Building Efficient Data Centers with the Open Compute Project

[phantom power]

Because we started with a clean slate, we had total control over every part of the system, from the software to the servers to the data center. This meant we could:

* Use a 480-volt electrical distribution system to reduce energy loss.
* Remove anything in our servers that didn’t contribute to efficiency.
* Reuse hot aisle air in winter to both heat the offices and the outside air flowing into the data center.
* Eliminate the need for a central uninterruptible power supply.

The result is that our Prineville data center uses 38 percent less energy to do the same work as Facebook’s existing facilities, while costing 24 percent less.

...

Inspired by the model of open source software, we want to share the innovations in our data center for the entire industry to use and improve upon. Today we’re also announcing the formation of the Open Compute Project, an industry-wide initiative to share specifications and best practices for creating the most energy efficient and economical data centers.

As a first step, we are publishing specifications and mechanical designs for the hardware used in our data center, including motherboards, power supply, server chassis, server rack, and battery cabinets. In addition, we’re sharing our data center electrical and mechanical construction specifications. This technology enabled the Prineville data center to achieve an initial power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratio of 1.07, compared with an average of 1.5 for our existing facilities.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-engineering/building-efficient-data-centers-with-the-open-compute-project/10150144039563920

[Wilms]

1. Damn tree-huggers saving Big Business billions with their hippie ideals. n/t