An innovative University of Hull cooling system has helped Hull City Council reduce electricity consumption at its data centre by as much as 80 per cent.
Using a super-performance Dew Point Cooling system, developed at the University’s Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies, Hull City Council has saved more than £50,000 in electricity cooling costs, and has reduced its carbon footprint by 82.5 tonnes a year.
The technology was first tested at the University’s Aura Innovation Centre in Hessle, before the trial was extended to Hull City Council’s data centre in the city centre.
Dr Zishang Zhu, senior research fellow at the University of Hull, said: “This project is the culmination of 15 years of work at the University, developing the technology to a point where we could demonstrate its potential at our own Aura Innovation Centre.
“After the success of that pilot project, the next step was applying the same technology to Hull City Council’s data centre. The savings, both in carbon emissions and cost, have been hugely impressive.
“We have now been able to demonstrate, in a real-world environment, the potential this cooling technology has. It can offer enormous benefits to companies, both from an environmental and financial point of view.”
The Dew Point Cooling technology can lead to an 80-90 per cent reduction in electricity consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional cooling systems.
For the project, two 4kW dew point coolers were installed at the Aura Innovation Centre, to service its computer room.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, portfolio holder for environmental services at Hull City Council, said: “Hull companies and organisations are leading the way when it comes to green technologies and innovation.
“As a local authority, we are committed to championing new green technologies and putting them into practice ourselves. I’m delighted that we have been able to work with the University of Hull on this project which demonstrates not only that green innovation works, but also how it can significantly benefit us.”
The second pilot – at Hull City Council’s data centre – saw the installation of a 100kw cooling system.
The technology has saved the council £149 per day in its electricity cooling costs – equivalent to £54,000 per year.
