Low-Carbon Solutions for Power-Hungry Data Centres
Reduce Vulnerability with a Secure, Independent Power Plant
Data Centres are “mission critical” for the 21st century. There is almost no aspect of life that isn’t touched by the need for data storage. It’s inconceivable that Data Centres could be out of operation for any length of time. Under the constant threat of temporary power outages or longer blackouts, the energization of your data can be protected by Enerflex’s natural gas solutions.
The Evolution of a Rapid Response, Natural Gas Alternative
Traditionally, gas engine technology was considered too slow to cover the emergency power needs of Data Centres, forcing data providers to rely on diesel-fuelled gensets for back-up power requirements. This is no longer the case, with fast start natural gas-fuelled engines being able to start and provide back-up power to Data Centres with diesel genset-like starting and load acceptance capabilities. With this evolution, it is now possible to provide reliable back-up power generation from clean-burning natural gas for “mission critical” services, like Data Centers, without the need to manage the fuel and maintenance intensity of traditional diesel back-up gensets.
Beyond Back-Up Using Natural Gas Power
Data Centres typically need energy for cooling. Enerflex offers innovative trigeneration solutions that convert recovered heat into cooling via absorption chillers. The Enerflex power, heat, and cooling trigeneration solution has evolved to provide reliable, locally-generated power, 24/7 for “mission critical” services. This makes natural gas combined heat and power gensets an ideal power solution for Data Centers.
Natural Gas to Power. Enerflex Delivers.
Enerflex in Action
- North Dakota
Flare Mitigation and Power Generation for Bitcoin Mining / Data Center
Expertise in gas to power generation secured this 1,200 kW genset solution where others failed. Our client has nine separate wells feeding a common flare stack and was looking for mitigation options. After trying several engines that failed, the customer approached Enerflex and we installed a PWC1200S from our existing rental fleet. Producing 1,200 kW and operating at 1,200 RPM, the Waukesha genset produces power at 480 V from gas that was previously being wasted. The electricity is utilized for mobile bitcoin mining and data center operations installed at site. Built for durability, the unit has proven its ability to cope with North Dakota’s extreme weather swings from hot summers to cold winters.
Outcome
Enerflex took the time to develop the right solution, providing proof of concept — and conducted a thorough HAZOP study to ensure all customer specifications were met and concerns were mitigated. When two previous genset suppliers had been unsuccessful working with the variable quality site gas, Enerflex was chosen for this project based on their experience and know-how in power generation solutions, and commitment to quality. The installation was commissioned by our Houston controls team, with service from the local Williston branch.