The challenge of powering energy-intensive AI data centers is a growing concern for companies like Microsoft and Oracle exploring options like nuclear power, but now researchers from Distance University of Madrid (UDIMA) in Spain and Mision Critica-Data Center in Bogotá, Colombia has approached the energy issue differently.
Rather than focusing on powering a data center, they are exploring how these facilities can generate their own electricity by utilizing the airflow produced by cooling fans, effectively converting the waste wind into a source of renewable energy.
HVAC systems common in data centers blow warm air outside, creating a consistent, untapped source of wind that can be converted into electricity. In a case study of a Colombian data center, researchers used Tesup V7 vertical axis wind turbines to capture this man-made waste wind. The turbines, installed on top of chillers, were chosen because they minimized size and weight while maximizing electricity generation.
Applying the method to other industries
The amount of gross electricity produced annually by six wind turbines was 513.82 MWh from artificial airflow, which exceeded the energy consumption of the facility’s fans and produced a surplus of 131.2 MWh. The authors suggest that this recycled energy could be used for other electrical needs within the data center or injected into the electrical grid.
The study, published in the journal Scientific reportsalso highlighted the economic and environmental benefits. Positive cash flow is achieved by the third year, with an impressive internal rate of return of 50.69%. Ecologically, the system reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 300 tons per year.
The authors say this approach not only provides a sustainable energy solution, but also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting clean energy and climate action. The potential to apply this method to other industries with similar air flows could have a significant impact on global energy consumption, they say.
“By implementing proactive policies and encouraging innovation, we can significantly reduce our impact on the environment, save energy and move towards a more sustainable world for future generations,” the report concludes.