Sydney, Australia [March 24, 2017] – Vertiv, formerly Emerson Network Power, today revealed that it has supported University of Melbourne’s data centre cooling upgrade, leading to a significant improvement in energy efficiency.
By installing Liebert® Electrically Commutated (EC) fans to the University’s computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units in place of traditional AC fans, the University was able to reduce its energy use by over 70 percent.
The University of Melbourne is the second oldest university in Australia, and consistently ranked internationally as the top University in the country, as well as among the top 50 worldwide. It engaged Vertiv to assess the potential power savings that could be achieved through modernising its data centre. Tests were conducted before and after the installation of EC fans to do this.
“We expect this to save us more than $2,000 per year,” said Mike Jerrard, operations lead at the University of Melbourne’s IT Department. “Along with cost savings, Vertiv is helping us achieve our 2016-20 Sustainability Plan, which will set pathways for the University's longer term sustainability objectives, including a transition to carbon neutrality by 2030.”
EC fans are more efficient than traditional AC fans as they use permanent magnets instead of a secondary magnetic field in the motor. Because they are electronically controlled, there is no need to waste energy to start the rotor, which leads to better efficiency and performance.
EC fans also do not require changes to the belt and pulley system – the equivalent of replacing a fan belt in a car. These need to be inspected at least once per year, often leading to a replacement. The process is lengthy and can take half a day or more. EC fans also have a longer service life than conventional AC fans, meaning reductions in maintenance cost and time.
“The University of Melbourne has a huge focus on energy efficiency,” said Robert Linsdell, managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Vertiv. “The renewable energy initiatives and movement away from carbon are testament to that, but the University also recognises that seemingly small changes like this in the data centre can have a major positive impact.”
“Education is an incredibly competitive sector, and taking initiatives like this to reduce costs and carbon footprints can pay huge dividends in staying ahead of the curve,” he added.
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About Vertiv
Vertiv designs, builds and services critical infrastructure that enables vital applications for data centres, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities. Formerly Emerson Network Power, Vertiv supports today’s growing mobile and cloud computing markets with a portfolio of power, thermal and infrastructure management solutions including the ASCO®, Chloride®, Liebert®, NetSure™ and Trellis™ brands. Sales in fiscal 2016 were $4.4 billion. For more information, visit VertivCo.com.
CONTACT
Jacqueline Hart
Vertiv
T +612 9805 9510
E jacqueline.hart@vertivco.com
Oisin O’Callaghan
Watterson
T +61 2 9929 7533
E oisin.ocallaghan@watterson.com.au