Data Center Peak Power Management with Energy Storage Devices

Abstract

Recently, researchers proposed using energy storage devices in data centers to reduce their maximum power demand. ESDs enable data centers to set smaller power budgets, because they provide additional energy when demand is higher than the budget. This article surveys previous studies and analyzes this methodology's economic feasibility from three perspectives. First, the author compares ESDs based on their ability to manage data center peak power. Then, he demonstrates that peak shaving benefits might differ based on data center usage and ownership. Finally, he analyzes data centers that participate in electric utility programs with their ESDs to obtain additional savings.