Testing computer power management software
Posted May 13th, 2009 by BrandonToday, May 13, marks the middle of a two week OSU test to see how much energy – electricity specifically – can be saved by wider implementation of computer power management settings.
While it may seem pretty trivial to look at powering down computers and monitors when not in use, the savings add up. While we are still waiting for numbers to come in from our test, estimates based on others’ implementation of stricter power management settings point to savings of $15-$35 per year per computer. Multiply that by the many thousands of computers at OSU, and the business case starts to look pretty good.
The OSU test, prompted by the Sustainability Office but refined and led by Steve Fowler of OSU’s Technology Support Services group, involves several practices and products. Two of the software solutions include the Verdiem company’s Surveyor product, and EPA’s Energy Star EZ GPO. These will be compared to “default” power management settings that are put on machines as they are built by OSU’s largest computer support entity, Community Network.
Part of the reason for testing include evaluating true costs (which include support staff time) and taking a close look at impact on users. A successful test will minimize or eliminate interruptions to end users.
The test was a long time in coming, but we’re ending up with a very robust analysis thanks to Steve and others, including CN and Facilities Services Specialized Application Support group.
Thanks to these groups for their support in moving OSU toward higher efficiency and lower carbon emissions!
July 31st, 2009 at 9:10 am
Great OSU test, hope this will help our world go green.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
If our federal government could save the same $15-$35 per computer per year, think about how much of an impact that would have on the budget not to mention its reduced carbon footprint.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Were the results of this test released or has there been any follow-up? I remember reading about the “eco-button”, a peripheral device for PCs that enables quick activation of something like “sleep” mode, with substantial energy savings over the long term.
Info on that particular product is here: http://www.eco-button.com/usa
October 5th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Ken, the test results were not distributed widely, and we have been asked to bring this up with OSU administration again in January. If you want more details, I can send them to you or post them here. Thanks for the inquiry.
October 9th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Maybe you should tell California about power testing. They seem to just use power until they brown out. Newer transistors should use less power as well. Upgrade the computers and they will pay for themselves over 10 years.
October 30th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
If we push that it will save people money they will want to do it. Most people don’t care about saving money; these days it’s all about money. So if we can show businesses and ordinary people the substantial savings they could make, we stand a good chance of going green.