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Measured Performance of Energy-Efficient Computer Systems
Abstract
The intent of this study is to explore the potential
performance of both Energy Star computers/printers
and add-on control devices individually, and their
expected savings if collectively applied in a typical
office building in a hot and humid climate.
Recent surveys have shown that the use of personal
computer systems in commercial office buildings is
expanding rapidly. The energy consumption of such
a growing end-use also has a significant impact on
the total building power demand. In warmer
climates, office equipment energy use has important
implications for building cooling loads as well as
those directly associated with computing tasks.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has developed an Energy Star (ES) rating
system intended to endorse more efficient equipment.
To research the comparative performance of
conventional and low-energy computer systems, four
Energy Star computer systems and two computer
systems equipped with energy saving devices were
monitored for power demand. Comparative data on
the test results are summarized. In addition, a brief
analysis uses the DOE-2.1E computer simulation to
examine the impact of the test results and HVAC
interactions if generically applied to computer
systems in a modern office building in Florida's
climate.
Citation
Floyd, D. B.; Parker, D. S. (1996). Measured Performance of Energy-Efficient Computer Systems. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6705.