ASHRAE, the standards body, has opened the comment period on the second draft for data center energy efficiency. When the first draft of 90.4P was issued, it came under criticism from the data center industry for its use of power usage effectiveness (PUE) to set efficiency benchmarks and for its prescriptive nature.

A look inside the cooling plant at a Google data center. Image credit: GoogleThe standard, 90.4P, is meant to be used in combination with data center standard, 90.1. Those reviewing the draft are asked to note that the standard is intended to allow for innovation while saving energy in data centers. Ron Janagin, chairman of the ASHRAE 90.4 Committee, issued a statement indicating that the committee has recommended the requirements for PUE based on an 80/20 rule, where only lower performing systems will be affected.

Highlights of the second draft include:

• Removal of telecommunications facilities from its scope. A previous version would have applied to data centers, telco buildings and the current one covers data centers only.
• A revision of data center, computer room and telecommunications exchange definitions as well as paths to compliance with its PUE requirements.

The application of the standard is for new data centers, expansions of existing data centers and modifications of existing systems. Facilities and systems already in place would not have to comply unless they are being changed.

The review period ends October 19. A separate effort will expand ASHRAE’s envelopes for humidity in data centers to allow for more use of free cooling.

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