “Working alongside professionals who are eager to implement new ideas means I can contribute to meaningful advancements, particularly in making data center operations more environmentally friendly and grid-compatible,” asserts Putri.
The intricate design challenges inherent in modeling hyperscale data center microgrids represent uncharted territory, with Putri’s work positioning her at the cutting edge of energy engineering and computational infrastructure. Her academic pursuits are fueled by the ambition to marry artificial intelligence with energy system design, a revolutionary step that promises significant ramifications for the future of energy consumption in data-intensive sectors.
In the broader context, this research underscores the importance of evolving our traditional energy paradigms. As industries worldwide tilt toward greater reliance on artificial intelligence and automated systems, the necessity for innovative energy solutions is becoming increasingly pronounced. This partnership signifies just one of many steps towards exploring sustainable energy infrastructure aligned with the demands of modern technology.
The findings and innovations that will emerge from these collaborative efforts could reshape how data centers interact with conventional power networks, paving the way for a more energy-efficient and resilient future amidst the growing technological landscape. Through her tenure at Lehigh and her partnership with Siemens, Putri is poised to contribute significantly to this transformative journey.
Subject of Research: Advancements in Microgrid Technology for Data Centers
Article Title: Lehigh University’s Innovative Approach to Sustainable Data Center Energy Solutions
News Publication Date: October 2023
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Image Credits: Lehigh University
Keywords
Applied Sciences, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Energy Infrastructure, Power Industry, Civil Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Adaptive Systems, Electrical Engineering, Energy Storage, Alternative Energy, Renewable Energy, Scientific Collaboration
Tags: AI data center power requirementsautomation and energy technology partnershipelectrical grid stability challengeshyperscale data centers energy consumptioninnovative energy solutions for data centersLehigh University microgrid researchlocal electrical grid innovationsP.C. Rossin College of Engineering initiativesPhD research on load dynamicsSaskia Putri energy researchSiemens collaboration energy solutionstraining AI models power fluctuations
