The challenge of powering energy-intensive AI data centers is a growing concern for companies like Microsoft and Oracle that are exploring options like nuclear power, but now, researchers at the Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA) in Spain and the Mision Critica Data Center in Bogotá, Colombia has approached the energy issue differently.
Instead of focusing on powering a data center, they are exploring how these facilities can generate their own electricity by harnessing the airflow produced by cooling fans, effectively converting waste wind into a renewable energy source.
Common HVAC systems in data centers exhaust hot air outside, creating a constant, untapped wind resource that can be converted into electricity. In a case study from a Colombian data center, researchers used vertical-axis Tesup V7 wind turbines to capture this residual human-generated wind. The turbines, installed on top of chillers, were chosen because they minimized size and weight and maximized electricity generation.
Apply the method to other industries.
The amount of gross electricity produced annually by six wind turbines was 513.82 MWh from artificial airflow, exceeding the power consumption of the facility's fans and providing a surplus of 131.2 MWh. The authors suggest that this recycled energy can be used for other electrical needs within the data center or injected into the electrical grid.
The study, published in the journal Scientific ReportsHe also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits. By the third year, a positive cash flow is achieved, with an impressive internal rate of return of 50.69%. From an environmental perspective, the system reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 300 metric tons per year.
The authors say this approach not only offers a sustainable energy solution, but also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting clean energy and climate action. They say that the possibility of applying this method to other industries with similar air flows could significantly affect global energy consumption.
“By adopting proactive policies and encouraging innovation, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact, save energy and move towards a more sustainable world for future generations,” the report concludes.
