JISC

The project aims to find new solutions to the problems of power consumption and heat control in computer classrooms and server rooms using a systematic approach to innovation called TRIZ. Focusing on one University site, the project will investigate, in depth, the contributing factors to the problem of energy usage associated with educational computing. From this analysis we aim to generate a set of viable solutions appropriate to the site. A second strand will investigate how to improve temperature management in computer rooms including classrooms, with the minimum energy increases. The project seeks to engage the whole site community in contributing to energy reduction.

Aims and Objectives

• Establish finer grain monitoring and base line metrics for power consumption and heat, associated with computer areas and activities
• Use TRIZ with multi-disciplined teams, to produce a deep assessments of the problem areas and factors around energy consumption at site, including pedagogical and administrative practice.
• Use TRIZ to generate a wide range of possible solutions taking into account the resources available at Deane
• Select and test energy solutions, measuring their impact on consumption
• Investigate the potential of Free air systems to reduce the need for cooling in computer rooms

Project methodology

The project has two strands:

1. reducing energy consumption due to computers
2. improving heat control in computer rooms using minimum energy

A number of project task groups will be established to investigate aspects of these problems using Darrell Mann’s Systematic Innovation tool kit to: first develop multiple in-depth perspectives on the problem areas; secondly to use contradiction matrix and evolutionary trend tools to generate solutions. These will be selected for viability, piloted and implemented.

Outputs and Outcomes 

The outputs expected are:

• Portfolio of energy reduction techniques with evaluation reports 
• Evaluation of the viability of alternative cooling systems in this environment 
• Dissemination on the use of TRIZ for this type of innovation 
•  Possible prototype control devices

Outcomes expected are :

• 25% reduction in energy use due to computers at site 
• Improved control over heat issues in classrooms 
• Achieved a better understanding of strategies likely to be effective and transferable

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