As these digital services expand, the size and number of data centers is growing rapidly. It takes a lot to power a data center, classified by electric utilities as “large loads” (requiring far more power than average consumers).
HVAC
Constant cooling is needed to ensure the servers function properly.
Servers
Servers are the “brains” of the data center, running applications to processing date 24/7. Each rack of servers can consume 10-30 kW, enough to power a small home or grain mill. A large data center may have thousands of server racks.
Infrastructure
Data centers often require new electrical infrastructure to accommodate their power needs.
Water source
Many large data centers are deploying evaporative cooling, which is more efficient than compressor-based systems.
Backup power
On-site generators keep data centers running during system outages and can be used to curtail load during peaks.
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