Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has made significant strides in sustainability by utilizing waste heat from its data center to warm buildings on its Mile End campus. This innovative initiative is a part of the university’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing its energy efficiency goals.
Transforming Data Center Waste Heat for Campus Heating
QMUL has successfully integrated a multi-stage heat recovery process to convert waste heat from its Tier 2 data center into hot water. The heat is then used to supply the district heating network on campus, providing warmth for the Joseph Priestley Building and other nearby facilities. The system generates water temperatures between 65-75°C (149-167°F), creating an energy-efficient solution that benefits both the campus and the environment.
Collaboration with Industry Experts to Achieve Sustainability Goals
The university partnered with key industry players, including Schneider Electric, PCH Engineers, BTU Installation and Maintenance, and Advanced Power Technology (APT), to implement the system. These organizations worked together to design and install the infrastructure necessary to capture and repurpose the waste heat effectively. Philippa Lloyd, QMUL’s vice-principal for policy and strategic partnerships, emphasized the project as a “major step forward” in the university’s sustainability journey, showcasing its commitment to reducing fossil fuel reliance.
Impact on Carbon Emissions and Fossil Fuel Consumption
The innovative waste heat recovery system has proven to be highly effective in reducing carbon emissions. According to QMUL, the initiative is expected to cut the university’s Scope 1 emissions by 625 tonnes of CO2e annually. When accounting for a slight increase in electricity-related emissions, the net annual reduction of CO2e is estimated to be around 553 tonnes. This progress underscores the university’s role in spearheading the transition to greener, more sustainable operations.
Enhancing Data Center Capacity for Future Research
In addition to its environmental benefits, the refurbishment of the university’s data center has significantly increased its capacity. The data center now houses 39 racks, each supporting an average of 10 kW per rack—an impressive 33% increase in capacity from its previous configuration. This upgrade enables QMUL to better meet the high-performance computing demands of its particle physics research, particularly in its partnership with CERN and the Large Hadron Collider.
Professor Jonathan Hays, head of the Particle Physics Research Centre, highlighted the importance of this enhancement, stating that it allows QMUL to fulfill its obligations as a reliable partner in the worldwide computing grid for the Large Hadron Collider. This upgrade not only supports the university’s research but also positions it as a leader in sustainable computing infrastructure.
Project’s Broader Impact and Industry Leadership
The collaboration between Schneider Electric, BTU, and APT has set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions in higher education. Patrick Hendry, project manager at PCH Engineers, praised the project for demonstrating how universities can balance advanced computing needs with sustainability goals. The system not only fulfills QMUL’s computing requirements but also significantly contributes to its green initiatives, reinforcing the university’s position as an innovation leader.
Future Prospects for Data Center Sustainability
The successful integration of waste heat recovery technology at QMUL sets an example for other institutions and industries looking to reduce their environmental impact. As energy efficiency and sustainability become increasingly important, universities and data centers around the world will likely look to adopt similar solutions to cut emissions and lower operating costs.
FAQ: Key Questions about the Data Center Waste Heat Recovery System
1. How does the waste heat recovery system work at Queen Mary University?
The system captures waste heat from the university’s Tier 2 data center, which is then converted into hot water for heating purposes. This water is used to warm buildings on the Mile End campus, supporting the district heating network.
2. What is the environmental impact of the waste heat recovery project?
The project is expected to reduce QMUL’s Scope 1 emissions by 625 tonnes of CO2e annually, with a net reduction of around 553 tonnes after accounting for minor electricity-related emissions.
3. How has the data center’s capacity improved?
The data center’s upgrade increased its capacity by 33%, accommodating 39 racks with an average of 10 kW per rack, allowing it to support high-performance computing needs for research, including the Large Hadron Collider.
4. Which companies collaborated with QMUL on this project?
The project was a result of collaboration between Schneider Electric, PCH Engineers, BTU Installation and Maintenance, and Advanced Power Technology (APT).
5. How does this project contribute to sustainability in universities?
By repurposing waste heat for energy use, QMUL has reduced its dependence on gas boilers, helping lower fossil fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions, setting a model for sustainable operations in higher education.
